Staten Island is divided into three regions: North Shore, which is closest to the bridge; South Shore, located opposite, and Mid-Island–each with quite different characteristics. Although much of the community is comprised of quiet neighborhoods, but some distinctions remain amongst the regions.
South Shore
This part of the Island encompasses Great Kills, Tottenville, Eltingville, and many more, and rapidly urbanized thanks to the building of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. It is a wealthier region with many of its residents being predominantly white–specifically Italian and Irish. It’s also extremely suburban, with many parks, small businesses, and shopping centers.
Mid-Island
Mid-Island is comprised of neighborhoods such as Arthur Kill, Dongan Hills, and New Dorp. After the construction of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the area became occupied by Jewish transplants and Italian-Americans. The area is lively due to the location of the Staten Island Mall and the College of Staten Island.
North Shore
This part of the Island is much more economically and ethnically diverse, with many of its residents primarily being Black and Hispanic, but also immigrants from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Trinidad. Although it retains the Staten Island suburbia–with some of its neighborhoods being Mariner’s Harbor, Port Richmond, and St. George–it is also more compact and densely populated. Because a majority of the residents are people of color, the area is considered democratic.
Activities
A characteristic of many Staten Islanders is their appreciation of nature. With many beaches such as Midland Beach and boardwalks such as Father Capodanno, many of the neighborhoods are quiet as Staten Islanders occupy their time with physical activity.
Due to the fact that Staten Island is regarded as the smallest borough, one stigma surrounding the that everyone in the area knows each other. Indeed, Staten Island creates a close-knit community. Furthermore, many come to Staten Island due to its (relative) affordability. In all, Staten Island thrives best when it is regarded as the best of both worlds: a suburbia with convenient access to city life.
