Staten Island is one of the five boroughs of New York City, located in New York State, and is abbreviated as SI.

Unlike other boroughs of New York City, it boasts a tranquil and quiet atmosphere, and is known to many as the "least New York-like borough."

The Most Serene Borough in New York

Staten Island is located about 25 minutes by ferry from the southernmost part of Manhattan and is connected to Brooklyn by the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Due to its distance from Manhattan, it offers a typical American suburban atmosphere with houses lined along streets flanked by trees, rather than the hustle and bustle characteristic of a big city.

Recently, a new shopping mall has opened around the St. George Ferry Terminal, adding more vibrancy to the area. This place features cafes and restaurants, providing a great experience for tourists. Particularly, this shopping mall offers views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a great spot to visit after sightseeing.

History and Name Origin

The name Staten Island originates from the name "Staten Generaal" given by Dutch settlers during the time of the Dutch colony. This is derived from the name of the Dutch parliament.

Until the mid-20th century, this area was centered around agriculture and dairy farming, but as Manhattan and other boroughs became more complex, people seeking a quiet suburban atmosphere and affordable housing began to flock to Staten Island. This led to an increase in population, establishing it as an important residential area of New York City.

Transportation

Transportation from Staten Island to Manhattan can be somewhat inconvenient. There are two main methods.

  1. Staten Island Ferry:
    • Operates for free and takes about 25 minutes to reach southern Manhattan.
    • The ferry runs every 15 minutes, providing good accessibility.
  2. Express Bus:
    • Directly connects to Manhattan via the Verrazzano Bridge, with a fare of $6.50.

Within Staten Island, the Staten Island Railway operates from the southern tip to the northern ferry terminal. There is a history of a tunnel project that was started in 1923 to connect directly to Manhattan but was canceled, leaving a sense of regret.

Sights and Activities

Staten Island lacks large-scale tourist attractions like other boroughs of New York City, but it is a great place to enjoy nature and a quiet environment.

  • Staten Island Ferry is a popular mode of transportation and attraction for both tourists and locals. From the ferry, you can enjoy the skyline of southern Manhattan, downtown Brooklyn, and Jersey City in New Jersey.
  • Since this ferry has been free since the past, it has also been a popular date spot for young New Yorkers. A common date route involves taking the ferry, dining at nearby restaurants, enjoying the beach, and then taking the ferry back.

Features and Precautions

Staten Island is popular as a quiet, family-oriented residential area, but not all areas are safe. Due to security issues in some neighborhoods, it is recommended to use a vehicle.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of New York and spend a leisurely day, visiting Staten Island can be a good choice. The free ferry offering views of the Manhattan skyline and the serene suburban scenery are unique attractions of this place.