What are the best neighborhoods in Staten Island?

It depends on what you want. St. George, Stapleton, and Tompkinsville on the North Shore are best for price and commute. Westerleigh, West Brighton, and Randall Manor offer family character. Great Kills, Eltingville, Annadale, and Tottenville on the South Shore give the most space. Todt Hill is the luxury tier.

Where is the best commute on Staten Island?

The North Shore near the free ferry has the shortest Manhattan commute, and on the South Shore, Great Kills stands out because it has a stop on the Staten Island Railway that feeds the ferry.

What is the most expensive neighborhood in Staten Island?

Todt Hill is the prestige address and the top of the market, with the largest homes and highest prices, generally climbing well into the millions, along with nearby pockets like Emerson Hill.

Which Staten Island neighborhoods are best for families?

Families tend to favor the South Shore, Eltingville, Annadale, and Tottenville, for space and schools, and Mid Island neighborhoods like Westerleigh for established character. Confirm the exact school zone for any address.

Are Staten Island homes near the water in a flood zone?

Many on the East and South Shore are. Those areas sit in FEMA flood zones and were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, so a mortgage there requires flood insurance. Always check the flood map before you buy.

Bridge and Boro · Real Broker

Best Places to Live in Staten Island (Ranked, 2026)

Updated September 2026

Every neighborhood here is a trade between space, price, and commute. Here is the honest ranking, shore by shore, matched to the buyer each one actually fits.

North Shore: price, commute, and investment

St. George is the closest thing to a downtown, walkable, right at the free ferry, with condos generally in the range of 300K to 500K. Stapleton and Tompkinsville sit just below it on price, and Randall Manor and West Brighton give you a more residential, family feel while staying close to the ferry corridor.

Mid Island: established family living

New Springville and Bulls Head are central and convenient with newer housing at more accessible prices. Westerleigh and Castleton Corners are settled, old Staten Island neighborhoods with character that hold value well. It is the practical heart of the island.

Todt Hill: the luxury tier

Todt Hill is the top of the market, with big lots, custom homes, and privacy you cannot find in most of New York City. Prices start where the rest of the island tops out and climb into the millions. It is a lifestyle choice, not a commuter choice.

South Shore: the suburban dream

Great Kills gives you a real town center and a railway stop, the best commute down here. Eltingville, Annadale, and Tottenville give you the most space, the best schools, and the quietest streets, with the tradeoff of the longest trip to Manhattan.

Flood zones near the water

The closer you buy to the water on the East and South Shore, the more flood zones matter, because this side of the island took real damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Check the flood zone and get an insurance quote before you fall in love with a house.

How to rank it for you

First time buyers and commuters lean North Shore. Families wanting character and value lean Mid Island. Families wanting the full suburban dream lean South Shore, with Great Kills for the commute. Luxury is Todt Hill. Investors lean North Shore for the appreciation and rental demand.

Want help picking the right neighborhood for your life and budget?

Tell me your budget and what you are after, and I will give you the honest read on neighborhoods, numbers, and next steps. Call or text 917-905-2541.