Is the Staten Island Ferry free?

Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free and runs out of St. George to Lower Manhattan in about 25 minutes. It is one of the biggest reasons people choose St. George, though a Midtown commute requires a subway transfer on the Manhattan side.

Is St. George an affordable place to buy in NYC?

Yes. St. George is one of the most affordable ways to own in all of New York City. Condos and co ops exist at prices that do not in most of Brooklyn, and houses, including 2 family homes, generally start well below the pricier south shore of Staten Island.

Is St. George Staten Island a safe neighborhood?

St. George is transitional and varies a lot block to block. Some streets are beautiful and clearly on the way up with real waterfront investment, while others are still rough. The specific block matters more here than almost anywhere, so it helps to have someone who knows the area.

What is there to do in St. George?

St. George has a revitalized waterfront with a minor league ballpark on the harbor, Empire Outlets, restaurants, walkable blocks, the historic Victorian district up the hill, and the ferry terminal, plus it is the civic heart of Staten Island.

Bridge and Boro · Real Broker

Living in St. George, Staten Island: What Is It Really Like in 2026?

Updated October 2026

The closest, most connected, most urban, and most affordable corner of Staten Island, the ferry town where for the price of a cramped apartment across the water you can own a real home, sometimes with a skyline view.

The free ferry, and the honest catch

The Staten Island Ferry runs right out of St. George and it is completely free, dropping you in Lower Manhattan in about 25 minutes past the Statue of Liberty. The honest part: it gets you downtown, so Midtown means a subway transfer, and it runs on a schedule. But a free, scenic 25 minute ride beats a crowded subway for a lot of people.

What it costs: one of the cheapest ways to own in NYC

Your dollar goes dramatically further here than across the water. Condos and co ops exist at price points that simply do not in most of Brooklyn, some with harbor and skyline views. Houses, including historic Victorians and plenty of 2 family homes where a tenant helps pay your mortgage, generally start well below the pricier south shore. For a first time buyer, St. George is often the most realistic entry point in the whole city.

Real character and a waterfront on the rise

Up the hill is the St. George Historic District, full of beautiful old Victorians. Down by the water, real investment, the minor league ballpark on the harbor, Empire Outlets, restaurants, and walkable blocks. It is the civic heart of the island and the one part that actually feels like a little city.

The honest cons

St. George is transitional, and that means different things block to block. Some streets are beautiful and clearly on the way up, others are still rough. The block matters more here than almost anywhere, which is good news if someone honest walks them with you. Buying smart now, in the right spot, can pay off as the area keeps coming up, but it is a bet on direction.

Who it fits, and who should look south

It fits the first time buyer or young couple who wants to own a real piece of New York City without the Brooklyn price tag, and who works downtown or is happy with the ferry plus a transfer. If you want the big house, the yard, and the quiet family cul de sac, that is the south shore, places like Tottenville and Great Kills.

Want the honest St. George read?

Tell me your budget and I will walk you through the right blocks, the real numbers, and whether St. George or the south shore fits your life. Call or text 917-905-2541.