Situated about 25 miles offshore from Lower Manhattan, Staten Island is one of the largest, but calmest and quietest, of the NYC boroughs. With less than half a million residents, this enclave offers more room to breathe than its other four heavily trafficked counterparts, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
But with a variety of Staten Island, NY neighborhoods to suit a wide range of lifestyles, which is the ideal option for you? To eliminate the guesswork, here’s our list of the five best neighborhoods in Staten Island, each with its own distinct character and unique local vibe.
Staten Island Neighborhoods: Quick Facts
- Number of Neighborhoods: 62 across five regions (North Shore, South Shore, West Shore, East Shore, Mid-Island)
- Average Home Value: $709,020 (3.5% increase from 2024)
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,712/month (1-bedroom), $2,326/month (2-bedroom)
- Staten Island fun fact: Great Kills, a neighborhood on the South Shore, ranks among the top 10 hottest U.S. neighborhoods of 2025.
5 Best Neighborhoods in Staten Island
Living in New York City presents an immense array of options; Staten Island is no exception.
Are you in the market for a waterfront locale with easy access to the other boroughs and iconic views of the Manhattan skyline? Or would you rather live in a more inland community known for its preserved historic architecture and peaceful, tree-lined streets? Whichever ambiance speaks to you, there’s no shortage of attractive Staten Island neighborhoods to choose from. On that note, here’s our list of the five best neighborhoods in Staten Island.
1. St. George (North Shore): Best for Urban Attractions and Skyline Views
- Average Home Value: $608,266
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,500
- Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 45-minute drive; 1 hour 10 minutes on public transit
- Neighborhood Perks: Waterfront location, accessible transit, vibrant cultural scene
St. George is Staten Island’s answer to city living without the hectic pace of other boroughs. With easy access to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, St. George offers convenient access to the heart of NYC, making it an obvious choice for young professionals.
As one of the trendier Staten Island neighborhoods, St. George is also home to thrilling cultural attractions—from live performances at The St. George Theatre to professional baseball at the FerryHawks homefield—as well as local hangouts like Flagship Brewing. Plus, its waterfront location sets the scene for stunning views of both the New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline.
2. Great Kills (South Shore): Best for Families
- Average Home Value: $716,327
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,200
- Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 50-minute drive; 1 hour 40 minutes on public transit
- Neighborhood Perks: Close-knit community, excellent schools, parks, and marinas
What is the nicest part of Staten Island? Many locals will confirm that this distinction belongs to Great Kills, where suburban comfort meets coastal beauty and serenity. Case in point: it’s on Redfin’s list of the top 10 hottest U.S. neighborhoods for 2025.
With highly rated public schools, low crime rates, and a spectacular array of nature and water activities, Great Kills is one of the best Staten Island neighborhoods for families. Spend an afternoon exploring Great Kills Park’s 523 acres of lush green space. Or fish, boat, or stroll the pristine beach along Moonbeam Great Kills Marina. You’ll find enchantment for all ages here.
3. New Dorp (East Shore): Best for Modern Amenities and Historic Charm
- Average Home Value: $786,789
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,646
- Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 45-minute drive; 1 hour 35 minutes on public transit
- Neighborhood Perks: Walkable entertainment, proud heritage, excellent schools
Once a Dutch settlement in the 1600s, New Dorp (originally “Nieuwe Dorp,” which means “New Town”), is one of the oldest Staten Island neighborhoods. Centuries later, New Dorp brings an exciting fusion of historic preservation and modern revitalization.
The central hub of this neighborhood, New Dorp Lane, boasts an impressive walk score of 93 with globally inspired eateries, wellness studios, eclectic boutiques, and open-air community events. New Dorp also has some of the highest-quality schools in Staten Island, making it a desirable option for families who want to raise children in a neighborhood rich in history.
4. Tottenville (West Shore): Best Access to Outdoor Recreation
- Average Home Value: $814,378
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,450
- Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 50-minute drive; 1 hour 20 minutes on public transit
- Neighborhood Perks: Victorian architecture, small-town lifestyle, nature activities
What is the richest area of Staten Island? With a high median household income and a luxurious real estate market, featuring spacious Victorian-era homes, Tottenville stands out as one of the most affluent Staten Island neighborhoods.
Tottenville is perched right at the southernmost tip of New York State, where the South and West Shores both converge. Folks who can afford the price tag are drawn here for the cozy small-town feel, homes steeped in authentic 18th-century charm, and an abundance of outdoor recreation.
From the hiking trails, canoe launches, and fishing piers of Conference House Park, to the lush foliage and wetland habitats of North Mount Loretto State Forest, there’s so much to explore in Tottenville.
5. Westerleigh (Mid-Island): Best for Tranquil, Suburban Vibes
- Average Home Value: $738,668
- Average Monthly Rent: $3,500
- Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 40-minute drive; 1 hour 30 minutes on public transit
- Neighborhood Perks: Eclectic foodie scene, community festivals, tree-lined streets
If you love the peace and quiet of bucolic landscapes without sacrificing the convenience and ease of suburban living, Westerleigh checks all the boxes.
Westerleigh’s picturesque, tree-lined streets and local attractions, such as the annual Westerleigh Folk Festival (a local tradition for 18 years), lend a warm community atmosphere.
This neighborhood is also a hotspot for international cuisine, from Mexican fare at Sofia’s Taqueria and Asian fusion at Miyabi, to Palestinian delicacies at Charcoal Gardenia.
Streamline Your Staten Island Move with Easy Storage
Once you choose the best Staten Island neighborhood to suit your priorities and lifestyle, it’s time to start planning the move. Since Staten Island homes might not be as large as what you’re used to, you’ll likely need to get creative with NYC small space hacks, such as utilizing a self-storage facility in Staten Island.
CubeSmart offers climate-controlled storage units* in various sizes and locations across New York City’s boroughs, including storage in Staten Island. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
