Not many people think of Staten Island when they hear NYC, and the residents of Staten Island prefer it that way. Despite being the third largest borough in land area, it is the least populated. Part of this is due to the fact that around 12,300 acres of it is protected parkland, but the other part is that there’s no easy way to commute there besides via the Verrazano Bridge or the Staten Island Ferry. However, it’s a great place to consider if you’re looking for a quieter, more suburban life while still being within quick commuting distance to NYC.
If you’re considering a move to Staten Island, read the guide below to see if it’s the right option for you.
Cost of Living
NYC is expensive; there’s no getting around that. However, outside of the Bronx, Staten Island is one of the most affordable boroughs. Some neighborhoods are more expensive than others, especially those that are close to the Staten Island Ferry and Staten Island Railway. Unlike other boroughs in NYC, the majority of residents are homeowners. You can, of course, find apartments and, for the most part, you can easily find a one-bedroom apartment for under $2,000.
Staten Island Housing Costs vs. NYC Average
| Housing Type | Staten Island Average | NYC Overall Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,800 – $2,000 | $2,700 – $3,500 | Closer to ferry/railway = higher rent. |
| Median Home Price | $500,000 – $600,000 | $700,000+ | More affordable than Brooklyn/Manhattan. |
When it comes to buying a place, the median home price in NYC is around $700,000, but you can definitely find ones that are under $500,000 if you don’t mind living a bit further away from public transportation options. Of course, that will mean you need a car, which will be another expense. However, it will make it much easier to get around in NYC if you plan on commuting.
Public Transportation
You can’t hop on a subway to get to NYC, but Staten Island does have several methods of public transportation. There is, of course, the free Staten Island Ferry that shuttles over 15 million people a year. It runs 24/7, running every 15 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes during off-peak. You can also hop on the Staten Island Railway, which runs from St. George, where the Staten Island Ferry is, down to Tottenville to the south.
Otherwise, there are a few bus routes that will get you around the rest of Staten Island, with several that take you into different parts of Manhattan. Still, if you want reliable and consistent transportation, your best bet is to get a car.
Safety
Staten Island is considered the safest borough in NYC. Of course, it varies based on the neighborhood, but overall, if you want to live in a safe place, Staten Island is your best bet. Compared to Queens, the second safest borough in NYC, Staten Island’s crime rates are about 38 percent lower than Queens. Why are the crime rates so low here? There are a few reasons:
- Population – there simply aren’t as many people who live on Staten Island, leading to lower crime rates
- Older demographic – unlike other boroughs, Staten Island’s population is on the older side, with the median age around 40. Most people who live here are working professionals and families
- Policing – many police officers who might work in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens live in Staten Island, so in addition to your local NYPD, you will also have off-duty police officers or firefighters in your area.
Crime Rate in the Borough
| Borough | Crime Rate Index (per 100,000 residents) |
Safety Rank in NYC | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staten Island | Lowest | #1 Safest | 38% lower crime than Queens |
| Queens | Moderate | #2 Safest | Large diverse population |
| Manhattan | Higher | #3 | Busy nightlife & tourism areas |
| Brooklyn | Higher | #4 | Densely populated, mixed areas |
| Bronx | Highest | #5 | Historically higher crime rates |
Jobs
While there aren’t as many opportunities on Staten Island as in Manhattan or even Brooklyn, the economy is growing as more investment is being poured into it, especially on the North Shore. Rather than large companies, the majority of Staten Island’s economy is run by small businesses, with around 60 percent having fewer than five employees. Of course, there are large companies with health services and social assistance, being the largest sector for Staten Island’s economy. Outside of that, retail and construction are the next largest employers.
If you’re a white collar worker, then your best bet is to commute to Manhattan or Brooklyn. If you intend on taking the Staten Island Ferry into Manhattan, consider looking for work around Downtown Manhattan or along the 1 line so you don’t have to transfer.
Amenities
Known as the borough of parks, Staten Island is a great place if you love outdoor activities. There are over 170 parks, including the Fresh Kills Park, which will be the second-largest park in NYC after Pelham Bay Park. While the park won’t be fully developed until 2035-2037, you can still enjoy the natural landscape and even go on some birding tours. Besides that, Staten Island is also home to the Staten Island Zoo, Staten Island Botanical Garden, and the NY Chinese Scholar’s Garden, which was developed by a team of 40 Chinese artists. While these attractions might be smaller than, say, the NY Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo, they’re a great way to spend a weekend with family. Staten Island is also home to six beaches, making it a great place for the summer.
Staten Island Food & Dining Options
| Cuisine Type | Restaurant | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Italian | Enoteca Maria, Sapori Ristorante | Authentic Italian cuisine, family-style dining |
| Sri Lankan | Lakruwana | Traditional Sri Lankan flavors |
| Creole | Bayou | New Orleans-style Creole dishes |
Staten Island has plenty to offer besides outdoor activities. Right off the Staten Island ferry, you can go to Empire Outlets mall for all your shopping and dining needs. There are also several cultural institutions, such as The Staten Island Museum, the Newhouse Gallery, and the St. George Theater, which host various music artists. And while there aren’t too many live music venues, you can catch plenty of artists at restaurants, cafes, and theaters on the Island.
When it comes to food options, you won’t have the wide array you might find in Manhattan, but there are plenty of staples to choose from. Staten Island has a large Italian background so you can bet you’ll find some authentic Italian cuisine at Enoteca Maria or Sapori Ristorante. If you’re looking for other options, check out Lakruwana, a Sri Lankan restaurant, or if you’re in the mood for some Creole, check out Bayou.
Moving to Staten Island
Once you’re ready to make your Staten Island move, reach out to NYC Great Movers. We have moved hundreds of people to the Island, and we offer affordable rates with great customer service. Reach out to us, and we’ll walk you through the entire process.
FAQ
How hard is it to commute to Staten Island?
It depends on where you end up working. Ideally, you’ll be able to find a place on Staten Island, but if you commute to Manhattan, try to find a place near the ferry or at least off the same subway lines that go to the ferry to reduce your commute time. You can also choose to drive, but traffic over the Verrazzano can be very slow especially during rush hour.
Do I pay the same taxes if I live in Staten Island as if I lived in Manhattan?
Yes, you will pay the exact same income and sales tax in Staten Island as you would in Manhattan.
