Finding your first home in New York City feels impossible. Manhattan starts at $1.2 million. Brooklyn’s median just crossed $1 million. But Staten Island offers a different story. With median starter home prices between $500,000 and $650,000, the borough represents one of the last genuine entry points for first-time buyers who want to own in NYC.
This guide identifies the best neighborhoods for first-time buyers in Staten Island, breaking down what matters most: home prices, school quality, commute times, property taxes, and community amenities.
Why Staten Island for First-Time Buyers?
Before diving into specific neighborhoods, here’s why Staten Island starter homes make sense in 2026:
| Factor | Staten Island | Brooklyn | Queens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Starter Home | $520K-$650K | $998K | $750K |
| Condo Entry Point | $460K | $750K | $550K |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.79-0.94% | 0.80-0.95% | 0.75-0.90% |
| Single-Family Inventory | High | Very Low | Low |
Key advantages:
- More single-family homes and townhouses than other boroughs
- Lower property taxes than New Jersey suburbs
- Free 25-minute ferry to Lower Manhattan
- Suburban feel with city amenities
If you’re new to the buying process, read our first-time homebuyer guide before exploring neighborhoods.
Best Affordable Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers
Based on 2026 market data, these neighborhoods offer the best value proposition for entry-level buyers:
1. Graniteville
The Bottom Line: Best overall value with strong community feel and highway access.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $520,000 |
| Price Per Sqft | ~$400 |
| Days on Market | 55-65 |
| School Rating | Average |
Why it works for first-time buyers: Graniteville consistently ranks as Staten Island’s most affordable neighborhood. Located in the Mid-Island area, it offers direct access to the Staten Island Expressway and Route 440, making it ideal for drivers commuting to New Jersey or other parts of the city.
Commute: 35-45 minutes to Manhattan by express bus (SIM routes). Ferry access requires a bus transfer to St. George.
Schools: P.S. 29 Bardwell serves the area with solid elementary options. For high school, students can access Staten Island Technical High School (A+ rating) through competitive admission.
Best for: Buyers prioritizing affordability and driving commutes over transit access.
2. Port Richmond
The Bottom Line: Historic neighborhood with revitalization momentum and appreciation potential.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $540,000 – $650,000 |
| Price Per Sqft | $450 |
| Days on Market | 59 |
| Active Listings | 36 |
Why it works for first-time buyers: Port Richmond is one of Staten Island’s oldest neighborhoods, featuring historic architecture and a walkable commercial district. The area is experiencing revitalization, making it attractive for buyers seeking appreciation potential alongside affordability.
Commute:
- Express bus (SIM34) to Bowling Green: 45 minutes
- Express bus to Midtown: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Congestion pricing has shortened some trip times
Schools: P.S. 21 Margaret Emery-Elm Park offers solid elementary education (55-59% math proficiency, 50-54% reading proficiency). Port Richmond High School rates B- on Niche.
Best for: Buyers who want walkability, historic character, and upside potential.
3. Mariners Harbor
The Bottom Line: Waterfront revitalization area with strong school access and competitive pricing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $579,000 – $599,000 |
| Price Per Sqft | ~$425 |
| Days on Market | 60 |
| Active Listings | 49 |
Why it works for first-time buyers: Mariners Harbor sits on the North Shore waterfront, offering water views at entry-level prices. The neighborhood is undergoing revitalization, and proximity to the Bayonne Bridge provides easy access to New Jersey.
Commute: Direct bus to West 42nd Street: 42 minutes. Driving to Manhattan: 34 minutes (without traffic).
Schools: P.S. 44 Thomas C. Brown is a top-ranked public elementary. Students can access Staten Island Technical High School (A+ rating), one of the city’s best specialized schools.
Best for: Buyers who want waterfront proximity, good schools, and don’t mind a neighborhood in transition.
4. New Springville
The Bottom Line: Family-friendly Mid-Island location with highly rated schools and shopping access.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $536,000 – $599,000 |
| Price Range | $285K – $1.18M |
| Days on Market | 47 |
| Active Listings | 105 |
Why it works for first-time buyers: New Springville offers the largest inventory of affordable homes on Staten Island. Located on the Mid-Island, it provides easy access to the Staten Island Mall and major retail corridors along Richmond Avenue.
Commute: Express bus to East 57th Street: 1 hour 12 minutes. Bus + subway combination: 58 minutes.
Schools: CSI High School for International Studies and Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning School are top-ranked public high schools with 89% average math/reading proficiency. New Springville’s public schools are generally highly rated.
Best for: Families prioritizing schools and suburban amenities over commute time.
