Dongan Hills - Staten Island, NY

Dongan Hills acquired its name from the Irish-born governor of the Province of New York, Thomas Dongan; the 'hills' in the name derive from the eastern ridge of Todt Hill, the highest natural point in the five boroughs of New York City. Dongan Hills was one of the first neighborhoods in Staten Island to experience a rise in home construction after World War II, with the construction of many small single-family homes during the 1950s. The opening of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in 1964 drove further growth as new inhabitants arrived from Brooklyn.

Head north from Dongan Hills into Rosebank to learn about Italian-American history at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, or witness art, natural science and local history at the famous Staten Island Museum near St. George Station. Watch performances from up-and-coming rap artists at the Dongan Hills Hip-Hop Festival, a free event that takes place outside the public library.

Cruise down Dongan Hills' Hylan Boulevard for the local restaurants, where a blend of affordable and upscale eateries await. Italian restaurants certainly dominate as the fine dining of Trattoria Romana takes its place among the neighborhood mainstays. The chef and owner spends the time to personally greet each patron even on the busiest days, and upon being seated, the waiters quickly serve complimentary fried polenta and bruschetta. Classic Italian-American dishes and authentic regional Italian items grace the menu, while basic pizza and pasta specialties remain consistent favorites. For something more daring, try the porketta or the Osso Buco, and make sure to order the Tiramisu for dessert, which rivals the best in Staten Island, according to locals.

Paco's Authentic Mexican Bistro spices things up with its Spanish cuisine served in an adorable corner restaurant location. As the only Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood and area, Paco's keeps people coming back for its huge portions of comfort food goodness at reasonable prices. The free chips and salsa pack a bit of heat, with refills once you reach the bottom of the plate. While you can order entrees like the Hurache Mexican Steak or the Chimichanga Tapatia, many diners simply order the staple quesadillas, burritos and tacos, which come with a variety of fillings including steak, chicken, pork and even lobster. Enhance your meal with a pitcher of sangria or some large margaritas at the bar.

After dinner, hit up the local pubs to wind down by night. Somewhat of a community hub, Lee's Tavern provides a comfortable spot for patrons to meet up and snack on surprisingly good and well-rated pizzas while drinking from the selection of beers on tap. Those seeking something different and a younger crowd can travel down Hylan Boulevard into Great Kills for the Cleopatra Queen Lounge, with drinks, music and even belly-dancing nights.

Local roads in Dongan Hills include Burgher Avenue, Hylan Boulevard and Richmond Road, while the important Staten Island Expressway lies just a short drive north, leading over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and into Brooklyn. Plenty of free public parking emerges around residential and business areas. While no biking lanes exist, residents nonetheless safely walk and bike through the neighborhood's quiet local streets and sidewalks.

Call up Dongan Hills Car Service or use the Uber app from your smartphone for taxi-like services in the area. Make use of public transportation for your commute by riding the MTA buses locally or by taking the express buses all the way to Midtown Manhattan. Access the Dongan Hills Train Station of the Staten Island Railway and head to the St. George stop, where residents take the Staten Island Ferry into Manhattan. Fly out of the region by using one of two nearby airports, Newark Liberty International Airport or JFK International Airport.

Dongan Hills' residents take full advantage of the beautiful local outdoor parks and attractions. Take your children to the Dongan Playground for some simple fun at the basketball courts, handball courts and kids' play area. Escape the summer heat at Gen. Douglas MacArthur Park's pool and spray showers, situated near its sports fields on Dongan Hills Avenue and Jefferson Street.

Within walking distance from the neighborhood, Ocean Breeze Park's unique 110-acre terrain of forest, sand dunes, wetlands and grasslands houses many activities, including a therapeutic horseback riding arena and a track-and-field facility. From there, stroll on over to the Franklin D. Roosevelt boardwalk, where you can jog, bike or walk your dog through the lovely stretch with a clear majestic view of the bay and Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. You can also make use of the boardwalk's playgrounds and sports fields, or relax while sunbathing at the beach.

Annually during the summer months, the Fantasy Shore Amusement Park comes to Ocean Breeze Park to bring classic rides to young children. Snuggle up in a blanket and chow down on snacks with the whole family during free summer movie nights at Gen. Douglas MacArthur Park.

The overall cost of living in Dongan Hills sits above national and state averages, and about on par with average New York City figures. Homes in the neighborhood range in age, price and style, but those looking to rent should find a nice one-bedroom residence for a price of around $1,500 a month.

Many residents travel into other New York City boroughs by express bus for $6 or by taking the Staten Island Railway for $2.50 to the ferry. The local pubs in Dongan Hills charge about $5 per beer, and gas prices sit about 12 percent higher than national averages.

Most of the stores in the Dongan Hills area cluster along Hylan Boulevard, with an assortment of national chains and local businesses. For clothing, the Just B Boutique and Valentina's Intimate Apparel are two well-regarded independently owned stores in the neighborhood. The Just B Boutique sells trendy outfits for women, while Valentina's Intimate Apparel offers lingerie, trousseau bridal sets and even wigs. Shop for kids' clothing at The Children's Place, located further down Hylan Boulevard.

Furnish your Dongan Hills home with the help of Murano's Furniture, which carries top brands and items for each room of the house while providing the genuine service you only get from a mom-and-pop shop. Operating in the neighborhood for decades, the family-owned Island Art on Hylan Boulevard attracts business from near and far for professional custom framing. The staff here spends ample time helping you sort out the best choices and prices.

Pick up your standard groceries at the local ShopRite and Met Foods supermarkets, or seek out high-quality organic nourishment at Tastebud's Natural Foods. While Dongan Hills doesn't have a farmer's market of its own, head out to the St. George Greenmarket during the summer or fall seasons for fresh produce from New Jersey, upstate New York and Pennsylvania farmers.