North Shore or South Shore? Compare two of Staten Island’s most popular areas before buying your next home.
If you’re thinking of relocating to Staten Island, you’ve made the right choice.
Located in the southwestern corner of New York City, between New Jersey and Brooklyn, Staten Island is the city’s most suburban borough, offering two uniquely charming experiences.
The North Shore boasts historic charm, waterfront neighborhoods, and easy access to Manhattan, while the South Shore features spacious homes, tranquil streets, and a traditional suburban feel.
The North Shore and South Shore are not neighborhoods but two broad regions of the borough, each encompassing multiple communities with distinct personalities. Making the right choice depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term plans.
Whether you’re moving from Brooklyn, leaving a Manhattan apartment behind, or simply seeking a new area within the borough, understanding the differences between these neighborhoods can make your search much easier.
At Homes R Us Realty, we’ve been helping buyers explore Staten Island neighborhoods since 2000.
Table of Contents:
Here’s everything you should know before deciding which shore feels most like home.
WHAT ARE THE PERKS OF LIVING ON THE NORTH SHORE OF STATEN ISLAND?
North Shore neighborhoods like Grymes Hill offer this stunning daily backdrop, blending quiet, tree-lined residential streets with a fast, commuter-friendly connection to the city. |
North Shore offers a mix of housing styles
Neighborhoods such as St. George, Stapleton, Tompkinsville, New Brighton and Port Richmond offer a charming mix of historic architecture, waterfront views, and walkable commercial districts. Many homes feature beautiful Victorian, Colonial, or early 20th-century designs, while new condo developments provide modern options to suit various tastes.
North Shore provides easy access to Manhattan
One of the North Shore’s biggest advantages is the commute from Staten Island to Manhattan. Residents enjoy easy access to the Staten Island Ferry, which offers free service to Lower Manhattan, the Staten Island Railway, numerous MTA bus routes, and major bridges connecting Brooklyn and New Jersey. For many commuters, this is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the island.
North Shore is vibrant and welcoming
Living on the North Shore also means being close to some of Staten Island’s most beloved attractions. Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, the Staten Island Children’s Museum, the St. George Theatre, and the Alice Austen House Museum all add vibrant cultural flavor to the neighborhood. Waterfront parks, diverse restaurants, and community events keep the area lively and welcoming year-round.
North Shore has diverse and more affordable housing options
Housing options here are as diverse as the community itself. You’ll find everything from historic single-family homes and charming brick rowhouses to multi-family properties and contemporary condominiums. Compared to other parts of the borough, the North Shore offers more affordable homeownership options, making it especially appealing to first-time buyers and investors. If convenience, history, and seamless transit connections are important to you, the North Shore ticks many of the right boxes.
WHAT ARE THE PERKS OF LIVING ON THE SOUTH SHORE OF STATEN ISLAND?
Those seeking large homes, private yards, and quiet neighborhoods will find a charming and relaxed lifestyle on the South Shore of Staten Island.
Enjoy large interior spaces and a private backyard when you choose to live on the South Shore of Staten Island.
South Shore neighborhoods are less crowded
Several communities are distinguished for their residential charm, including Tottenville, Great Kills, Annadale, Huguenot, Eltingville, Charleston, and Pleasant Plains. The streets are usually less crowded, the homes are on larger lots, and some neighborhoods foster a close-knit, community vibe, perfect for growing families.
South Shore offers many more home features
Housing options mirror this peaceful, suburban feel. Detached houses are common, along with semi-attached homes, townhomes, and newer residential developments. Features such as garages, private driveways, finished basements, and spacious backyards are more easily accessible here than in many other parts of New York City.
South Shore provides plenty of outdoor space
Outdoor activities, parks, schools, and shopping centers make up the South Shore’s daily life. Go to Great Kills Park, Wolfe’s Pond Park, Mount Loretto Unique Area, and Conference House Park for gorgeous beaches, trails, waterfront views, and plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors.
