Staten Island Neighborhood Guide 2026: Best Areas to Buy a Home
What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Buy a Home on Staten Island in 2026?
Staten Island is the most affordable borough in New York City for single-family home buyers. With a median home price of approximately $740,000 — compared to nearly $1 million in Brooklyn and over $1.2 million in Manhattan — Staten Island offers more space, strong schools, and a suburban lifestyle with a New York City address.
This guide breaks down the top neighborhoods for families, first-time buyers, and investors considering Staten Island real estate in 2026.
How Does Staten Island Compare to Other NYC Boroughs?
| Borough | Median Home Price (2026) | Price Per Sq Ft | Typical Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | $1,200,000+ | $1,500+ | Studio/1BR apartment |
| Brooklyn | ~$1,000,000 | ~$1,000 | 1BR co-op or condo |
| Queens | ~$740,000 | ~$875 | Condo or small house |
| Staten Island | ~$740,000 | ~$450 | 3BR single-family home with yard |
At a similar price point to Queens, Staten Island offers significantly more square footage per dollar — typically a full single-family home with a yard, driveway, and garage versus a condo or small apartment.
What Are the Top 5 Staten Island Neighborhoods for Families?
1. Great Kills — Mid-Island (Median: $700,000–$780,000)
Great Kills is one of Staten Island’s most popular family neighborhoods. It offers strong public schools, easy access to the Staten Island Expressway, and proximity to Great Kills Park with beach access. The housing stock includes Cape Cods, ranches, and split-level homes. This is the sweet spot for families who want suburban comfort near shopping and transit.
2. Tottenville — South Shore (Median: $650,000–$750,000)
Tottenville is the southernmost neighborhood in New York State. It features larger lots, newer construction, and waterfront access along Raritan Bay. Conference House Park is a major draw. The trade-off is a longer commute to Manhattan, but the lifestyle — quiet streets, water views, and more land — is unmatched on the island.
3. Annadale — Mid-Island (Median: $680,000–$740,000)
Annadale is a quiet, residential neighborhood with a strong community feel. It has excellent elementary schools, tree-lined streets, and easy access to shopping along Hylan Boulevard. Families who buy in Annadale tend to stay for decades. It is one of the most stable real estate markets on Staten Island.
4. Eltingville — Mid-Island (Median: $650,000–$720,000)
Eltingville is similar to Great Kills but slightly more affordable, making it popular with first-time buyers. It offers good school options, access to the Staten Island Railway and express bus lines, and a walkable commercial strip along Hylan Boulevard. For buyers stretching into homeownership, Eltingville represents strong value.
5. Huguenot — South Shore (Median: $660,000–$740,000)
Huguenot offers spacious, wooded lots and a peaceful residential feel. It sits on the south shore near Prince’s Bay, which provides waterfront dining options. Homes here tend to have larger yards and more privacy than mid-island neighborhoods. It is ideal for buyers who prioritize space and quiet over proximity to transit.
How Are Staten Island Schools?
Staten Island’s school district — District 31 — performs above the New York City average in both math and reading proficiency. Staten Island Technical High School is ranked among the top 10 high schools in the entire state. Unlike many other NYC boroughs, access to quality public schools on Staten Island is relatively consistent across neighborhoods — you don’t need to win a lottery to get into a solid school.
What Is the Commute from Staten Island to Manhattan?
- Staten Island Ferry: Free. 25 minutes from St. George to Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan.
- Express bus: 45–75 minutes to midtown Manhattan depending on traffic and pickup location. Covered by MetroCard.
- Driving to Brooklyn: 20–40 minutes via Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (toll ~$7 each way with E-ZPass, resident discount available).
With remote and hybrid work now standard for many professionals, the commute trade-off has become more favorable. Saving $200,000–$300,000 on your home while commuting 2–3 days per week is an increasingly common calculation for Staten Island buyers.
Who Is Moving to Staten Island?
Staten Island has seen a significant net inflow of residents from other NYC boroughs, particularly Brooklyn. The typical new Staten Island buyer is a millennial or young Gen X couple with a combined household income of $120,000–$200,000 who has been priced out of Brooklyn or Queens. On Staten Island, that income and savings gets them a three-bedroom house with a yard — something that would cost $300,000+ more in Brooklyn.
Is Staten Island a Good Investment in 2026?
Yes, for several reasons. Prices are rising at a moderate pace driven by the affordability gap with Brooklyn. The North Shore is seeing significant revitalization around St. George and Bay Street. And ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) legislation under City of Yes has boosted the investment potential for single-family homes with conversion opportunities — potentially adding $100,000+ in property value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Staten Island a good place to live in 2026?
Yes. Staten Island offers the most affordable single-family homes in New York City, above-average public schools, extensive green space, and improving transit connections. It is especially well-suited for families and first-time buyers who want more space than other boroughs can provide at the same price point.
What is the average home price on Staten Island?
The median home price on Staten Island is approximately $740,000 as of 2026. Prices range from about $650,000 in neighborhoods like Eltingville and Tottenville to $780,000+ in Great Kills and parts of the North Shore.
Is the Staten Island Ferry still free?
Yes. The Staten Island Ferry remains free for all passengers and runs 24/7. The ride takes approximately 25 minutes between St. George Terminal on Staten Island and Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan.
How do Staten Island property taxes compare to other boroughs?
Staten Island property taxes are higher than Brooklyn and Manhattan for comparable properties — typically $5,000–$8,000 per year for a single-family home (median ~$5,900). However, when total monthly housing costs are calculated (mortgage + taxes + insurance), Staten Island homeowners often pay comparable or less than Brooklyn co-op/condo owners because purchase prices are significantly lower.
Ready to Explore Staten Island?
I work with buyers across Staten Island and Brooklyn every day. If you want to know what your budget can get you on the island, I offer free buyer consultations — no pressure, just honest advice.
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Joseph Ranola | Bridge and Boro Team at Real Broker
Instagram: @ranolarealestate
Website: ranolarealestate.com