Staten Island is often mentioned as a relatively undervalued area among New York's five boroughs, but there are definitely different tiers of neighborhoods within the island. Tottenville, Emerson Hill, and Lighthouse Hill are examples of such areas.

Tottenville is a neighborhood that includes the highest elevation point in New York City, characterized by large estates on spacious lots. Recent market trends show that the median sale price ranges from $1.1 million to $1.5 million, which is more than double the overall median for Staten Island.

Emerson Hill is a quiet residential area formed along hilly terrain, with a median sale price estimated between $900,000 and $1.1 million. Its location offers views of the Manhattan skyline and large plots of land, which have long been considered strengths of this area.

Lighthouse Hill is known to have been designed with the involvement of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, with a median sale price ranging from $800,000 to $1 million. It is evaluated as a quiet neighborhood with a unique identity, featuring cultural facilities such as the Jacques Marchais Museum.

The overall median sale price for Staten Island is recorded to be around $600,000 to $650,000, which shows a significant difference of up to twice that of the three neighborhoods mentioned earlier. Even within the same island, the market prices vary distinctly based on elevation and ferry accessibility.

The background of this gap is largely influenced by geographical characteristics. Neighborhoods located at higher elevations tend to have larger lots and lower flood risks, leading to the development of large homes from the outset. The combination of accessibility to Manhattan via the Staten Island Ferry and a quiet residential environment seems to have maintained a stable demand over time.

For Korean households, Staten Island may be appealing due to its relatively lower entry costs compared to the city center while still maintaining borough status. However, in high-priced areas like Tottenville or Emerson Hill, there may not be many listings available, so it is important to consider that it may take time to find the desired property at the desired time.

The median prices quoted in this article are compiled based on recently released market data, and if you are considering a purchase, it is advisable to check the latest listings and the specific lot conditions of individual properties.