Annadale, NY

Annadale, a cozy middle-class enclave on Staten Island's southern tip, hugs the shoreline between the neighboring communities of Huguenot and Prince's Bay. Residents of Annadale enjoy proximity to New York Harbor as well as a quiet suburban atmosphere.

Due to its location, Annadale gives visitors a taste of laidback suburban living, while still remaining close to major transportation routes into the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Population

According to the most recent census, the population of Annadale is approximately 12,000 residents. The median age of 44 years old indicates a good mix of young families and more seasoned locals. 

Racially, the community is predominantly white, making up around 65% of the population. 15% of residents are Hispanic, while Asian and African American each account for around 8-10% of neighbors. A small 2% identifies as another race or ethnicity.

Ethnicity	Percentage of Population
White	65%
Hispanic	15%
African American	8-10%
Asian	8-10%
Other	2%

Long-established multi-generational families reside alongside more recent immigrants drawn to the respectful working-class environment. Whether you were born and raised here or just moved in, Annadale promotes a unified small-town spirit where everybody knows your name.

History

The name Annadale dates back to the 1860s when it was chosen to honor Anna Seguine, a descendant of early French Huguenot settlers who helped develop the South Shore region in the colonial era. Seguines were prolific landowners and the family name still carries importance locally, appearing on historic maps, deeds, and Avenues throughout Annadale and neighboring communities.

In 1929, Spanish immigrants began establishing homes along the Annadale waterfront in an informal settlement referred to as the Spanish Camp or Spanish Colony. 

Makeshift tents at first provided shelter in the early years before more permanent wooden bungalows could be constructed. This original Spanish neighborhood would endure for decades as a culturally distinct pocket within Annadale. 

By the late 20th century, the buildings had fallen into disrepair and were demolished to make way for the luxury homes in their place today. However, the area remains a reminder of Staten Island's immigrant roots and Annadale's own diversity.

Quality of Life

Residents consistently rank Annadale high for its comfortable suburban quality of life. Housing options allow for settling down with options like modest ranches perfect for starter homes or larger colonials suited to growing families. 

Properties are situated along tree-lined streets keeping a clean, quiet atmosphere. With most neighbors having lived locally for 10-20 years, a real sense of community emerges through civic groups and annual events like the Fourth of July parade.

Yet despite this small-town charm, New York City is still just a quick commute away. Public transportation via rail and express buses puts Annadale residents in Manhattan within an hour, providing access to the necessities and attractions of the big city without sacrificing a more suburban pace. 

For many, Annadale feels like the ideal "Goldilocks zone" balance of urban energy and relaxed neighborhood living with the best of both worlds in such close proximity.

Health

Healthcare in Annadale is spearheaded by several reputable facilities. 

• Staten Island University Hospital North resides at 300 Seaview Avenue and functions as a comprehensive 308-bed medical center. 24/7 emergency services handle all kinds of urgent non-life-threatening and life-threatening issues. Specialized treatment areas include oncology, maternity, behavioral health and orthopedics. 
• Nearby at 275 Mayfield Avenue, Richmond University Medical Center offers additional medical resources including labor & delivery, general surgery and a Level II trauma center.

This integrated healthcare infrastructure means Annadale residents have their medical needs well taken care of right in the local community.

Safety

Safety is a top priority for residents and the local government in Eltingville and Annadale, Staten Island. The 112th Precinct, located at 25 Las Venturas Ave, patrols these neighborhoods.

Police and neighborhoods work together to closely watch for property and violent crimes. Strategic planning has made it so that emergency responders can usually arrive in under 6 minutes.

Overall, violent or property crimes occur at a much lower rate than the citywide average.

Shopping and Dining

Daily shopping and services are well handled along Amboy Road and Veteran's Road Oriental, Annadale's busier thoroughfares. Staple supermarkets like ShopRite stock all the essentials while mini-malls house classic retailers like CVS, Dollar Tree and America's Best Eyeglasses. 

For dining, Benny's Burritos satisfies Mexican cravings with great taco plates and chimichangas in a casual atmosphere. Nearby Gibson's Bar and Grill is a local favorite to watch the game over buckets of beer and comfort pub food like mac & cheese bites.

Residents willing to travel slightly farther often head to the Staten Island Mall, offering an even wider array of brands and restaurants including national chains. 

Down by the ferry terminal in St. George lies a concentration of eateries capturing global tastes from Italian to Filipino. And those craving a slice never need to go hungry with iconic pizza joints around every corner of the borough. 

Transportation

Getting to and from Annadale while exploring further reaches is made simple through the neighborhood's strategic transportation infrastructure. 

Commuters benefit from the Staten Island railway stop within Annadale proper on Amboy Rd, providing a one-seat ride directly to St. George Ferry Terminal with connections to Manhattan within an hour.

Multiple bus routes operated by MTA NYCT including the S55, S59 and S78 handle local circulation, linking with other northshore hamlets. Express bus lines like the SIM2, SIM4 and SIM23 make the borough to city commute a breeze in about 30 minutes during off-peak times. 

For drivers, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Parkway passes directly through Annadale, effortlessly accessing surrounding communities plus major arteries like the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing leading all throughout the tri-state area. Getting around proves remarkably convenient whether using public transportation or personal vehicles.

Education

Education has always been a highly valued communal institution in Annadale. Local elementary and middle grade students attend the top-rated P.S. 6 and I.S. 61, both facilities located right in the Eltingville section. 

For high school, Tottenville High School serves as the main public option, boasting strong academics, arts programs and competitive sports teams among one of the largest high schools in New York City. Students regularly achieve above average standardized test scores and graduation rates.

Several quality higher education choices also exist just a short drive away. The College of Staten Island offers a full four-year SUNY education within its beautiful verdant campus. For those seeking specialized programs or the CUNY system's diversity, other academic hubs like Brooklyn College and Queens College welcome Annadale commuters. 

With such robust resources at all levels, it's no surprise education remains a driving factor for many settling down and raising children within this committed community.

Points of Interest

• Blue Heron Park, a 222-acre preserve on Annadale's southeastern edge, offers a lush escape into natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and hiking trails among its woodlands and heron rookery.
• The Seaside Nature Center educates visitors on endemic plants and animals through exhibits and programmed tours. Tiny critters like snakes and terrapins fascinate young minds. It's a great place for learning about the local wildlife.
• The Staten Island Zoo, just 6 miles west, where locally sourced animals freely roam naturalized habitats. Daily animal feedings and shows keep family-friendly fun ongoing through any visit. Visitors of all ages can interact with and learn about the animals.
• Historic Richmond Town. Costumed docents guide tours through original 18th century-era buildings shedding light on how Staten Island's earliest settlers lived, worked, and worshipped over 200 years ago. It transports visitors back in time.
• The Staten Island Children's Museum For science and art programs that nurture curiosity through hands-on interactive play. It keeps kids entertained and engaged with exhibits that spark their imagination.
• Ward's Point Park, overlooks the scenic Verrazano Narrows and New York Harbor from a quiet stretch of coastline that is perfect for picnics and socializing as the sun goes down. It provides beautiful waterfront views in a relaxing environment.