Moving to Staten Island in 2026: The Ultimate Guide
Moving to Staten Island in 2026: The Ultimate Guide
Everything you need to know before buying a home on Staten Island. Joseph Ranola covers neighborhoods, schools, commuting, costs, lifestyle, and how to find the perfect home in NYC’s most affordable borough.
More people are moving to Staten Island than at any point in the last decade—and for good reason. While Manhattan and Brooklyn prices continue climbing, Staten Island delivers detached homes with yards, top-rated public schools, and a suburban lifestyle inside New York City limits at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re relocating from another borough, another state, or across the country, this guide covers everything you need to plan your move.
Why People Are Moving to Staten Island
Affordability
Median home price of $620K vs. $850K+ in Brooklyn and $1.1M+ in Manhattan. Your dollar goes 40–60% further here.
Space
Detached homes with yards, driveways, and garages. Two-family homes for rental income. Lots that are 3–5x larger than Brooklyn equivalents.
Schools
District 31 is consistently among NYC’s top-performing school districts. Strong Catholic and private school options too.
Lifestyle
Parks, beaches, marinas, youth sports, and a tight-knit community feel that other boroughs lost decades ago.
Neighborhoods at a Glance
Staten Island has dozens of distinct neighborhoods. Here’s a quick orientation:
North Shore (Urban, Ferry-Accessible)
St. George/Stapleton — Walk to the ferry, restaurants, arts. Most urban feel. $245K–$600K.
West Brighton — Tree-lined streets, Forest Ave shops, community feel. $400K–$660K.
Graniteville — Best value on the North Shore, appreciating fast. $380K–$550K.
Mid-Island (Central, Family-Friendly)
Westerleigh — Victorian charm, walkable, strong appreciation. $500K–$680K.
Sunnyside/Sunset Hill — Hidden gem with views and space. $650K–$1M+.
New Springville — Central, convenient, affordable. $300K–$500K.
Dongan Hills/Emerson Hill — Premium schools and addresses. $700K–$1.1M.
Todt Hill/Grymes Hill — Luxury estates, private schools. $900K–$2M+.
South Shore (Suburban, Established)
Great Kills/Eltingville — South Shore family hub, parks, marina. $550K–$750K.
Annadale/Arden Heights — Top-rated schools, newer construction. $580K–$720K.
New Dorp — Central location, school choice. $550K–$700K.
Oakwood — Quiet, low-maintenance, SIR train access. $450K–$600K.
West Shore (Developing, Value)
Travis — Tight-knit community, ADU potential, growing. $450K–$660K.
Getting Around: Commute Options
Staten Island Ferry: Free, 25-minute ride to Lower Manhattan. One of the best commutes in NYC.
Express Bus: Multiple routes to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. $6.75/ride.
Staten Island Railway (SIR): Connects the North and South Shore. Free transfer to subway at St. George.
Verrazzano Bridge: Connects to Brooklyn. $6.55 E-ZPass toll.
Car Ownership: Most Staten Islanders own cars—free street parking and driveways make this practical, unlike other boroughs.
What to Expect: Lifestyle & Culture
Parks & Nature
Greenbelt (2,800 acres), Great Kills Park, Freshkills Park (opening phases), Clove Lakes Park, Conference House Park. More green space per capita than any other borough.
Dining & Shopping
From Italian restaurants on Forest Avenue to the Staten Island Mall and Hylan Boulevard corridor. Growing craft brewery and coffee shop scene.
Arts & Events
Snug Harbor Cultural Center, St. George Theatre, Staten Island Museum, Richmond County Fair, and a growing arts district in St. George.
Community
Block parties, youth sports leagues, volunteer fire departments, and neighborhood associations. Staten Island feels like a small town inside a big city.
First-Time Buyer? You May Qualify for Grants
NYC offers substantial financial assistance for first-time home buyers. The HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $100,000 as a forgivable loan. SONYMA offers below-market mortgage rates and down payment assistance. Joseph Ranola helps first-time buyers navigate every available program.
Ready to Make the Move? Joseph Ranola Is Your Guide.
Joseph Ranola and the Bridge and Boro Real Estate Team have helped hundreds of families buy homes on Staten Island and in Brooklyn. Whether you’re relocating from across the city or across the country, Joseph provides virtual tours, neighborhood matching, school district guidance, and hands-on support from your first search to your closing day.
Your Staten Island Research Hub