If you are preparing to move to Staten Island for the first time, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with some unique aspects that differ from other boroughs of New York City.

The first thing to check is whether you own a car. Staten Island is part of New York City, but it is not connected by subway, and local transportation relies on buses and the Staten Island Railway (SIR).

The SIR is a single line that connects St. George to Todt Hill, Great Kills, and Tottenville, which limits its coverage of the entire island. Living without a car can be quite inconvenient, so it's wise to plan for a vehicle purchase or set up a car-sharing plan before your move.

Choosing a residential area should also be done carefully. Staten Island is largely divided into North Shore, Mid-Island, and South Shore. The St. George area on the North Shore is close to the ferry terminal and has an urban atmosphere, but some neighborhoods require caution regarding safety.

Mid-Island has a concentration of commercial facilities, including the Staten Island Mall, making it convenient for daily living. The South Shore is a relatively newly developed residential area that offers a quiet and safe family-friendly environment, but commuting times to Manhattan may be longer. If school districts are important to you, it's advisable to research them in advance through sites like GreatSchools.org.

In terms of administrative processes, there may be specific procedures unique to Staten Island in addition to the common requirements for New York City. If you do not have a driver's license, it's best to handle the process of obtaining or transferring your license at the New York State DMV early in your move. Vehicle registration is also done through the New York State DMV, with a DMV office located in Richmond County on Staten Island. For health insurance, check the New York State of Health marketplace shortly after your move, or if you have employer insurance, update your contact information after changing your address. If you have children, it is recommended to register with the NYC Department of Education within 30 days of your move.

Understanding the local infrastructure is also important. Nearby grocery stores include Stop & Shop, Key Food, and Trader Joe's, and there is one Costco store operating on Staten Island.

For Korean ingredients, you may often need to go to New Jersey, so initially, you might consider using Amazon Fresh or Korean online shopping mall deliveries as an option. Nearby hospitals include Staten Island University Hospital, which has campuses on both the North Shore and South Shore, as well as Richmond University Medical Center.

Building relationships with neighbors is also something to pay attention to early in your move. Staten Island has relatively active neighborly interactions, and greeting your neighbors and participating in block events after moving can help you settle in quickly.

Using Staten Island Facebook groups or the Nextdoor app to gather local information and communicate with neighbors can also be effective.