As the most understated of the NYC boroughs, Staten Island often gets overlooked, and many people have the incorrect assumption that there’s nothing to do here. While Staten Island is more suburban compared to parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, it still has plenty to offer residents, from its rich history to green spaces and beaches. Whether you’re looking to relocate to Staten Island or are a long-time resident looking to move within the area, safety is likely high on your must-have list. Luckily, Staten Island overall is the safest borough in NYC, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas with high crime. The list below can help you narrow down your search for your perfect Staten Island apartment.
Tottenville
As the southernmost neighborhood in Staten Island, Tottenville is the place to move to if you want waterfront property, as it is surrounded by water on three sides. This tight-knit community is a great place if you’re looking to escape the buzzy energy of Manhattan and want something a bit more tranquil. It’s also considered the safest neighborhood in Staten Island, with crime rates well below the national and NYC average.
You can also easily commute to the Staten Island Ferry in Tottenville without a car, thanks to the Staten Island Railway. There are also express buses that will take you to New Jersey and Manhattan. While Tottenville is a mainly residential area, there are a few things you can check out, including the South Beach Boardwalk and checking out a few of the amazing Italian restaurants. The majority of residents own their homes, with median prices hovering around $800,000. If you do find an apartment, you should be able to get a one-bedroom for under $1,800.
Bay Terrace
Located on the east shore of Staten Island, Bay Terrace is nestled between Great Kills, Richmond Town, and Oakwood. This small but well-established neighborhood provides residents with a suburban feel and access to views of the Raritan Bay and Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. This family-friendly neighborhood is also very safe, with crime rates well below the national average.
Median Home Prices & Rent Costs
| Neighborhood | Median Home Price ($) | Avg Rent (1BR) | % of Residents Owning Homes | % Renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenville | 800,000 | 1,800 | 78% | 22% |
| Bay Terrace | 700,000 | 2,500 | 75% | 25% |
| Westerleigh | 700,000 | 2,000 | 72% | 28% |
| Arden Heights | 650,000 | 1,800 | 70% | 30% |
| Rossville | 650,000 | 2,000 | 74% | 26% |
When it comes to outdoor activities, you can’t beat Bay Terrace. You have access to Great Kills Park, a 580-acre park known for its four beaches: New Dorp Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, Oakwood Beach, and Fox Beach. It also has plenty of bike paths and walking trails if you’re not much of a swimmer. Getting around is also easy via public transportation, as there’s access to bus routes that connect to the Staten Island Railway. Being so close to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge also means you have easy access to Brooklyn. As with most of Staten Island, residents tend to own homes with home prices around $700,000. You can find apartments to rent, but expect to pay around $2,500 for a one-bedroom.
Westerleigh
Home to Westerleigh Collegiate Institute, the first school on Staten Island to provide a complete K-college education, this Staten Island neighborhood offers more amenities than other neighborhoods. As with other areas on this list, crime rates are well below the national average thanks to the tight-knit community environment. The school system here is also above average, making it a very family-friendly neighborhood.
Commute Times to Manhattan (via Ferry, Car, Train, Bus)
| Neighborhood | Ferry + Train (min) | Express Bus (min) | Car (min) | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenville | 65 | 75 | 55 | Railway + Ferry |
| Bay Terrace | 50 | 65 | 45 | Bus / Ferry |
| Westerleigh | 45 | 60 | 40 | Car |
| Arden Heights | 55 | 70 | 50 | Bus |
| Rossville | 60 | 72 | 52 | Car / Express Bus |
While it might still have a suburban feel, Westerleigh is great if you want to move somewhere that has a few options when it comes to restaurants. Still, that shouldn’t be the main reason you want to move here, as it is still a relatively quiet neighborhood. What it does offer in spades is community engagement from local events to block parties. It’s also just a pretty neighborhood to explore thanks to its tree-lined streets and well-preserved Victorian and Colonial Revival-style homes. Living here isn’t cheap, with houses going for around $700,000 and rents hovering around $2,000, but it’s well worth it if you want a place where you can really get to know your neighbors.
Arden Heights
Bounded by Freshkills Park to the north and Huguenot North to the south, Arden Heights offers a picturesque neighborhood for people who are looking for a bit of peace and quiet in NYC. Named Arden Heights by its developers after the Forest of Arden in “As You Like It,” this neighborhood has become associated with an idyllic setting. And that includes safety. Arden Heights, while it has slightly higher crime than the previous neighborhoods, is still incredibly safe, with crime rates below the national average.
Arden Heights isn’t named after a forest for nothing. It boasts several parks, most notably Arden Heights Woods, which is an 8-acre forested freshwater wetland. If you want more nature, head north to Freshkills Park, the 2,200-acre public park that was built on top of the former landfill on Staten Island. There’s also plenty to do in town, including various community events, a farmer’s market, and several restaurants and cafes to choose from. If you want to live here, expect to pay around $650,000 and $1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Rossville
Located on the South Shore of Staten Island, Rossville is the place for families and young couples. After all, it has some of the top-rated schools in NYC as well as plenty of amenities to choose from without being too crowded. It’s also a historic neighborhood known for its colonial past, giving it a lovely historic charm. More importantly, it is one of the safest places on Staten Island, being beaten out only by Tottenville and Bay Terrace.
Crime/Safety Index by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Crime Index (Lower = Safer) |
Compared to NYC Avg (%) | National Safety Rank (1–100) |
Police Precinct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenville | 15 | 70% lower | 92 | 123rd Precinct |
| Bay Terrace | 18 | 65% lower | 89 | 122nd Precinct |
| Westerleigh | 20 | 60% lower | 87 | 120th Precinct |
| Arden Heights | 25 | 55% lower | 83 | 123rd Precinct |
| Rossville | 19 | 63% lower | 88 | 123rd Precinct |
Walking around Rossville is like walking through a history book. It has some of the oldest structures on Staten Island, including St. Joseph’s Church and Cemetery, which was built in 1851. There’s also the Voorlezer’s House, which was built in the late 1600s and stands as a reminder of the neighborhood’s colonial heritage. Besides this, there are five other landmark properties in this neighborhood, all of which were built before the 1900s. There’s actually quite a bit to do here with plenty of local restaurants, cafes, and other businesses to frequent. Most residents own their own home, with prices hovering around $650,000 and rents around $2,000.
Moving You to Staten Island
If Staten Island seems like the perfect option for you, then reach out to NYC Great Movers. We have helped hundreds of people make the transition, and our professional staff works hard to make the process as easy as possible. Reach out to us and we’ll help you figure out a custom moving plan.
FAQ
Do I need a car on Staten Island?
While some areas have more access to public transportation than others, most Staten Island residents do own a car. Considering much of the island is suburban, it might be a good option if you want to get around easily.
Does Staten Island flood?
In general, locations along the coast tend to flood more than interior areas. With that said, many areas of Staten Island, even further inland, do flood during heavy rainstorms due to being relatively low lying.
