West Brighton is ranked as one of the safest neighborhoods in Staten Island.  Older built homes fill this community, but newer, modern ones are available as well.  Its population of 13,491 gives life to the urban suburban mixed feel of the area.  Unlike other NYC borough neighborhoods, West Brighton residents choose to own their homes by a ratio of 65%.  Median home value is listed as $495,987, with a median rent of $1,330.  The average household income comes in at $80,743.

Huguenot, also known as “Woodrow”, is near the south shore.  This area gives ranchers a chance to own a bigger piece of land.  Housing options range from townhomes to million dollar estates.  Most of the 9,967 residents that live here, choose to own their home.  Median home values are listed at $587,801 and rent for a monthly fee of $1,289.  The average household income in Huguenot is $99,919.

New Springville, located right in the middle of Staten Island, is close to CUNY College, La Tourette City Park, and a local mall.  Enjoy the fine dining and shopping as well as the nature trails and parks. Sandwiched by Freshkills Park and La Tourette Park, the New Springville community is 20,681 people strong.  Seventy-six percent of the population tend to own their home.  Median home value is $457,218; median rent is $1,608; median household income is $84,520.

Other communities on the list of best places to live in Staten Island include Todt Hill, with its beautiful gated homes, landscaped yard, and inviting swimming pools.  It also is the highest peak along the eastern seaboard.  New Dorp continues to give Staten Island character as this neighborhood has several colonial homes that take you back in time with their antique design.  Oakwood, Arden Heights, High Rock, Charleston, Great Kills, and Pleasant Plains all offer great amenities and features to the Staten Island name.

Among the famous buildings and landmarks on Staten Island, is the city’s only living historic village. Sandy Ground, the continuously oldest black settlement in the United States, is found right here in this amazing community!  Every square mile of this borough is filled with history and interest.  Take in the breathtaking Manhattan skyline or visit the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.  Top Staten Island Museums include Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, the National Lighthouse Museum,Sandy Ground Historical Museum, Museum of Maritime Navigation & Communication, Staten Island Museum, and The Noble Maritime Collection.  Majestic estates to visit include the Alice Austen House, the Seguine-Burke Mansion, and the Conference House.  Theaters and churches are among the most beautiful architecture and design in the area.  Be sure to stop by Reformed Church, St. George’s Theatre, and the Staten Island Borough Hall.

Families and younger children will enjoy the Staten Island Zoo, Clove Lakes Park, The Carousel for All Children, and the WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink. Take a free ride on the ferry and get a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty.  Venture over to Fort Wadsworth, one of the oldest military sites in the U.S.  View the Manhattan skyline from the observatory deck.  Enjoy some amazing pizza at Tony’s Brick Oven Pizza, or a quick lunch at Montalbano’s.

Staten Island is really more than meets the eye.  Along with its miles of beaches and shore lines, it has 170 parks.  Take in some breathtaking sights along the New York Harbor or Raritan Bay.

You cannot leave the island without seeing the emotionally moving September 11 Memorial.  This is tourist spot number one.  It will inspire you.  It will encourage you.  It will remind you that our country, our America is one to be cherished, loved, and fought for.  The unique structure includes names, birthdays, occupations, and silhouettes of every victim.

Staten Island is safer than 49% of United States cities.  It has an annual crime total of 6,139.  Property crimes cover 4,702 of that total, while violent crimes make up the other 1,437 crimes.  Some of the safest neighborhoods are Huguenot, Princes Bay, Duer Ave/Mcclean Ave, Giffords Ln/Michael Ct, and Arden Ave/Carlton Blvd.