South Shore is a welcome escape from the city’s pace
South Shore offers a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle while keeping Manhattan within reach. Residents can commute via the Staten Island Railway, the Staten Island Ferry, express buses, or major bridges, with travel times typically around an hour. For those who work remotely or only travel into the city occasionally, the additional commute is often a worthwhile tradeoff for the extra space, peaceful neighborhoods, and suburban atmosphere.
WHICH SHORE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The choice of living on the North Shore or the South Shore of Staten Island depends on what matters most to your household.
This regional map of Staten Island compares the vibrant, commuter-friendly North Shore, central Mid-Island, and spacious, suburban South Shore to help you find your perfect place to live.
| North Shore | South Shore | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Urban-suburban, historic, energetic | Quiet, suburban, residential |
| Property types | Historic homes, condos, multi-family properties | Detached homes, newer construction, larger lots |
| Median listing price | $643,000 | $740,000 |
| Commute to Manhattan | Faster via Ferry and nearby transit | Longer commute via SIR, Ferry, express bus, or private car |
| Car necessity | Optional in several neighborhoods | Helpful for most daily travel |
| Outdoor space and parking | Smaller lots, walkable neighborhoods. Limited off-street parking is common. | Larger yards, private driveways, garages, and more outdoor living space |
You may prefer the North Shore of Staten Island if you:
- Commute to Manhattan several days each week
- Want a walkable neighborhood close to restaurants and cultural attractions
- Appreciate historic architecture and a wide variety of housing styles
- Are buying your first home or considering an investment property
The South Shore of Staten Island may be a better fit if you:
- Want more interior space and a private backyard
- Are raising a family or planning to stay in your next home for many years
- Prefer quiet residential streets
- Don’t mind a longer commute in exchange for a more suburban lifestyle
There is no objectively better choice. This is why many buyers do their research before deciding on an area.
FAQs
What neighborhoods should I explore on each of Staten Island’s shores?
Deciding between the North Shore and the South Shore of Staten Island comes down to a clear choice between urban energy and traditional suburban tranquility. For the North Shore, consider St. George, Stapleton, Tompkinsville, New Brighton, West Brighton, and Port Richmond. On the South Shore, you’ll find welcoming communities such as Tottenville, Great Kills, Annadale, Eltingville, Huguenot, Charleston, and Pleasant Plains. Each neighborhood has its own unique character, housing styles, and amenities, so visiting several will help you narrow down your choices.
Are property tax rates different depending on which Staten Island Shore I choose?
No. Property tax rates are not determined by whether a home is on Staten Island’s North Shore or South Shore. Instead, your property taxes are primarily based on the home’s assessed value, tax class, and applicable exemptions. As a result, two similar homes in different parts of Staten Island may have comparable tax rates, while their actual tax bills can vary depending on their individual assessments.
How do public schools compare between the North Shore and South Shore of Staten Island?
North Shore and South Shore are served by School District 31, which includes many highly regarded options. When choosing a neighborhood, families consider the quality of schools, commute times, available extracurricular activities, and local amenities alongside housing options.
Can I find a home with rental income potential on either shore of Staten Island?
Absolutely! The North Shore has more multi-family homes, which are a great choice if you’re interested in rental income. The South Shore also features two-family houses, though many neighborhoods are primarily made up of detached single-family homes.
FIND THE STATEN ISLAND NEIGHBORHOOD THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE
At Homes R Us Realty, we’ve enjoyed helping buyers explore Staten Island neighborhoods for over 25 years. Since we work across the entire borough, we’re here to help you compare communities, understand local market trends, and find homes that match both your lifestyle and budget.
If you’re ready to start your journey, get in touch with our team. We’d love to help you find the Staten Island neighborhood that feels most like home!
Call 718.668.2550 or email us today to explore your North Shore or South Shore, Staten Island real estate options.