Living in Staten Island, NY is a genuinely different experience from any other part of New York City. While it shares the same five-borough address as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, Staten Island has carved out an identity that feels distinctly its own — quieter streets, more green space, a strong sense of neighborhood pride, and a pace of life that many New Yorkers actively seek out after years in denser parts of the city. For anyone considering a move to the borough, understanding what makes it tick is the first step toward deciding whether it is the right fit.
Often called "the forgotten borough," Staten Island wears that nickname as a badge of honor rather than a slight. Its residents tend to develop deep roots here, and the borough consistently ranks among the safest and most family-friendly in New York City. With roughly 500,000 residents spread across 58 square miles — far more land per person than any other borough — Staten Island offers a breathing room that is genuinely rare within city limits.
The borough also surprises newcomers with its natural beauty. The Staten Island Greenbelt, a protected 3,000-acre expanse of forest and wetlands running through the center of the island, is larger than Central Park. Combine that with miles of waterfront along the Kill Van Kull and the Arthur Kill, plus the iconic Staten Island Ferry connecting residents to Lower Manhattan at no cost, and you have a borough that defies the typical New York City stereotype at nearly every turn.
Staten Island is made up of dozens of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price point. Whether you are looking for walkable urban energy, quiet suburban streets, or something in between, the borough has options worth exploring carefully before you commit.
St. George is the cultural and civic center of Staten Island, located at the northeastern tip of the island closest to the Staten Island Ferry terminal. In recent years, it has attracted artists, young professionals, and longtime residents alike thanks to a growing arts scene anchored by the Staten Island Museum, the St. George Theatre, and a handful of independent restaurants and coffee shops. Housing here tends to be a mix of Victorian-era rowhouses and multi-family buildings, offering some of the more affordable entry points on the island. The direct ferry connection to Whitehall Street in Lower Manhattan makes St. George particularly appealing to Manhattan commuters who want more space for their dollar.
Sitting at the southernmost tip of New York City, Tottenville is about as far from Midtown Manhattan as you can get while still technically living within the five boroughs. That distance comes with rewards: spacious single-family homes, tree-lined streets, a slower pace of life, and a genuine small-town feel that is almost impossible to find elsewhere in NYC. It is a popular destination for families who prioritize space, quiet, and strong community ties over a short commute. The tradeoff is real — getting to Manhattan involves a combination of the Staten Island Railway and the ferry, which can add up to an hour or more each way.
New Dorp is one of Staten Island's most established and well-rounded neighborhoods, offering a solid mix of residential blocks, a bustling commercial strip along New Dorp Lane, and easy access to the Staten Island Expressway. Nearby Midland Beach sits along the eastern shoreline and gives residents direct access to the beach and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk. These neighborhoods tend to attract families and longtime Staten Islanders who want a comfortable, central location with easy access to both the island's amenities and its waterfront.
Located on the North Shore just south of St. George, Stapleton and Tompkinsville are two neighborhoods undergoing steady revitalization. Historic architecture, proximity to the ferry, and comparatively lower rents have made them attractive to first-time renters and buyers willing to invest in neighborhoods on an upward trajectory. Community-driven initiatives and local development projects continue to bring new restaurants, small businesses, and cultural programming to these areas.
One of the most frequently asked questions from people considering a move to Staten Island is: how does the cost of living compare to the rest of New York City? The honest answer is that Staten Island is generally more affordable than Manhattan, much of Brooklyn, and Long Island City in Queens — particularly when it comes to housing. However, it is not a bargain destination in absolute terms, and costs have risen meaningfully in recent years.
Median home prices on the island tend to run significantly lower than in comparable parts of Brooklyn or Manhattan, making homeownership a realistic goal for many middle-income New Yorkers. Rental prices also tend to be more moderate, particularly in neighborhoods away from the North Shore waterfront. Groceries, dining, and everyday expenses are broadly in line with the rest of the city, though having a car — which many Staten Island residents choose to own — adds transportation costs that subway-dependent New Yorkers do not face.
For families relocating from outside New York City, it is worth noting that while Staten Island is more affordable within the NYC context, it remains a high cost-of-living area by national standards. Budget carefully and factor in commuting costs, property taxes, and utilities when planning your move.
Transportation is one of the most important practical considerations for anyone moving to Staten Island. The borough is the only one in New York City not directly connected to the subway system, which means residents rely on a combination of the Staten Island Ferry, the Staten Island Railway (SIR), MTA bus routes, and — for many — personal vehicles.
The Staten Island Ferry is the borough's most iconic connection to the rest of the city. Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and completely free of charge, it carries passengers between the St. George Ferry Terminal and Whitehall Street in Lower Manhattan in roughly 25 minutes. For commuters whose jobs are in Lower Manhattan or reachable via the subway from Whitehall Street, the ferry is a comfortable and even scenic daily commute.
The Staten Island Railway runs the length of the island from St. George to Tottenville, making 22 stops along the way. It connects to the ferry at St. George and is included in the standard MTA fare. Bus service fills in the gaps across the island, though service frequency and reliability vary by route and neighborhood. Many residents also choose to own a car for the flexibility it provides, particularly for trips within the island or to New Jersey via the Goethals Bridge or Bayonne Bridge.
Families moving to Staten Island will find a range of public school options through the New York City Department of Education, as well as a substantial number of private and parochial schools that have long been part of the borough's educational fabric. Staten Island consistently produces competitive public school programs, and several high schools have strong academic reputations within the city system.
The borough's park system is one of its most underappreciated assets. Beyond the Greenbelt, Staten Island is home to Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, a stunning 83-acre park and arts complex on the North Shore that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and community events year-round. Conference House Park at the island's southern tip offers hiking trails, waterfront access, and a historic manor house dating to the colonial era.
Quality of life on Staten Island is broadly considered high relative to other parts of New York City. Crime rates are generally lower, streets are less congested, and residents frequently cite the sense of community and belonging as a defining reason they chose — and stayed in — the borough. For families, retirees, and anyone who values space and stability, Staten Island consistently delivers.
Whether you are relocating from another borough, another state, or another country, moving to Staten Island involves the same careful planning as any New York City move — with a few borough-specific considerations worth keeping in mind. Access can be more complex than in areas served directly by the subway, so coordinating a moving truck and crew that understands local streets and ferry logistics matters. Parking, building access, and elevator availability all vary significantly by neighborhood.
Working with a moving company that has direct experience navigating New York City's five boroughs can make a significant difference in how smoothly your move goes. From packing fragile items correctly to managing the logistics of a large furniture delivery in a tight residential block, local expertise pays off. If you are still in the planning stages, exploring your full range of moving options early gives you more flexibility and often better pricing.
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