BOROUGH GUIDE

Living in Staten Island

A more spacious, coastal side of city life.

Reviewed September 26, 2026 · Local decisions require property-specific research

Staten Island offers lower-density housing and a distinct pace, with transportation choices centered on the ferry, buses, roads, and limited rail service.

Housing in Staten Island

Detached and semi-detached homes are more common, alongside townhouses, condos, and rentals near transportation and commercial corridors. Property-level flood and insurance review is especially important in coastal areas.

Getting around

The ferry anchors many Manhattan trips; buses, the Staten Island Railway, and driving complete the route. Measure the entire door-to-door trip, including transfer and waiting time.

Start with these neighborhoods

St. GeorgeTompkinsvilleNew DorpGreat KillsTottenville

These are starting points, not rankings. Compare individual blocks, buildings, costs, and trips against your own requirements.

Tradeoffs to test

  • Space and privacy versus longer regional travel
  • Driving convenience versus vehicle cost
  • Coastal setting versus property-specific flood exposure

What to compare

  • Model ferry or driving time door to door.
  • Detached and semi-detached homes are more common.
  • Flood zones and insurance deserve property-specific review.

Compare nearby options

How to explore Staten Island

Shortlist a few areas from real commute and housing requirements, then visit them at different times. Verify property-specific costs, rules, flood risk, transportation, and school information through authoritative sources.