Grymes Hill - Staten Island, NY

Many early homes in Grymes Hill were built in the 1800s by a local developer, Major Charles Howard, whose name survives in Howard Avenue. The neighborhood takes its name from Madame Suzette Grymes, who purchased the land from Howard in 1836. In the mid-19th century, breweries dug caves into the hill for the purpose of beer production. Prominent residents commonly built mansions in Grymes Hill around this time, with the Cunard and Ward mansions purchased and eventually used as buildings for Wagner College.

The magnificent Casa Belvedere mansion in Rosebank has transformed into an Italian-American cultural center, with displays and exhibits of the life and work of a famous Staten Island in the Alice Austen House museum. The Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music Institute in Grymes Hill teaches beginner to advanced music courses for all ages, with frequent student-faculty recitals to turn practice into performance.

Restaurants in the areas immediately surrounding Grymes Hill give locals a varied mix of ethnic food choices for a range of budgets. Described by some as a hidden gem, the cozy Marie's Gourmet on Victory Boulevard offers a flexible eatery for any time of day. Lots of people come for breakfast, enjoying hearty morning treats, such as the Italian classic frittata, whole wheat pancakes and the robust steak and eggs. Lunch presents a menu full of hot or cold sandwiches, burgers and the gourmet pizza — add some French Onion soup or the excellent chicken salad on the side. The menu, great in size, variety and quality, leaves customers coming back time and again to try something new.

Go a short distance into the Rosebank neighborhood for Maizal Restaurant, a casual Mexican spot with a pinch of romantic flare, punctuated by the dim lights of chandeliers. Opt for the outdoor patio seating during the spring and summer to dine in a gorgeous atmosphere with an equally gorgeous view. The traditional chips and guacamole start meals off right, and many diners love the plantain-based dishes, particularly one stuffed with cheese and meat. The margaritas and sangria wash everything down, and the restaurant is known for their desserts — try the tres leches for a light, sweet conclusion to your experience.

The nightlife in Grymes Hill can be as calm or as wild as you want it to be, depending on the bar or pub you choose. The Latin Paradise nightclub parties all night with drinks, music and dancing.

A few of the main thoroughfares weaving through Grymes Hill and the region include Victory Boulevard, Van Duzer Street, Howard Avenue and the Staten Island Expressway. Limited free public parking exists throughout, while many apartment residents pay for permits. The neighborhood has just a few bike lanes, though it's not uncommon to see locals safely walk or bike through the area.

For local taxis, call up the Newport Car Service or use the Uber app from your smartphone. Take the ample public transportation in the neighborhood, including a bus stop on Victory Boulevard that sees MTA local and express buses traveling as far as midtown Manhattan. You can drive or take the train at the nearby Grasmere Station of the Staten Island Railway to get to the Staten Island Ferry in St. George, another popular option for commuting to Manhattan. Two major airports serve the region, the JFK International Airport in Queens and the Newark International Airport.

Head outdoors to the local parks in and around Grymes Hill for some fun, healthy activity for the whole family. Take the children to the Terrace Playground off Clove Road, named for its unique design: three tiers cut into the adjoining hill form the terraces, designed for different age groups with a set of staircases to establish a sense of privacy yet continuity. The park's basketball courts and handball courts provide plenty of activity as well.

Relax amidst the quiet calm of nature on the benches of Hero's Park on Victory Boulevard, a space designed to honor the 144 Staten Island residents who perished during the first World War — with a blue spruce tree planted in each soldier's name. Also on Victory Boulevard and near the border of Grymes Hill, Silver Lake Park's dog run gives your pet a popular place to roam and meet new friends. Silver Lake Park hosts loads of additional attractions, including the lake, hiking trails, tennis courts, and a golf course.

Yearly neighborhood events entertain residents, including car shows, charity fundraisers, and even a fig fest. Perhaps none encapsulate community spirit more so than the annual kids Halloween party, thrown at the large home of a neighborhood family and attracting hundreds of spirited parents and children each year.

Grymes Hill has a cost of living above the national average, but less expensive housing allows it to slip below the city average. While the neighborhood has many private and luxury homes, one-bedroom apartments go for a relatively affordable $1,165 per month.

You can take the local MTA buses to different Staten Island areas for $2.50, or the express buses to get to Manhattan for $6. The Staten Island Railway costs $2.50, and commonly takes passengers to the free-to-use ferry service. Gas prices in Grymes Hill cost about 12 percent more than the national average, while beers at the local bars and pubs go for about $5.

While Grymes Hill does not have a shopping district of its own, conveniently located stores surround the neighborhood for the benefit of residents. Drive a few miles north of Grymes Hill, to Forest Avenue, for formal women and children's attire at the small boutique, Suzanne's Fashion Corner. Go for a more casual set of female fashion at the Superior Apparel boutique on Pelton Avenue. The independent business Qualitech Computers in neighboring Silver Lake solves all your laptop, desktops and other computer hardware problems, with a great reputation for the fair prices, customer service and, most importantly, proven results.

Residents buy their groceries at nearby supermarkets, such as the Top Tomato Super Store, which sell produce and deli items. For a dedicated farmers market, travel to the St. George Greenmarket, which is open during the fall and summer seasons and deals farm-fresh foods from local farmers.