When people think of living in New York, they often picture Manhattan or Brooklyn. However, Staten Island, one of New York's five boroughs, has a much quieter atmosphere, resembling a suburban town in another state. Initially, I thought, "It's too far away," but after living here, I found many advantages that make it feel like a 'hidden gem.'

The biggest feature of Staten Island is that it is 'the suburb within New York.' It takes about 25 minutes by ferry to reach Manhattan, but the living atmosphere is completely different. The neighborhood is primarily residential, with most houses being single-family homes, and it's common to find houses with yards, providing a rare sense of 'space' in New York. You can wake up to the sound of birds in the morning and have barbecues in your front yard after work.

It's an ideal environment for those who find the bustling city life overwhelming. Transportation is a key point; the Staten Island Ferry is free. The view as you pass by the Statue of Liberty on your way to the island from the South Ferry Terminal in Manhattan is breathtaking every time. While it can be crowded during rush hour, it's great for sightseeing on weekends. For those with cars, access to Brooklyn via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge or to New Jersey via the Goethals Bridge is quite convenient, making transportation accessibility not too bad.

However, the reality is that tolls can be expensive. Another positive aspect is nature. Staten Island is known as 'the borough with the most green space' in New York City, with many parks and walking paths. Places like Clove Lakes Park, the Staten Island Greenbelt, and Snug Harbor Cultural Center are popular local spots for relaxation. On weekends, families flock here for picnics, and it's much quieter and more spacious than Central Park in Manhattan. There's no better place to forget the fatigue of city life than in nature.

In terms of living costs, it's definitely less burdensome than other areas of New York. Home prices and rents are 30-40% cheaper than in Brooklyn or Queens, allowing for much larger living spaces within the same budget. This is a significant advantage, especially for families, as there are many areas for children to play. However, public transportation can be inconvenient, and living without a car can feel a bit restrictive. Since the subway does not connect directly, you have to take buses or ferries, which can make commute times a bit longer. Still, you gain a quiet and safe environment in return.

Additionally, Staten Island is known as a 'conservative and family-oriented area' within New York, so I felt relatively safe walking the streets at night. The quality of schools is also decent, making it a good environment for children's education. Interestingly, this area has a unique identity even within New York. While they are New Yorkers, they share similar lifestyle patterns with people from New Jersey or Long Island. On weekends, it's natural to go shopping at malls or large stores, or to visit the beach.

Especially in the summer, heading to South Beach or Midland Beach allows you to enjoy the beach while looking out at the Manhattan skyline. The sunset over the ocean in the evening is truly beautiful. In summary, living in Staten Island can be described as "maintaining a New York lifestyle while enjoying the tranquility of a quiet suburb."

While it lacks the glamour of Manhattan and the hipness of Brooklyn, it offers spacious living and a relaxed daily life. For those looking for a breath of fresh air within New York, it's definitely worth considering. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but over time, you will find that this quietness becomes increasingly comforting, almost like an addiction.