Cementon, Staten Island, NY

Cementon Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Cementon is a small, historically industrial neighborhood located in the northwestern corner of Staten Island, nestled between Mariners Harbor to the south and the Arthur Kill waterway to the west. Its name is derived from the former Alpha Portland Cement Company plant, which operated along the waterfront for much of the 20th century and was a major local employer. This legacy gives the area a distinct, no-frills character, defined by its working-class roots and proximity to active industrial and maritime operations.

The neighborhood is geographically defined by the West Shore Expressway (Route 440) to the east and the Kill van Kull to the north. Its location is primarily functional, offering direct access to major transportation arteries like the Bayonne Bridge and the Staten Island Expressway (I-278). While not a traditional residential destination, Cementon represents a slice of Staten Island's blue-collar history, with a quiet, insular feel amidst the larger, bustling borough.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock in Cementon is modest and consists primarily of detached and semi-detached single-family homes built in the mid-20th century, often on smaller lots. There are also some multi-family homes and a limited number of older, smaller apartment buildings. The architectural styles are generally straightforward and utilitarian, reflecting the neighborhood's practical origins.

Real estate prices in Cementon are among the more affordable on Staten Island, attracting first-time homebuyers and those seeking value relative to other NYC boroughs. The market is predominantly owner-occupied, with a lower rental percentage than more transit-rich areas. Recent trends show gradual price increases due to borough-wide demand, but Cementon remains a relative value proposition, albeit one that trades certain amenities for affordability and space.

Schools & Education

Cementon is zoned within New York City Community School District 31. The local elementary school is typically PS 22, the Graniteville School, located just south in Graniteville. For middle school, students often attend IS 72, the Rocco Laurie School, or IS 51, the Edwin Markham School, in nearby communities.

The area is not known for highly competitive public schools compared to other Staten Island neighborhoods, which is a factor in its affordability. Families in the area may also consider nearby Catholic schools, such as St. Michael-St. Malachy's School in Mariners Harbor. For higher education, the College of Staten Island's Willowbrook campus is a short drive or bus ride away.

Parks & Recreation

Cementon itself is not a park-rich neighborhood, given its industrial footprint. However, it is in close proximity to several significant green spaces. The expansive William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge, a large preserve of wetlands and meadows, lies directly to the north along the Travis area, offering trails, birdwatching, and a connection to natural Staten Island.

To the east, residents can access the larger North Shore parks, including Silver Lake Park and its golf course. Recreational activities are often community-based or centered around home life. The nearby Staten Island Mall area provides commercial recreation options like movie theaters and chain restaurants, while the waterfront offers industrial vistas rather than traditional parkland.

Local Dining & Shopping

Commercial options within Cementon's immediate borders are limited and lean towards practical necessities. Dining is largely comprised of local pizzerias, delis, and diners that cater to a longstanding residential base. For a wider variety of restaurants, residents typically drive to shopping corridors along Forest Avenue in Mariners Harbor or the Staten Island Mall complex in New Springville.

Day-to-day shopping for groceries is served by local bodegas and smaller markets. Larger supermarket chains, such as ShopRite and Key Food, are located in adjacent neighborhoods. The neighborhood's commercial identity is intertwined with its industrial surroundings, featuring auto repair shops, wholesalers, and businesses that support the working port and transportation networks.

Who Lives Here

Cementon is home to a tight-knit, predominantly working-class and middle-class community. Many residents are long-term Staten Islanders with family histories in the area, often working in trades, transportation, city jobs, or local industry. The demographic is diverse, with a mix of White, Hispanic, and Black residents, reflecting the broader North Shore's multicultural character.

The community vibe is unpretentious, residential, and car-dependent. It attracts individuals and families seeking the space and affordability of single-family home ownership in New York City, who are willing to forgo walkability and extensive amenities. It is a neighborhood for those who value practicality, quiet streets, and a sense of history over trendiness, embodying a resilient, blue-collar spirit that has long been a part of Staten Island's identity.

Cementon Market Data

Top Real Estate Agents in Cementon, Staten Island

Nearby Neighborhoods in Staten Island, NY

← Back to all Staten Island, NY real estate agents

← Back to all New York real estate agents