Purchasing a Home in Staten Island
If you are thinking of purchasing a home in Staten Island, know that you are making a smart decision. It is a beautiful place to live. More than 33% of Staten Island’s topography and land comes in the form of parks and protected environmental areas that the public can enjoy. In addition, you will benefit from amazing culture, wonderful beaches, and fantastic attractions.
Staten Island is also proud to rank as one of the safest places to live in all of New York City, while also maintaining some of the lowest housing costs in all five boroughs. For this reason, the population of Staten Island is on the rise, with just under 500,000 people living there currently. Even with half a million residents, Staten Island is still the least-populated borough of New York City. As the third largest borough in square miles, Staten Island offers a highly appealing low population density relative to the rest of New York City.
If you may be purchasing a home in Staten Island, there is a lot to choose from.
Following The Great Recession, the Staten Island housing market suffered just as many others did. Since 2009 though, things have rebounded and by 2011, the housing market was up 30% over the previous year.
In 2000, the average home price was about $170,000, while today it has reached just under $400,000, and remained relatively stable from 2010 onwards. In fact, this year housing prices are up about 1.8%, or $9,142 over the previous year, with the average cost-per-square foot of a home coming in at $263.
Why buy a home in Staten Island?
Here are some of the top reasons for purchasing a home in Staten Island:
- The property crime rate is lower than that of New York City as a whole, and it also has a lower violent crime rate. In fact, Staten Island has one of the highest police officer-to-person ratio in the entire country.
- The average household income, family income, per capita income and value of owner-occupied housing units is much higher than the rest of the state. Family income on Staten Island, on average, is $13,000 higher than the rest of the state.
- Roughly 20% of the homes in Staten Island were built prior to 1939, with most homes built before 1980. Prospective home buyers are treated to an inventory of homes boasting plenty of character and history, some of them with turn-of-the-century charm and appeal.
- It has an amazing culture that is diverse and friendly.
Buying a home in Staten Island is a great idea because it will give you the ability to live in a truly unique area of New York City. While you can still take advantage of the easy access and close proximity to all five of the boroughs, you will live in an area that has a lower-cost of living, puts a priority safety and hosts beautiful landmarks and destinations. With its many parks and beaches, it is the perfect place to raise a family, and the schools in Staten Island are considered to be some of the best in all of NYC.