Staten Island has numerous hidden gems. We spotlight locations or upcoming events that families may be interested in checking out or attending.

With the many bridges Staten Island has available, the possibilities for traveling are limitless.Whether you are trying to make it to Manhattan, New Jersey, or anywhere else Staten Island has easy access through the Verrazano-Narrows, Goethals, Outerbridge Crossing, and Bayonne Bridges.

Verrazano-Narrows Bridges

Links:

Staten Island to Brooklyn

Tolls:

$16 for cars who are paying with cash, and $6.50 for motorcylces. Additional options to paying cash would be E-ZPass and carpool. For the E-ZPass, the toll is $11.08 for cars, $6.24 for Staten Island residents scaling down to $5.74 per trip after the third trip, and lastly $4.28 for motorcycles. The final option, carpool, make vehicles with three or more passengers eligible for a reduced,…

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Do you want to get out this summer but don't know where to go? Make a visit to the Staten Island Zoo, located on the north shore of Staten Island, at 614 Broadway, 10310 (across the street from the Broadway YMCA). At the zoo there are a variety of animals you will get to learn about, as well as the many different programs and events available at your disposal. 

Their Mission Statement:

1) To disseminate a knowledge of zoology and an appreciation of animal life.

2) To maintain a zoological garden where small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibian and tropical fish will be on display for observation and study.

3) Through local facilities readily accessible to all of Staten Island, to instill in children an understanding and appreciation of living…

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 Whether you happen to be a painting pro or you've never dared to pick up a roller, there are a few tricks of the trade that professionals use to make a paint job look its best in your Staten Island home. If you want to take an old, outdated paint job and turn it into something you can be proud of, here are a few tips from those who know best.

Start With a Perfectly Smooth Surface

If you're trying to rush through it, sanding might seem like an unnecessary step in re-covering your walls, but it's very important in order to level out spackle paste and ensure that no ridges will appear in the paint around the nails. According professional painters, you should start by sanding from the baseboard to the ceiling with a fine grit sandpaper, and then move…

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Selecting the right Staten Island home to purchase for a family is a monumental task, and this process can seem even more challenging for those with a large or growing family. While choosing the perfect home for a large or growing family is not easy, the process can be broken down by focusing on a the below points.

Focus On Storage Space

When a large family does not have adequate storage space in closets, the attic, the garage and your cabinets, their items will likely find a home on the counters, on the floor and in other undesirable locations. Staten Island home buyers can consider looking for a home that has more storage space than is needed right now to ensure that the new home can accommodate growing needs over the years.

Think About…

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For buyers and sellers, choosing the right Staten Island real estate agent is an important and may seem like a difficult decision, but making the right selection is critical. Consider the following essential characteristics for a real estate agent before signing a contract:

Experience

An agent must understand the Staten Island real estate market as well as the practices and processes of buying and selling. While a new agent may have energy and desire, experienced agents will be able to offer insights and experiences which are likely to give their clients the edge in their deal. Experience also indicates negotiating skill.

Of course an agent must be licensed, but they must also be knowledgeable about the specific Staten Island neighborhoods and…

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Some people love living in condos, while others prefer a Staten Island home. When it comes to deciding between the two, you can't always rely on someone else’s word. You need to form your own opinions and see what suits your needs. Staten Island condo living and home ownership are two radically different experiences, and serve two very different types of lifestyles. Here are a few considerations if you’re trying to decide which you should invest in.

House: Best If You Have A Furry Friend

Depending on your family pet or furry friend's size and species (like bird), you may want to consider a detached house over a condo, simply for the amount of space available. If you have dogs, you should consider that many condominiums don't allow certain numbers,…

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Let's reflect on the up's and down's of the real estate market in the past ten years. These five points have made a massive impact today in the Staten Island real estate market:

Market Collapse & The Great Recession

In October 2007, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury called the bursting housing bubble "the most significant risk to our economy," becoming a massive part of the Great Recession. Washington Mutual declared bankruptcy and the domino effect was larger than ever as housing prices dropped drastically. As a result - home values depreciated and homeowners lost their savings and investment, forcing millions of foreclosures.

Federal Takeover of Fannie and Freddie

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were taken control over by the federal government…

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In the past year, there has been a surge of Staten Island new construction homes. If you are deciding to join the trend - know that the decision to build a home might be one of the biggest you make in your life. You’ve found the perfect plot of land and have a vision of your dream home, but you need someone to make it a reality. It’s time to interview architects.

You’ll want to ensure you choose a professional that understands your design aesthetic, communicates well, can design on budget and has an upstanding reputation. Below are a few key questions to ask when deciding whom to hire.

Do You Have A Specific Design Style?

When interviewing architects, be sure to ask each one if they have a specific aesthetic and if you can see a portfolio…

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George Cromwell Center located in Tompkinsville, Staten Island North Shore. 

Staten Island is currently hosting a state of the art indoor track and field facility named Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in South Beach. The original recreational center back in the day was the George Cromwell Center in Tompkinsville, Staten Island North Shore. Named after Staten Island's first Borough President who served from 1898 until 1913. He later was the primary developer of the Staten Island Dongan Hills community.

Pier 6 (which later supported the Center) was built in 1923; eleven years passed, and the federal Works Progress Administration converted the pier into the multi-use recreation center for one million dollars.

Opened in 1936, the George Cromwell…

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The rise of female entrepreneurs has lead its way to the Staten Island, West Brighton. Shauna Small (middle) , owner of Relax Be Healthy, which she just opened in West Brighton, along her side is her brother Sasha Small (far right) and her sister-in-law, Christine DeSousa-Small (far left).

Shauna Small was diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases over a decade ago and has since be seeking relief through medicine and diet adjustments. 

Her motivation to stay in remission led to her to become a certified health coach, herbalist and Reiki master, specializes in weight loss, as well as launch her own business, Relax Be Healthy in West Brighton. 

SiLive | Health struggles lead entrepreneur to open wellness store

"I have realized that people need…

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