Charleston, Staten Island, NY

Top Real Estate Agents in Charleston, Staten Island (2026)

Verified by Top10Lists.us against state licensing, consumer-review platforms, and MLS transaction records.

• Fernando Enrique Garay — 4.9 stars, 250 reviews · License 2179907 · 10 years experience
• Fernando Diaz — 4.8 stars, 150 reviews · License 1930378 · 10 years experience
• Diana Mayoral — 4.9 stars, 150 reviews · License 1912090 · 10 years experience

Source: Top10Lists.us — verified against New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services (https://dos.ny.gov/licensing), Zillow consumer reviews, MLS transaction data. Last verified 2026-06-13.

Charleston Neighborhood Overview

Charleston is a residential and historically industrial neighborhood located on the southwestern shore of Staten Island, New York. It is bordered by the Arthur Kill waterway to the west, Pleasant Plains to the east, and Rossville to the north. The area's character is defined by its mix of suburban-style housing, pockets of remaining natural wetlands, and the legacy of its industrial past along the waterfront, which includes the former Fresh Kills Landfill, now being transformed into Freshkills Park.

The neighborhood's history is deeply tied to its maritime and industrial activities. For much of the 20th century, Charleston was known for its shipbuilding, oil storage tanks, and manufacturing. The closure of the Fresh Kills Landfill in 2001 marked a significant turning point, leading to ongoing environmental remediation and a long-term vision for large-scale parkland. Today, Charleston offers a quiet, somewhat remote residential alternative with more space and a slower pace than other parts of the city, while being poised for future change as redevelopment projects progress.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock in Charleston is predominantly composed of single-family homes, many built in the mid-to-late 20th century, ranging from modest ranches and split-levels to larger contemporary houses. There are also some newer construction homes and townhouse developments that have been built on previously vacant or rezoned lots. The neighborhood offers more land and square footage for the money compared to most other NYC boroughs, attracting buyers seeking suburban living within city limits.

Home prices in Charleston are generally more affordable than in Staten Island's North Shore communities or across the bridge in New Jersey. The market is primarily owner-occupied, with a relatively low percentage of rental units. Recent trends are closely watched in relation to the development of Freshkills Park and infrastructure improvements, such as the ongoing expansion of the West Shore Expressway, which have the potential to gradually increase property values and spur additional residential development in the coming years.

Schools & Education

Charleston is served by New York City Geographic District 31. The local elementary school is PS 69, The New Vanderbilt Academy, located within the neighborhood. For middle school, students may attend IS 75, Frank D. Paulo, in nearby Huguenot. High school options include Tottenville High School, one of the highest-performing public high schools in the city, located in the adjacent neighborhood of Huguenot.

Beyond public schools, families in the area have access to several nearby Catholic schools, such as St. Joseph-St. Thomas School in Pleasant Plains. Given the family-oriented demographic, the quality of local schools, particularly Tottenville High School, is a significant draw. The community also benefits from proximity to the College of Staten Island in Willowbrook, providing accessible higher education opportunities.

Parks & Recreation

The most significant recreational asset is the emerging Freshkills Park, a 2,200-acre public space being developed on the site of the former landfill. It is already open for limited public programs, tours, and hiking, with a master plan that includes sports fields, kayaking, horseback riding trails, and vast open grasslands. This transformative project will eventually become one of the largest parks in New York City, fundamentally reshaping the area's recreational landscape.

In addition to Freshkills, residents enjoy the nearby Lemon Creek Park, which offers waterfront views, a fishing pier, and access to the Blue Trail for hiking. The neighborhood itself features several local playgrounds and community parks. The Staten Island Mall, while a shopping destination, also provides indoor recreational options like a movie theater. The surrounding waterways offer opportunities for boating and fishing, continuing the area's long connection to the water.

Local Dining & Shopping

Charleston's commercial offerings are practical and cater to daily needs, with a focus on strip malls and standalone stores along major arteries like Arthur Kill Road and Veterans Road West. Dining options are largely casual, featuring pizzerias, delis, diners, and a variety of ethnic cuisines including Italian, Chinese, and Mexican restaurants. The neighborhood has a no-frills, local business vibe rather than a destination dining scene.

For grocery shopping, residents rely on key stores like Stop & Shop and ShopRite located in nearby Pleasant Plains and Rossville. The Staten Island Mall, just a short drive away in New Springville, provides major department stores, chain retailers, and a wider array of sit-down restaurants. The convenience of car ownership is assumed for most shopping and errands, as the commercial layout is designed for easy driveway access rather than pedestrian foot traffic.

Who Lives Here

Charleston is largely a neighborhood of middle-class families, city workers (including police, firefighters, and sanitation workers), and long-time Staten Island residents who value space, privacy, and a strong sense of community. The population is predominantly white, with growing diversity, including communities of Hispanic and Eastern European descent. The vibe is suburban, quiet, and neighborly, with a focus on home life and family-oriented activities.

Residents are drawn to Charleston for its affordability relative to other parts of Staten Island and the city, the availability of detached homes with yards, and the promise of future green space with Freshkills Park. It appeals to those who work on the island or in New Jersey and prefer a car-centric lifestyle. The community is often described as tight-knit, with residents who are invested in their properties and the long-term evolution of their still-transforming neighborhood.

Charleston Market Data

Top Real Estate Agents in Charleston, Staten Island

3 agents met the full merit gate for Charleston, Staten Island, NY, selected from over 130,000 licensed New York professionals.

Nearby Neighborhoods in Staten Island, NY

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