5. Tompkinsville
The Bottom Line: Best transit access for commuters with walkable, urban character.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $584,000 – $590,000 |
| Transit Access | Excellent |
| Walkability | High |
Why it works for first-time buyers: Tompkinsville sits near St. George, offering the best transit access on Staten Island. The Staten Island Railway stops here, and the free ferry terminal is a short bus ride away.
Commute: Ferry (25 min) + subway = 45-55 minutes door-to-door to Lower Manhattan. One of the fastest commutes from Staten Island.
Best for: Commuters who rely on public transit and want an urban, walkable neighborhood.
6. Elm Park
The Bottom Line: Quiet residential streets with community feel at affordable prices.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $550,000 – $600,000 |
| Character | Quiet residential |
Why it works for first-time buyers: Elm Park offers quiet, tree-lined streets and a strong community feel. It’s adjacent to Port Richmond, providing access to commercial amenities while maintaining a residential atmosphere.
Best for: Buyers who want a quiet, family-friendly environment at mid-range prices.
7. Westerleigh
The Bottom Line: Established community with reasonable prices and central location.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $575,000 – $625,000 |
| Character | Established residential |
Why it works for first-time buyers: Westerleigh is known for its quiet residential streets and established community. The neighborhood sits between the North Shore and Mid-Island, providing access to both areas.
Best for: Buyers seeking stability and community in a central location.
8. Clifton
The Bottom Line: Peaceful living with excellent transit accessibility.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $550,000 – $620,000 |
| Transit | Staten Island Railway access |
Why it works for first-time buyers: Clifton blends peaceful residential streets with excellent accessibility. The Staten Island Railway runs through the neighborhood, making it one of the better transit-connected areas.
Best for: Buyers who want peace and quiet without sacrificing commute options.
Neighborhood Comparison Table
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Commute (Manhattan) | Schools | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graniteville | $520K | 35-45 min (bus) | Average | Lowest price, drivers |
| Port Richmond | $540K-$650K | 45-75 min (bus) | Average | Historic character, upside |
| Mariners Harbor | $579K-$599K | 42 min (bus) | Strong | Waterfront, schools |
| New Springville | $536K-$599K | 58-72 min | Excellent | Families, schools |
| Tompkinsville | $584K-$590K | 45-55 min (ferry) | Good | Transit commuters |
| Elm Park | $550K-$600K | 50-65 min | Good | Quiet streets |
| Westerleigh | $575K-$625K | 55-70 min | Good | Established community |
| Clifton | $550K-$620K | 50-60 min (train) | Good | Transit + peace |
Property Tax Considerations
Property taxes vary across Staten Island by zip code:
| ZIP Code | Effective Tax Rate | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 10303 | 0.79% (lowest) | Mariners Harbor, Port Richmond area |
| 10309 | 0.94% (highest) | Great Kills, Eltingville |
| Island Average | 0.85% | — |
Key insight: The North Shore (including Port Richmond and Mariners Harbor) tends to have lower effective tax rates than the South Shore. This can save $1,000-$2,000 annually on a $550,000 home.
First-Time Buyer Decision Framework
Use this framework to narrow your search:
If commute time is your priority:
→ Tompkinsville or Clifton for ferry/railway access
If schools are your priority:
→ New Springville or Mariners Harbor for highly rated options
If affordability is your priority:
→ Graniteville for lowest entry point
If appreciation potential matters:
→ Port Richmond or Mariners Harbor for revitalization upside
If you’re a driver:
→ Graniteville or New Springville for highway access
Next Steps for First-Time Buyers
- Get pre-approved. Know your budget before touring homes. Review our home buying timeline.
- Understand NYC programs. First-time buyers may qualify for down payment assistance and reduced closing costs through NYC HPD programs.
- Factor in all costs. Beyond purchase price, budget for closing costs (typically 2-5% in NYC), property taxes, and maintenance.
- Consider condos. If single-family prices stretch your budget, Staten Island condos start around $460,000 (median) and offer a lower entry point. Browse Staten Island condos →
- Work with a local agent. Staten Island neighborhoods vary block by block. A local expert can identify opportunities the portals miss.
Explore Affordable Homes in Staten Island
Ready to start your search? Browse homes in these first-time buyer neighborhoods:
- Homes for sale in Graniteville →
- Homes for sale in Port Richmond →
- Homes for sale in Mariners Harbor →
- Homes for sale in New Springville →
- Homes for sale in Tompkinsville →
- All Staten Island homes under $600K →
Related Resources
- First-Time Homebuyer Guide
- NYC School District Rankings and Home Values
- Staten Island Property Taxes Explained
- Home Buying Process Timeline
Contact Us for Personalized Neighborhood Guidance →
Data sources: Realtor.com, Zillow, PropertyShark, NYC Department of Finance, Public School Review. Market data current as of January 2026.