Oakwood Staten Island: A Complete Neighborhood Guide

Introduction to Oakwood

Oakwood sits in east central Staten Island near the South Shore, blending suburban peace with urban convenience. European settler Jacques Guyon received this land from Francis Lovelace in 1668, naming it for its oak trees. Over 56,000 residents now call this area home, creating a diverse community where Italian, Puerto Rican, Asian, and Irish cultures thrive.

Quick Facts

• Location: East central Staten Island, near South Shore
• Boundaries:
  • North: Tysens Lane
  • East: Atlantic Ocean
  • South: Great Kills Park
  • West: Kensico Street/Clarke Avenue
• ZIP Code: 10306 (shared with New Dorp)
• Population Demographics:
  • Italian: 28.4%
  • Puerto Rican: 16.3%
  • Asian: 12.9%
  • Irish: 9.3%
  • Arab: 8.3%
  • Ukrainian: 6.2%

Real Estate & Housing in Oakwood

Oakwood's real estate market offers diverse housing options that cater to both families and individuals, from historic homes to modern developments. The neighborhood has maintained its residential charm while adapting to changing market demands and environmental considerations.

Cost of Living

Housing Market Overview

Most houses showcase mid-20th-century architecture from the neighborhood's 1940-1969 development boom. Hurricane Sandy's impact in 2012 reshaped Oakwood Beach through a government buyout program, converting some residential areas into natural buffer zones.

Explore current Oakwood homes for sale with our live MLS feed

Recent Developments

• Modern townhouse complexes near Richmond Avenue
• Hylan Boulevard commercial corridor improvements
• Green infrastructure initiatives:
  • Rain gardens in flood-prone areas
  • Community tree-planting programs
  • Solar panel installations on public buildings

Employment Access

• Major Local Employers:
  • Staten Island University Hospital
  • Amazon Fresh Warehouse (Charleston)
  • NYC Department of Education
• Commuting to Job Centers:
  • Manhattan via St. George Ferry Terminal
  • New Jersey via Outerbridge Crossing
  • Local business districts

Get a free home valuation to understand your Oakwood property's worth

Schools & Education

Education stands as a cornerstone of Oakwood's community, with a robust network of public and private institutions serving students of all ages. The neighborhood's schools consistently achieve strong academic outcomes while fostering inclusive learning environments.

Public Schools

• Elementary:
  • PS 50 - Known for balanced education
  • PS 22 Graniteville
• High Schools:
  • New Dorp High School
  • Staten Island Technical High School (10/10 rating)

Private & Specialized Education

• Monsignor Farrell High School
• Eden II School (specialized for autism spectrum)
• Oakwood Library Branch (opened 2013)

Transportation & Commuting

Oakwood's comprehensive transportation network makes it one of Staten Island's most accessible neighborhoods. Multiple transit options ensure residents can easily reach Manhattan, other boroughs, and New Jersey.

Discover New Jersey commuter-friendly homes near Outerbridge Crossing.

Public Transit Options

• Train: Oakwood Heights Station (Staten Island Railway)
• Local Buses: S57, S76, S78, S79 SBS, S86
• Express Buses: SIM1, SIM5, SIM6, SIM7, SIM9, SIM10, SIM22
• Ferry: Free Staten Island Ferry from St. George Terminal

Driving Times

• Staten Island Expressway: 20 minutes
• Outerbridge Crossing: 15 minutes
• Manhattan (via Ferry): ~60 minutes total

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

The neighborhood's commercial landscape combines modern convenience with local charm. From family-run eateries to major retail centers, Oakwood offers diverse shopping and dining experiences that serve both residents and visitors.

Shopping Districts

• Hylan Boulevard
• South Railroad Avenue
• Richmond Avenue (major retailers)
• Forest Avenue
• South Avenue

Notable Establishments

• Restaurants:
  • Canlon's (American-Italian fusion)
  • Piece-A-Cake (local bakery)
• Cultural Venues:
  • Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
  • Oakwood Library Branch

Parks, Nature & Outdoor Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts find their paradise in Oakwood's blend of manicured parks and natural wilderness. The neighborhood's green spaces range from historical monuments to expansive recreational areas.

