*****Please help finding area's in Staten Island**********

[goodbadboys9]

Thanks DoomDan515 I will start exploring that option too.But do you think it can meet all of my requirements as long as rest of the main requirements are met Asian community is optional.

No I am not much interested in townhouse(I want to have places where I can modify it or extend it if I want to).Regarding Private schools Thanks edubz that's a good idea I will follow that.

[edubz]

You will definitely meet all of your other requirements with $800k to spend in the areas mentioned.

[madbach]

Originally Posted by goodbadboys9

Hi Folks,


Required
1)Good Areas & Safe neighborhood(No crime)
2)Good schools(Elementary/Middle & High Schools)
3)Public transportation to city with minimum walking distance
4)2 Family homes(I want to rent portion of the house)
5)NO Flood Zone's

Preferred(Not required)
some Asian Community(Specifically Indian)

1) Most areas in SI are safe, anyplace where you would find an $800k house is pretty safe.

2) Schools are generally better on the South Shore of SI, however that also entails a longer commute. If you are willing to go private then it doesn't matter, or some North Shore areas have pretty good schools (high school excepted)

3) Midtown from SI is a pain- don't see you getting there in less than an 1 and 20 minutes. Downtown isn't bad from the North Shore or if you are near the train line anywhere from Great Kills onward.

4) Plenty of 2 family homes on Staten Island.

5) To avoid floods make sure you don't buy anything below Hylan Blvd, no matter how good a deal it seems.

No real Asian community that I know of, but more Asian and Indian families have been moving into SI since it is family oriented and the only affordable option in NYC within decent commuting distance. I notice a fair Indian presence in the mid Island area (around the Mall) but the commute from there is lousy.

New Jersey would be a better commute to midtown, but not by much. And the downtown commute is hell. Not to mention the ridiculous property taxes, which are the highest in the country. The schools in general are better though you still have to check it out since some townships aren't that great despite the high taxes.

[goodbadboys9]

Thanks madbach for your response.

I initially started looking in NJ but the problem is Property tax,commute & monthly commute expenses

That is the reason which made me to explore Staten Island.

[madbach]

I hear you goodbadboys, our family went through the same search a few years back and ended up in the North Shore of SI. It isn't perfect, but it is was the best option for us.

[BugsyPal]

Originally Posted by goodbadboys9

Thanks madbach for your response.

I initially started looking in NJ but the problem is Property tax,commute & monthly commute expenses

That is the reason which made me to explore Staten Island.

On balance property taxes in New York will be cheaper, but then again you get what you pay for.....


Local zoned public primary and middle schools on Staten Island vary from horrible to good (see: Staten Island Schools, 1-25 - Staten Island, NY | GreatSchools)


Highly rated public schools will add a premium to housing costs as quite frankly that is one of the top five reasons families choose a house on the Rock. Extras for the kids will cost you *and* likely to be scattered all over the Island. So you or someone will be dealing with SI traffic as you get your kid or kids to various activities.


You have to look at the overall tax/fee picture, not just property taxes.


Property taxes in NYC have been going up for years and under de Boob that has continued (see:
Property tax increase? Check your mailbox soon | SILive.com)


On top of that you have ever increasing water bills, utility rates, and other costs.

[madbach]

Bugsy everything you said was true, but it is also true for pretty much anywhere you go. Check out the property taxes in the top school districts in New Jersey or Westchester for example. Your travel costs will be much higher and your utility costs just as high. I have friends who live in Holmdel and Scarsdale two of the wealthiest towns in the NY Metro area and they spend their lives commuting or driving in their cars.

Granted the towns are incredibly gorgeous- but like you said you pay for it.