Where to go: Staten Island vs. New Jersey

Many New Yorkers who cannot move out of the tristate area tend to teeter between moving into Staten Island or New Jersey. Both do have their perks and this blog is here to help you weigh them out. bv

Staten Island:

1. Staten Island is a borough that is part of New York City therefore any services offered to NYC residents would apply for you. This includes, bot not limited to, special services in school settings if you have kids, access to low income programs if needed, free memberships to cultural institutions and others.

2. Staten Island provides many means of transportation into Manhattan. There is the Staten Island Ferry, which is free, the Staten Island Rapid Transit train and plenty of local and express buses.

3. Staten Island offers some of the best food. From Renatos Pastry on the East Shore to Aunt Butchie’s on the South Shore- there is no shortage of quality eats on Staten Island.

4. Staten Island is chock full of outdoor spaces- It isn’t called the Borough of Parks for nothing. With over 170 parks on Staten Island- you can say it is the greenest borough. Some favorites include High Rock Park, Wolfe’s Pond Park and Clove Lakes Park.

5. Prices of homes on Staten Island are cheaper than other boroughs and include more space. Although living in New York City is expensive, Staten Island tends to be on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to home prices. You can buy a home on Staten Island with a private yard space for $500,000 wherein other boroughs would be more expensive.

New Jersey:

1. You get more for your money in New Jersey in terms of homes. New Jersey offers a variety of housing options from condos to townhomes to detached. Another perk of New Jersey is that it offers a great amount of 55+ active adult communities for those looking to downsize and move out of New York.

2. New Jersey offers great beaches and amusement parks. Many summers are spent down at the shore when the sun is beaming and the sand is hot. It is fun to enjoy a wonderful day at the beach and then riding the rides on the boardwalk at Jenkinsons. Spend a day of thrills at Six Flags Amusement Park or check out Land of Make Believe in Hope, NJ.

3. Plenty of shopping- From outlets, like those off exit 100 on the Garden State Parkway, to small local boutiques in the downtown areas, New Jersey does not disappoint when it comes to shopping. Food shopping is a breeze with plenty of parking lot parking and larger stores.

4. Taxes are high- The caveat of living in New Jersey is that taxes are high. In fact, one of the highest property state tax rates in the United States.

5. New Jersey is full of farm land- Do you enjoy fresh from the farm dairy and produce? You will find it in New Jersey! You can find farm stands throughout NJ as you are driving along with farm tours and activities in the warmer months.

Whether looking to move to Staten Island or New Jersey, I am here to help! Contact me today to go over both your options.