Staten Island offers a unique suburban lifestyle while still being part of the bustling metropolis that is New York City. In this blog post, we'll explore why Staten Island is a great place to buy a home.

1. Affordable Housing The cost of living in New York City is notoriously high, but Staten Island is one of the few boroughs where you can still find housing at a reasonable price. Compared to other areas in New York City, the cost of living in Staten Island is lower, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy a home.
2. Proximity to Manhattan While Staten Island may be considered a suburban oasis, it's still close to the heart of the city. The Staten Island Ferry runs regularly and is free, offering a scenic and convenient way to commute to Manhattan. For those who work in the city, this makes Staten Island an excellent place to live as it offers the best of both worlds. Other than the ferry, the MTA express bus system provides mass transit into Manhattan. However, the express buses are mostly commuter service with few weekend and evening trips.  
3. Parks and Recreation Staten Island is home to over 170 parks and recreational areas, making it a haven for nature lovers. From hiking trails to beaches, there's something for everyone. Some of the most popular parks include Clove Lakes Park, Silver Lake Park, and Wolfe's Pond Park. These parks offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and they're perfect for families with children.
4. Great Schools If you're a parent, one of the most important factors when buying a home is the quality of the local schools. Staten Island has some of the best schools in the city, with a mix of public and private options. The Staten Island Technical High School is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country, and there are also several other highly regarded public schools in the area.
5. Vibrant Culture Staten Island is known for its vibrant and diverse culture, with a mix of ethnicities and backgrounds. The borough has a rich history and is home to several museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. The Staten Island Museum is a must-visit, offering exhibitions and programs that explore the natural history, art, and culture of the island.
6. A Strong Community Staten Island is a tight-knit community with a strong sense of pride and identity. It's a place where neighbors know each other, and there's a sense of camaraderie and community spirit. This is reflected in the many community events and festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Staten Island Music Festival and the Richmond County Fair.
7. Waterfront Living Staten Island is surrounded by water, offering residents the opportunity to live near the waterfront. There are several waterfront communities in Staten Island, such as St. George and South Beach. These areas offer stunning views of the water, easy access to the Staten Island Ferry, and a laid-back, beachy vibe.
8. Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods While Staten Island may not have the same reputation as other boroughs like Brooklyn or Queens, it's an up-and-coming area with several emerging neighborhoods. St. George, for example, is undergoing a revitalization, with new restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions popping up all the time. This makes it an exciting time to invest in property in Staten Island, as you can potentially see a significant return on your investment in the coming years.

Staten Island Restaurants

Staten Island, one of the five boroughs of New York City, is a haven for foodies. From Italian cuisine to seafood, the island has an array of restaurants that offer a diverse range of dishes. Here are some of the best restaurants in Staten Island that you must try:

1. The Stone House at Clove Lakes: The Stone House at Clove Lakes is a picturesque restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the Clove Lakes Park. The restaurant has an extensive menu that includes seafood, steak, pasta, and vegetarian options. The Stone House is also a popular venue for weddings and private events.
2. Enoteca Maria: Enoteca Maria is a unique restaurant that showcases the cuisines of grandmothers from all over the world. The restaurant features a rotating cast of grandmothers who cook their signature dishes. Enoteca Maria is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the diversity of Staten Island's food culture.
3. Vinum: Vinum is a wine bar and restaurant that specializes in Italian cuisine. The restaurant has an extensive wine list that features some of the best wines from around the world. Vinum's menu includes classic Italian dishes like spaghetti carbonara and osso buco, as well as some innovative creations.
4. Ho'Brah Tacos: Ho'Brah Tacos is a popular restaurant that serves Mexican cuisine with a Staten Island twist. The restaurant's menu includes tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, as well as some unique dishes like the Staten Island-style pizza taco. Ho'Brah Tacos is a great place to grab a quick and delicious meal.
5. Marina Cafe: Marina Cafe is a waterfront restaurant that offers stunning views of Great Kills Harbor. The restaurant specializes in seafood and has an extensive menu that includes fresh catches like lobster, clams, and oysters. Marina Cafe also offers a variety of pasta dishes, steaks, and salads.
6. Bayou: Bayou is a Cajun and Creole restaurant that serves some of the best Southern food in Staten Island. The restaurant's menu includes classic dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and po' boys. Bayou also offers live music on weekends, making it a great spot for a fun night out.
7. Violette's Cellar: Violette's Cellar is a trendy restaurant that features a rustic decor and an extensive menu of American and Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant's menu includes steaks, seafood, pasta, and salads. Violette's Cellar also has a great selection of cocktails and an impressive wine list.
8. Seppe Pizza Bar: Seppe Pizza Bar is a fresh, modern, and family-friendly take on a neighborhood pizzeria with comfortable, classic touches and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere free of formal frills. With a wonderful location close to the water, you can build your own pizza with locally sourced ingredients. The menu also consists of traditional Italian staples such as Chicken Parm and Shrimp Oreganata. In addition, they offer a full bar with delicious cocktails and wines.

Staten Island is a food lover's paradise, and these are just a few of the many great restaurants that the island has to offer. Whether you're in the mood for Italian, Mexican, or Southern cuisine, there's something for everyone in Staten Island.

Conclusion

Staten Island is a hidden gem within New York City. It offers a unique blend of suburban living and urban convenience, making it an attractive location for those looking to buy a home. From affordable housing to great schools and stunning waterfront views, Staten Island has something for everyone. So, if you're considering buying a home in New York City, Staten Island is definitely worth considering. With its strong sense of community, cultural institutions, and easy access to Manhattan, Staten Island offers a high quality of life at a more affordable price than other boroughs. Furthermore, with its up-and-coming neighborhoods and ongoing revitalization, the potential for future growth and investment is high.

Of course, as with any home purchase, it's important to do your research. You may want to consider a pre-sale property appraisal to ensure you’re asking the right price, and to have the appraisal in your arsenal during purchase negotiations.

Neglia Appraisals is a full service, family-run real estate valuation company, experienced in appraising residential and commercial properties throughout the New York Metropolitan area since 1991. The firm services the New York City Boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens & Staten Island, and draws on a unique and extensive proprietary reference database for these areas. To learn more about Neglia Appraisals and its services, visit https://www.neglia.com or call (718) 331-2122.