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If the idea of living in New York City appeals to you but you want a slightly less crowded place to call home, a place where far fewer tourists tend to venture, then Staten Island might be for you. Most residents rely on the Staten Island Ferry to get to lower Manhattan, especially since many New Yorkers don’t own cars. However, if you’re planning to drive, you can also reach Staten Island from Brooklyn over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

While Staten Island doesn’t contain the large number of landmarks you’ll find in Manhattan, there are a few terrific destinations to explore, such as Conference House Park. This park contains four historic buildings dating back to the late 1600s. The Conference House was the site of an unsuccessful Revolutionary War peace conference, held in 1776. The park also contains playgrounds, a canoe launch, and dog-friendly areas. In the summer, residents head to the beautiful beaches and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk.