Washingtonville, Staten Island, NY

Washingtonville Neighborhood Overview

Neighborhood Overview

Washingtonville is a charming, historic neighborhood nestled in the heart of Staten Island, New York. Located just west of the Staten Island Zoo and adjacent to the bustling commercial corridor of Forest Avenue, it offers a unique blend of residential tranquility and urban convenience. The neighborhood is characterized by its tree-lined streets, well-maintained single-family homes, and a strong sense of community, providing a suburban feel within the city's limits. Its central location provides easy access to major thoroughfares like the Staten Island Expressway (I-278) and the West Shore Expressway, making commutes to other boroughs or New Jersey relatively straightforward.

The area's history is deeply rooted in Staten Island's development, with many homes dating back to the early 20th century, reflecting architectural styles from that era. Washingtonville maintains a distinct identity separate from the surrounding areas, known for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere. It sits within walking distance of the cultural and recreational hub of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, adding a layer of arts and greenery to the community's lifestyle. This combination of history, location, and community spirit defines Washingtonville as a sought-after enclave for those seeking space and stability.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock in Washingtonville is predominantly composed of detached single-family homes, with a notable presence of classic Staten Island-style colonials, Cape Cods, and Tudor revivals, many constructed between the 1920s and 1950s. Lot sizes are generous for New York City, offering driveways, front yards, and backyards—a premium amenity that attracts families and those seeking outdoor space. The median home value of $788,800 reflects this desirable property type and the neighborhood's overall stability and appeal. Price points typically range from the mid-$600,000s for more modest, updated homes to well over $1 million for larger, fully renovated properties or new construction.

Washingtonville is overwhelmingly an owner-occupied community, with a homeownership rate significantly higher than the NYC average. The rental market is limited, consisting mainly of accessory units or smaller multi-family conversions. Recent trends show steady appreciation, driven by inventory constraints and sustained demand from local upsizers and newcomers drawn from other boroughs seeking more square footage and a suburban lifestyle without leaving the city. Renovations and expansions are common, as homeowners invest in modernizing historic properties while preserving their architectural character.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Residents enjoy a lifestyle centered on convenience and local community. While primarily residential, Washingtonville is within a short walk or drive to extensive amenities on Forest Avenue, which serves as a main commercial artery featuring a diverse array of family-owned restaurants, pizzerias, bakeries, supermarkets, and specialty shops. The neighborhood is also proximate to the Staten Island Mall for big-box retail. For recreation, the sprawling grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden offer walking paths, museums, and seasonal events, while nearby Silver Lake Park provides golf, tennis, and walking trails.

Walkability is moderate within the residential blocks, but a car is generally necessary for most errands and commuting. Public transit options include local MTA bus lines that connect to the Staten Island Railway at the nearby Tompkinsville or St. George stations, providing a ferry link to Manhattan. The neighborhood's central location means quick car access to the Staten Island Expressway for commutes to Brooklyn, Manhattan via the Verrazzano Bridge, or New Jersey via the Goethals Bridge. The community feel is enhanced by local churches, community boards, and neighborhood associations that foster engagement.

Schools & Education

Washingtonville is zoned within New York City's Geographic District 31, the city's largest school district. Families have access to several well-regarded public elementary schools in the vicinity, including PS 44 Thomas C. Brown and PS 78, which serve the area. For middle school, students may attend IS 51 Edwin Markham or other nearby options. The neighborhood is also in the catchment zone for some of Staten Island's top-performing high schools, including Staten Island Technical High School (a specialized high school requiring an entrance exam) and Susan E. Wagner High School.

In addition to the public school system, Staten Island offers a robust selection of private and parochial educational institutions. Several Catholic schools are within a short distance, such as Blessed Sacrament School and St. Teresa's School, providing alternatives for families seeking religious education. The presence of the College of Staten Island (CSI) campus, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, is also a significant asset, offering higher education opportunities and cultural programming for the broader community.

Community & Demographics

Washingtonville is a stable, affluent community with a median household income of $152,168, significantly above the NYC and borough averages. The population is predominantly White, with a growing mix of Asian and Hispanic residents reflecting broader Staten Island trends. The neighborhood is family-centric, with a notable concentration of residents in the 35-64 age range and a significant number of households with children under 18. Multi-generational families are common, and the area has a low turnover rate, indicating high resident satisfaction.

The community character is one of quiet pride and neighborliness. It is a place where residents often know one another, and community integrity is highly valued. This is evidenced by the well-kept properties, active participation in local civic associations, and support for neighborhood businesses. The demographic profile, combined with the high homeownership rate, fosters a strong investment in the area's maintenance and long-term vitality, creating a cohesive and desirable living environment.

Real Estate Market Insights

For real estate professionals, Washingtonville represents a stable, high-value market with consistent demand. Its median home value of $788,800 positions it as a premium Staten Island neighborhood, appealing to move-up buyers, professionals, and families. The market is characterized by low inventory relative to demand, leading to competitive bidding situations for turn-key properties and creating opportunities for value-add investments through renovations. The neighborhood's resilience during market fluctuations is bolstered by its owner-occupant base and lack of speculative development.

Current buyer/seller dynamics favor sellers due to limited listings, but the market remains price-sensitive; overpriced homes tend to sit. Key value drivers include updated kitchens and bathrooms, central air, and expanded living space. For investors, the rental market, while small, can be lucrative for well-maintained single-family homes or legal two-family properties catering to the demand from newcomers or extended families

Washingtonville Market Data

Top Real Estate Agents in Washingtonville, 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

Verification & Transparency

• Transparency
• Crawl Stats
• Methodology
• Ranking Methodology