Great Kills Park

• 523 acres of recreational space
• Part of Gateway National Recreation Area
• Features:
  • Beaches
  • Walking trails
  • Marina
  • Nature preservation areas

Hidden Gems

• Amundsen Circle:
  • 1.05 acres
  • Historical significance (commemorates explorer Roald Amundsen)
  • 4.5-mile Amundsen Trail
• Riedel Avenue Greenbelt:
  • Glacial boulders
  • Depression-era artifacts
  • Natural hiking trails

Safety & Community Atmosphere

Oakwood's reputation as a safe, welcoming community stems from both its strong law enforcement presence and active resident engagement. The neighborhood's mix of longtime residents and newcomers creates a dynamic yet stable environment.

Crime Statistics

Community Demographics

• Median Age: 42.2
• Median Household Income: $96,185
• Foreign-Born Residents: 26.1%
• English as Primary Language: 61.2%
• Russian-Speaking Households: 6.5%

Local Events & Activities

• Professional Sports:
  • Staten Island FerryHawks games at Richmond County Bank Ballpark
  • Regular fireworks shows and themed nights
• Annual Festivals:
  • Richmond County Fair (September)
  • Harvest Festival at Snug Harbor (October)
  • Chinese New Year Celebration
• Community Events:
  • Holiday bazaars at Oakwood Heights Community Church
  • Community dinners
  • Youth programs
  • Seasonal clean-up drives

Healthcare & Essential Services

Medical Facilities

• Hospitals:
  • Staten Island University Hospital (North Campus) - 15 minutes
  • Richmond University Medical Center - 12 minutes
• Urgent Care Centers:
  • CityMD Urgent Care (Hylan Plaza) - 5 minutes
  • ProHealth Urgent Care (New Dorp) - 7 minutes

Municipal Services

• Oakwood Post Office: 3075 Amboy Road
• Regular sanitation service with online scheduling
• Staten Island Borough Hall services nearby

Community Organizations

• Oakwood Heights Community Church
• Richmond Ever-Green Garden Club
• Local cultural associations

Pros & Cons of Living in Oakwood

Pros

• Exceptional outdoor access through Great Kills Park
• Lower housing costs than Manhattan
• Strong public transportation network
• Excellent school options
• Safe, family-friendly environment
• Rich cultural diversity
• Historic charm

Cons

• Coastal storm vulnerability
• Rising home prices
• Distance from Staten Island Expressway
• Limited nightlife options
• Shared ZIP code can cause delivery confusion

Final Thoughts: Is Oakwood Right for You?

Oakwood welcomes those seeking a neighborhood feel with city access. Families enjoy good schools and safe streets, while professionals appreciate the express buses and housing value.

Best For:

• Young families seeking good schools
• Nature enthusiasts
• Commuters to Manhattan
• Multi-generational households
• Those seeking cultural diversity
• Water sports enthusiasts
• Suburban lifestyle seekers

The area's evolution through initiatives like the Oakwood Beach buffer zone shows a community ready for change while keeping its family-friendly character. Here, urban convenience and suburban peace work together perfectly.

Contact

Oakwood Featured Agent

MaryAnn DeMagistris

She is a top Producer with over 15 years of experience and over 125 transactions under her belt! MaryAnn received a BS in Marketing and Merchandising from FIT. MaryAnn takes pride in making every client feel like the most important, no matter how many she is servicing at the time. Her outstanding interpersonal skills, perseverance, and ability to listen and understand her client's needs and wants make her an invaluable asset in any real estate transaction.

Contact MaryAnn: (917) 538-2423

For expert guidance on Oakwood real estate opportunities, contact MaryAnn DeMagistris:

• Call or Text: (917) 538-2423

• Office: 1676 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10305

Whether you're interested in:

• Buying a home in Oakwood

• Selling your Oakwood property

• Learning more about the neighborhood

• Getting a free market analysis

Our team of local experts is ready to help you navigate the Oakwood real estate market with professional service and in-depth community knowledge.

Available 7 days a week for your convenience.