Looking for a Staten Island home near the Verrazano Bridge? Look no further than South Beach, a neighborhood frequently sought after due to its prime location near public transit with close access to the Verrazano Bridge. Enjoy an easy commute to Manhattan and Brooklyn and a summer haven for beach bathers and tourists.
Location
Location
South Beach is located on Staten Island’s East Shore, directly south of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.
History
South Beach was actually the site of the first permanent settlement on Staten Island. The Dutch settlement was started in the early 1600’s, and was called “Oude Dorp,” which means Old Town in Dutch. Its flat land and easy access to the bay made it an ideal settlement. After that, it evolved into a summer beach colony of bungalows and tents, and was referred to as Graham Beach. By the early 20th century, it consisted of a development known as Bungalowtown where small amusement parks and arcades once flourished. Two hospitals- Staten Island University Hospital and the South Beach Psychiatric Center, are located at the edge of the neighborhood.
Transportation
Although many South Beach residents take the Verrazano Bridge to Brooklyn or Midtown Manhattan, there are several local and express buses that serve the area. The S78, S51/81 and S52 travel to St. George, and the S79 travels between the Staten Island Mall and Bay Ridge Brooklyn. There are also many express buses that provide service to downtown Manhattan, Midtown, and Battery Park City. All of the local and express buses that service the area can be accessed along Hylan Boulevard or Father Cappodano Boulevard.
Types of Homes
South Beach housing consists of single-family homes, new town houses, semi-detached colonial homes, and two-family homes. Check out homes in South Beach and the surrounding area near the Verrazano Bridge.
Neighborhood Attractions
The South Beach Boardwalk is no doubt the main attraction of the neighborhood, spanning over 1.7 miles and attracting everyone from walkers, joggers, cyclists and even those just wanting to catch the sunrise. Attractions along the boardwalk include the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier, the lifeguard manned beach suitable for swimming and sunbathing, the recently opened Fantasy Shore Amusement Park, and a variety of snack bars and restaurants such as the South Fin Grill.
For shopping and retail, Hylan Boulevard provides South Beach residents quick access to shopping, entertainment, retail and other needs, including several bakeries, restaurants, grocery stores and markets.
Last but certainly not least, Ocean Breeze Park Track & Field Athletic Complex is a new addition to the neighborhood, which is scheduled to open this coming April. The facility will have an elite-level hydraulically-banked competition track, cardio and fitness rooms and a covered parking lot, among other features.
Schools
Most children of South Beach attend PS 39 Francis J. Murphy, or PS 46 Albert V. Maniscalco. Both schools serve children grades Pre-K through grade 5. There are no public middle or high schools in the neighborhood, but students often travel to nearby IS 49 Bertha A. Dreyfus, or PS/IS 48 William C. Wilcox for Intermediate School and New Dorp High School or the all-boys Monsignor Farrell High School for high school. The prominent all-girls Catholic schools of St. John Villa Academy and St. Joseph Hill Academy also provide education for girls of all ages and are in the general area.
More about Holly Wiesner Olivieri, North Shore Staten Island Real Estate Expert
As an experienced Licensed Associate Broker and native Staten Islander, there is no better choice when looking for a Staten Island real estate resource. Don’t hesitate to contact me on Facebook or Twitter, and be sure to visit my about page. I can also be reached by email Holly [at] WiesnerOlivieri [dot] com . Find out why my clients keep recommending me as the Realtor of choice for Staten Island real estate.
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