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That depends on what you are looking for. House? Apartment? Living there is basically like living in the suburbs. I have a few friends that lived there and have since moved to NJ if that tells you anything. One lived in Oakwood. Commuted with the express bus to Manhattan. Commutes can be long to Manhattan depending on the location, but there are also a lot of Islanders that live and work on the island which makes a huge difference. Neighborhoods are generally family oriented overall. Most of the good areas are south of the SIE, but there are some nabs on the North Shore that are worthy as well.
Would need more info to give you a full picture. Staten Island isn't a bad commute if you work downtown, to midtown it is a bit of a haul especially from the South Shore. The express bus costs $6.50 each way(you do get a Metrocard discount), but depending on where you live the local bus or the train might be a better option.
As far a life style it is more suburban than the other boroughs but not quite as suburban as NJ. Many people move out of Staten Island to New Jersey because in general you get more space for your money in NJ, at least in central NJ, and the schools are generally better. But the commute is longer from most areas of NJ to NYC (especially downtown NYC) and also more expensive.
I am wondering how is living on SI? Express bus to Manhattan costs more etc?
Living on the Rock is what it is; becoming less "suburban" every year but still more so than Manhattan.
Big question is how often you'll need to get off SI and the method of choice. If you need to commute into Manhattan 5 days a week 2x, it is going to cost you regardless. Cheapest would be a bus or train to Ferry, then take subway, bus or walk when in Manhattan; reverse to get home. Next up the ladder would be express bus service followed by driving.
For all commuting you will be much more subject to weather delays than say living elsewhere with access to subway service. This means adding extra time to get into work and possibly the return trip home.
Traffic on SI is a hot mess and getting worse every year. Only time I drive around the place if can help it is late at night, on holidays, and weekends.
Housing wise it depends upon what you are looking for/particular needs. If you've got kids then access to quality public schools (stop laughing!) would be primary. Sadly there are only a few top rated elementary and middle public schools on SI. High school wise SI Tech is pretty good, but kids need to test in order to get in. Large numbers choose private/Catholic instead but that is going to add to your yearly expense nut.
Housing wise you have to look at the entire area, not just your street. Places like Ward Hill have some really fantastic homes and are often a well kept secret. However the area surrounding such as New Brighton (often just one block away) leaves much to be desired.
There seems to be a lot of construction and development going on in the waterfront areas from St. George to Stapleton
Seems is one thing, but do you live/know the area? Bet you don't and there is a good reason to be suspect about all those high flying plans for Saint George, Tompkinsville, Stapleton and onto Rosebank.
I know the area and have driven along Bay Street from Ferry on past Tappan Park going south, it is a hood pretty much until you get to Rosebank. Some nice places and areas, but pretty much still a hood. Worse the druggies and others who live/hang out in the area are locals who will likely prey upon newly arrived transplants like sheep wondering into a lion's territory.
First shock people get when moving onto the Rock is that for most areas there isn't anything nearby; the nearest deli or any sort of store could be a few to several blocks or even some distance further away. So you'll have to either walk or drive. Supermarket? Forget it in that area. IIRC there was or is a Western Beef on Bay Street, but that is pretty much about it. You'll have to drive.
There are a few nice spots such as restaurants or bars, and the City along with locals/newly arrived transplants are trying to make Saint George, Tompkinsville, and perhaps a bit of Rosebank the next "Williamsburg"; good luck with that.
Seems is one thing, but do you live/know the area? Bet you don't and there is a good reason to be suspect about all those high flying plans for Saint George, Tompkinsville, Stapleton and onto Rosebank.
I know the area and have driven along Bay Street from Ferry on past Tappan Park going south, it is a hood pretty much until you get to Rosebank. Some nice places and areas, but pretty much still a hood. Worse the druggies and others who live/hang out in the area are locals who will likely prey upon newly arrived transplants like sheep wondering into a lion's territory.
First shock people get when moving onto the Rock is that for most areas there isn't anything nearby; the nearest deli or any sort of store could be a few to several blocks or even some distance further away. So you'll have to either walk or drive. Supermarket? Forget it in that area. IIRC there was or is a Western Beef on Bay Street, but that is pretty much about it. You'll have to drive.
There are a few nice spots such as restaurants or bars, and the City along with locals/newly arrived transplants are trying to make Saint George, Tompkinsville, and perhaps a bit of Rosebank the next "Williamsburg"; good luck with that.
There is a Key Food at Bay and Victory but you are right about it being a Hood and Rosebank is changing.
There is a Key Food at Bay and Victory but you are right about it being a Hood and Rosebank is changing.
Really? Never noticed a Key Food, then again don't really hang around the area, only drive through.
Noticed now the City has changed traffic pattern; going east on Victory you now turn one block before Bay Street, what is up with that?
Rosebank is fast becoming a hood. Darn shame. They torn down those two nice old houses at Bay near New Lane, surely going to be townhouses. In fact all along Bay Street and the streets going west or east you see townhouses going up in Rosebank. Tearing down those nice old homes and cramming em in.... The Rock is dyin...
Seems is one thing, but do you live/know the area? Bet you don't and there is a good reason to be suspect about all those high flying plans for Saint George, Tompkinsville, Stapleton and onto Rosebank.
I know the area and have driven along Bay Street from Ferry on past Tappan Park going south, it is a hood pretty much until you get to Rosebank. Some nice places and areas, but pretty much still a hood. Worse the druggies and others who live/hang out in the area are locals who will likely prey upon newly arrived transplants like sheep wondering into a lion's territory.
First shock people get when moving onto the Rock is that for most areas there isn't anything nearby; the nearest deli or any sort of store could be a few to several blocks or even some distance further away. So you'll have to either walk or drive. Supermarket? Forget it in that area. IIRC there was or is a Western Beef on Bay Street, but that is pretty much about it. You'll have to drive.
There are a few nice spots such as restaurants or bars, and the City along with locals/newly arrived transplants are trying to make Saint George, Tompkinsville, and perhaps a bit of Rosebank the next "Williamsburg"; good luck with that.
I'm somewhat familiar with the area, but I don't live there. I'm not saying that those areas of Staten Island are going to be "The next Williamsburg", but with the big wheel coming, and those new luxury apartments and parks along the waterfront areas, it's only a matter of time until more developers catch on, with the amazing views and proximity to Manhattan, given how relatively undeveloped the waterfront areas are.
Now just to be clear, I'm not saying that St. George is going to be like Williamsburg, or that the area has already done a complete 180, all I said was that the far northern waterfront areas are beginning to grow/develop. I didn't say anything about Rosebank, transplants, crime, or walking/driving.
I think Staten Island is probably the last place on most transplants list, even after Jersey. At least for young transplants.
did the Hurricane sandy reach mid SI?
only South and Eastern SI are flooded areaS?
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