Living in Staten Island is a unique experience.

Unlike other boroughs of New York City, Staten Island has historically been centered around European immigrants, particularly Italian and Irish communities.

In recent decades, the population has become more diverse with an increase in Latino, Asian, and African residents, but it still has lower racial diversity compared to Manhattan or Queens. This is one of the practical considerations for Korean immigrants when choosing Staten Island.

To start with the advantages, the high quality of life relative to housing costs is undoubtedly the first point. You can find much larger homes for the same amount of money, and there are public schools with good school districts, providing a stable educational environment for children.

The car-centric lifestyle makes it convenient to access major facilities like supermarkets, hospitals, and schools by car. Thanks to the rich natural environment, children can play outdoors, and the strong community ties make it easy to interact with neighbors after settling in. The safety is relatively stable, reducing concerns about children commuting alone.

However, there are definitely some downsides. The most practical difficulty is the inconvenience of public transportation. Staten Island is part of New York City, but the metro system is not fully connected to Manhattan, making it much harder to live without a car compared to other boroughs.

There are very few Korean restaurants or Korean markets on the island, so you often have to drive to New Jersey to buy Korean ingredients or products. The Korean church and community gatherings are also small, making it difficult to expect an environment where Korean is spoken regularly, like in Flushing or Palisades Park.

Additionally, there are reports of experiencing a lower openness to multiculturalism in some areas. In particular, in certain parts of the island, the perception of non-European immigrants can sometimes feel uncomfortable.

Of course, individual experiences can vary widely, and it is difficult to generalize about all Staten Island residents, but being aware of these points early on can be helpful. Actively participating in the local community and building good relationships with neighbors is the most effective way to reduce such awkwardness.

Overall, Staten Island is a suitable place for those who want a quiet and stable life as an immigrant while also enjoying the opportunities of New York City.

If prioritizing the Korean community infrastructure, Flushing or Palisades Park may be better choices, but for families who value natural surroundings, spacious living, and stable safety, Staten Island is definitely worth considering.