Charleston, NY

Bolstered by resilient residents, Charleston maintains the richness of old-world heritage while embracing new generations with open arms. 

Family-oriented streets teem with youth, yet remain safe havens thanks to community policing and neighborly watchfulness.

An intriguing cultural patchwork prevails as well, as immigrants from across the globe now interweave their traditions into the neighborhood fabric.

Population

The population of Charleston, Staten Island numbers around 16,000 residents. While predominately white, the neighborhood is diverse with sizeable Hispanic, Asian, and Black populations.

Population Group	Percentage of Population
White	57.9%
Hispanic	20.2%
Asian	13.1%
Black	8.7%

In recent years, the population has risen at a moderate 3.2% clip. That's a slightly slower pace than Staten Island's 3.4% growth but shows Charleston continues attracting newcomers. 

 In 2020 alone, over 1,000 more people moved into the neighborhood than departed.

Living in one of the borough's denser neighborhoods, over 11,000 people inhabit each square mile of Charleston on average. 

History

Originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans who called it "Aquehonga," the land was first claimed by the Dutch in 1609 when explorer Henry Hudson sailed into the Arthur Kill.

The Dutch established the settlement of Charleston in 1661, naming it after England's King Charles II. 

During the Revolutionary War, Charleston found itself in the midst of the conflict as many residents remained loyal to the British Crown. In 1777, General Sir William Howe landed his troops here and made the neighborhood his base of operations.

The area was then incorporated into New York City in 1901.Dramatic growth followed in the post-war 1940s-60s as the community transitioned from pastoral to suburban. 

Quality of Life

Charleston is such a great neighborhood in Staten Island. The tree-lined streets make it feel nice and cozy, plus all the well-kept parks and playgrounds are perfect for kids to run around.

Safety tops the list of priorities, as the crime rate stays lower than the rest of Staten Island. And getting around Charleston is simple through public transit like the railway and buses.

With social networks fostered through civic groups, residents truly feel engaged in their safe, family-friendly hometown. It's no wonder so many choose to make Charleston their long-term home.

Health

World-class care is nearby at the major hospitals:

• Staten Island University Hospital South serves the neighborhood with emergency and acute services.
• Richmond University Medical Center provides quality inpatient and outpatient treatment.

From primary care to specialty practices, residents access services through their individual doctors and dentists located throughout Charleston.

Safety

As one of Staten Island's safer neighborhoods, Charleston residents can feel secure thanks to a low crime environment. The rates of 3.9 offenses per 1,000 stand well below the borough average, with most unlawful incidents involving theft or robbery.

Transportation

Getting around Charleston is easy thanks to a mix of options. Roads see steady traffic, especially major arteries like Arthur Kill Road and Hylan Boulevard during rush hours.

A variety of commute times exist, typically 30 minutes on average whether driving to work or taking public transit. Manhattan bounds can extend journeys to 45 minutes.

Relief comes via the Staten Island Railway, a free connector from neighborhood stations to the St. George terminal. There, riders transfer to the complimentary ferry across New York Harbor.

Shopping and Dining

Shopping in Charleston caters to every need, from major retailers to local favorites. South Shore Commons entices with heavy hitters like Target and Walmart standing alongside Macy's and JCPenney.

An eclectic food scene suits any palate, from Italian staples to global cuisine. Reggiano's fires authentic pies and seafood since the 90s, while The Staaten sources seasonal American with flair.

Other plazas sprinkle the neighborhood too, with varied stores from Marshall's to Home Depot.

Education

As a community within the New York City public school system, Charleston students benefit from robust educational opportunities.

Elementary offerings include PS 56, PS 6 and PS 62. Further learning occurs at IS 34, Totten and Paulo Intermediate, culminating at Tottenville High.

Students also pursue private paths, such as Staten Island Academy and St. Joseph Hill Academy.

Specialized support exists too. From English language programs to special education, the Staten Island Education Department caters to diverse needs. 

Points of Interest

• Clay Pit Pond State Park PreserveThis park has 250 acres of land around a large pond, perfect for hiking and observing nature. Trails wind through meadows and wetlands, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet while spotting local wildlife.
• Great Kills ParkWalk along the waterfront trails taking in the stunning ocean vistas with the iconic Verrazano Bridge towering in the distance.
• