St George - Staten Island, NY

The neighborhood of St. George started out as a predominately rural community. Throughout the 1800s, St. George served as an a resort area; however, it wasn't until the late 1880s that the town began to flourish into a dynamic district with the addition of the Staten Island Amusement Company. At about the same time, St. George became home to the Office Building and U.S. Light-House Depot Complex, a building which still stands till this day as a nationally registered historic location.

The town continued to develop as a residential community well into the 20th century. In 1994, St. George was officially recognized as a historic district consisting of 78 houses and the oldest parish in Staten Island, St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church.

The Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences provides a thorough and engaging exploration of the arts, natural science and the origins of the town.

A sundry array of internationally themed culinary outlets and independently owned bistros distinguishes the restaurant district of St. George. Locals and visitors find the majority of such restaurants along Richmond Terrace, with the rest scattered among the surrounding area.

Beso Restaurant, located on Schuyler Street, presents a variety of authentic and flavorful Spanish cuisines. Customers enjoy the elegantly decorated and calming environment while a dedicated staff provides them with an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant features an array of freshly cooked three-course meals, in addition to numerous lunch and dinner options and a fully stocked tapas bar. When you visit Beso Restaurant, be sure to try the paella, a graciously portioned and delectable combination of rice, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams and squid.

For an ample selection of genuine New York style pizza, make your way to A & S Pizzeria on Stuyvesant Street. An assortment of gourmet pizzas, savory pasta dishes and a hearty collection of appetizers comprises the menu at A & S Pizzeria. With its warm environment, friendly staff and reasonable pricing, this restaurant serves as a popular spot for a quick lunch or dinner among locals. Try a slice of the House Special Pizza, a robust fusion of pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, peppers, mushrooms and onions.

St. George itself does not include a variety of nightlife outlets, so residents often travel to neighboring towns for their fix of nightly entertainment. If you want to stay in St. George, go to Steiny's Pub on Hyatt Street. At this local haunt enjoy one of the oversized sandwiches and a cold beer while listening to your neighbors sing karaoke on Thursdays.

Locals enjoy a decent spread of bars and taverns throughout neighboring areas, with a fair concentration throughout Richmond Terrace and Bay Street. Craft House, a combination gastropub and lounge located in Tompkinsville, features an expansive selection of craft beers, drinks and carefully crafted entrées in a chic and tranquil environment. Be sure to try the Pineapple Habanero Wings, a sweet and slightly spicy flavored dish of crisp and freshly fried chicken wings.

For a more upbeat and lively night, visit Above Rooftop, a dance club/music venue in the heart of Staten Island. Club goers enjoy a vibrant and energetic-dance atmosphere complemented by local and resident deejay talent. Above Rooftop sports a full bar, bottle service and private cabanas.

The Saint George Terminal serves as a primary hub for transportation in the St. George area, with numerous bus routes throughout Staten Island. The terminal also houses the Staten Island Railway system as well as the Staten Island Ferry, a passenger ferry service that travels between the Manhattan and Staten Island boroughs. St. George offers access to numerous taxi services running throughout the area and Uber.

For those who drive their own cars, municipal parking lots spread throughout the town provide affordable public parking for as little as $8 a day, with options for long-term parking available as well. Some residents prefer to commute by foot or bicycle, but St. George does not have much in the way of official bike lanes.

The Staten Island Expressway runs throughout the city and provides efficient and easy access to Brooklyn, Long Island and parts of New Jersey.

St. George does not contain a large number of traditional parks, but residents can still enjoy a diverse assortment of family-friendly scenic areas throughout the outskirts of town and neighboring areas.

Barrett Park houses a beautifully defined statue that serves as a memorial to Clarence T. Barrett, a major figure in the area's post-Civil War development. Another noteworthy destination to visit is the Staten Island September 11th Memorial on Bank Street. In a peaceful and carefully designed environment, the memorial serves to majestically commemorate the lives of those who passed on that tragic day. The park provides a serene view of the Manhattan skyline, Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty.

In April be sure to catch the St. George Art Festival – a celebration of local artistic talent consisting of live performances and exhibitions of original works of art.

The cost of living in St. George is approximately 14 percent lower than in the rest of the city, and it costs only $2.50 to take public transportation to the center of Staten Island.

The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1500 per month, with gas prices averaging 14 percent higher than the national average. Luckily, you can pick up a tasty pint of beer at most bars for just under $6.

A closely-knit selection of independently owned boutiques and specialty stores populate the major shopping area of St. George, primarily located along Bay Street and Richmond Terrace.

Everything Goes Clothing functions as the community's neighborhood thrift store, and features a rich selection of vintage clothing and apparel – everything from simple T-shirts and scarves to classic tuxedos and handmade shawls. Customers love the friendly atmosphere and affordable prices at this quaint neighborhood store, making it a community favorite.

Just a few steps down the street lies the Everything Goes Bookstore, Staten Island's largest used bookstore. Everything Goes sports an in-store cafe along with its impressively diverse collection of literature, CDs, vinyl records and DVDs. Be sure to visit this charming neighborhood hangout on a Saturday night to experience the store's open mic night, featuring a lively display of musical and literary performances by local talent.

Just shy of the St. George border along Bay Street lies Key Food, the one stop shop for grocery and necessity needs in the St. George community. The St. George Greenmarket also services the community as St. George's main farmers market. Poised on the corner of St. Marks Place and Hyatt Street near the historic St. George theater and town library, this community market presents a rich assortment of fresh local produce and food every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.