Staten Island, NY

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Staten Island is New York City’s southernmost borough, often seen as the city’s green escape. With its low-key pace, suburban charm, and extensive parkland, it offers a very different experience from its more urban neighbors. Known as “The Borough of Parks,” Staten Island is home to quiet residential communities, scenic waterfronts, and the kind of breathing room that feels rare in the city. Yet it still connects easily to the rest of NYC by ferry, bridge, and express bus, offering residents the balance of space and access.

Staten Island’s history begins long before modern city life. The Lenape people lived here long before Dutch explorers named it “Staaten Eylandt” in the 1600s. For centuries, it remained mostly rural, defined by farms, coastal villages, and small communities. It became part of New York City in 1898 during the borough consolidation, but continued to hold on to its own identity. Through much of the 20th century, the island evolved slowly, shaped by a handful of major changes: the introduction of the Staten Island Ferry, the completion of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964, and the eventual closure and transformation of the Fresh Kills Landfill into what will be one of the largest parks in the city.

Even today, Staten Island feels different. While technically part of New York City, it still carries the energy of a small town. People know their neighbors, the streets are lined with single-family homes, and the skyline is mostly trees. For those looking for city access without the city rush, Staten Island quietly delivers.

Downtown Staten Island is centered around the neighborhood of St. George, on the northeastern shore. It’s where you’ll find the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, Borough Hall, and many civic institutions. In recent years, this area has seen a wave of investment and redevelopment, with new residential buildings, open public spaces, and cultural venues breathing fresh life into the waterfront. It’s the borough’s front door and offers postcard views of the Manhattan skyline.

The Staten Island Ferry is one of the city’s most iconic and beloved services. It runs 24/7 and is completely free, carrying passengers between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan. It’s a commuter lifeline and a tourist favorite, thanks to panoramic views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Right next to the terminal is Empire Outlets, New York City’s first and only outlet shopping center, offering discounted designer goods just steps from the dock.

For more retail options, locals head to the Staten Island Mall, the borough’s largest shopping destination, with over 200 stores and restaurants. Spread out across the island, especially along Hylan Boulevard, are countless plazas, boutiques, and family-run businesses that make shopping easy and accessible. Staten Island doesn’t chase retail trends. It focuses on convenience, variety, and local service.

The borough is unmatched in green space. Staten Island is home to the Staten Island Greenbelt, one of the largest natural preserves in NYC, covering over 2,800 acres of forests, wetlands, and hiking trails. It’s a favorite among hikers, bird watchers, and anyone looking to escape the concrete. Nearby, the Staten Island Zoo offers a family-friendly destination with more than 1,500 animals and educational programs. For a mix of art, history, and nature, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is a standout. This 83-acre complex includes museums, performance spaces, and themed gardens that reflect both local and global influences.

Dining on Staten Island is rooted in comfort and community. The borough is famous for its Italian-American culinary heritage. Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria, known for its thin crust and vintage vibes, is a local legend. But the food scene goes beyond pizza and pasta. You’ll find Middle Eastern delis, Chinese takeout, Latin restaurants, and Eastern European bakeries across the island. For a night out, Marina Café offers waterfront dining with views of Great Kills Harbor and is popular for seafood and sunsets. Lorenzo’s, tucked inside the Hilton Garden Inn, blends fine dining with cabaret-style entertainment in a one-of-a-kind setting.

Staten Island’s neighborhoods are spread across three main regions: the North Shore, Mid-Island, and South Shore. Each has its own look and feel. The North Shore, including St. George and Tompkinsville (10301), has historic architecture, cultural venues, and ferry access. Nearby neighborhoods like Stapleton and Clifton (10304) offer older homes, hills, and a growing arts scene. Mid-Island areas like New Dorp and Oakwood (10306) mix suburban homes with busy shopping corridors. Heartland Village and Bulls Head (10314) are known for their proximity to the Staten Island Mall and commuter routes.

On the South Shore, places like Tottenville, Great Kills, and Prince’s Bay offer a coastal, small-town feel. Many of these areas are quiet, residential, and popular with families looking for space, schools, and parks. Westerleigh, further inland, is known for its tree-lined streets and classic Staten Island homes. Altogether, Staten Island’s 20-plus zip codes reflect the borough’s mix of nature, comfort, and character.

Though often overshadowed by its louder neighbors, Staten Island plays an important role in the fabric of New York City. It offers balance — the ability to live in a big city without being swallowed by it. Here, kids ride bikes on quiet streets, ferries glide across the harbor, and parks stretch for miles. Staten Island doesn’t demand attention. It earns it slowly, with a steady rhythm and genuine appeal.

Whether you’re a commuter drawn by the ferry, a family looking for space, or someone seeking natural beauty and quiet within city limits, Staten Island has its place. It’s not the fastest or flashiest borough, but that’s exactly what makes it stand out.