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We are a young couple considering moving to the St. George area of Staten Island.
We've been back to the area a few times now and like it a lot, though we have noticed that walking around, there hasn't been very much pedestrian activity (especially at night).
As we are very much used to a 'sidewalk culture,' coming from Brooklyn and Manhattan, we're not sure if that's just part of the 'sleepy small town' vibe we've felt on all of our visits, or whether the lack of activity perhaps has more to do with a concern for safety.
I know safety is a subjective issue; what feels comfortable for one feels forbidding to someone else. Not to mention that NYC is always in flux (the very safe block I live on now was a very different story 15 years ago). That said, I'd like to get a sense of how SI'landers familiar with (or living in) the area feel about this issue. I'm particularly interested in the area around Curtis and McKee HS, from St Marks Ave to Westervelt Ave. The more specific the responses the better, but general impressions are helpful too.
Location: Port Richmond, Staten Island, New York City, New York, 10302
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Very subjective, indeed. Some people (most of who are looney) think the area is Vietnam. Most logically-thinking people know that the area isn't flawless (what area is?) but certainly is quite livable. The biggest issue you'll have is the kids at the two high schools you mentioned and the problems related to that. Naturally there's also street crime but not enough that you should cross it off your list. I don't think so anyway.
I guess we've had the disadvantage of visiting the area in summer, when it's hard to get a sense of what living in that cross-section of schools might be like. But is it really more than just general rowdiness, or whatever, on the way to/from the buses and ferry?
We're also looking at the St Paul's Ave/Ward Hill area, which seems very nice, but there are a number of schools there too (albeit younger kids)...We're hoping it's not too big a deal.
Personally, I won't say anything good about the schools in that whole area. I have a bunch of friends who live a little further in (New Brighton area), and it is beautiful, with really nice, old historic homes. But without knowing the block-to-block specifics of the school zoning, its a risky proposition for someone like me with children. I'm fond of living very far from projects, not just a few blocks away in the "good" area.
The schools mentioned earlier have had shooting incidents and gang fights, sometimes regularly. Not something I recommend living near. At night, the area is fairly dead and there's plenty to do with a few good bars and restaurants. Parking is horrible though almost always. Lots of government buildings in the area that are filled with driving employees. The walk to the ferry is a big plus for anyone who works in the city.
Very subjective, indeed. Some people (most of who are looney) think the area is Vietnam. Most logically-thinking people know that the area isn't flawless (what area is?) but certainly is quite livable. The biggest issue you'll have is the kids at the two high schools you mentioned and the problems related to that. Naturally there's also street crime but not enough that you should cross it off your list. I don't think so anyway.
Agreed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by prospectus
I guess we've had the disadvantage of visiting the area in summer, when it's hard to get a sense of what living in that cross-section of schools might be like. But is it really more than just general rowdiness, or whatever, on the way to/from the buses and ferry?
We're also looking at the St Paul's Ave/Ward Hill area, which seems very nice, but there are a number of schools there too (albeit younger kids)...We're hoping it's not too big a deal.
Yeah, the Ward Hill area is very good. If you don't have kids, the fact that the zoned schools aren't too good won't be an issue. I can't picture any problems from whatever school you may have seen in the area (there aren't any middle or high schools in the neighborhood, and I don't think the elementary school kids will be much of a problem)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Airborneguy
Personally, I won't say anything good about the schools in that whole area. I have a bunch of friends who live a little further in (New Brighton area), and it is beautiful, with really nice, old historic homes. But without knowing the block-to-block specifics of the school zoning, its a risky proposition for someone like me with children. I'm fond of living very far from projects, not just a few blocks away in the "good" area.
The schools mentioned earlier have had shooting incidents and gang fights, sometimes regularly. Not something I recommend living near. At night, the area is fairly dead and there's plenty to do with a few good bars and restaurants. Parking is horrible though almost always. Lots of government buildings in the area that are filled with driving employees. The walk to the ferry is a big plus for anyone who works in the city.
Well, the advantage is that transit is good enough that a car might not even be necessary. If they lived there, they would be near a bus to the ferry terminal, and it connects to buses that travel all around SI. St. George is the hub of the SI transit system, so a car isn't completely necessary.
We do work in the city, which is part of what led us to the area. But we've been told a car is advisable, for goods and services at the very least. No grocery store in the immediate area as far as I can tell...?
the SIR and ferry can take you to shopping. and the SIR is free unless you're getting on or off at St. George or Tompkinsville.
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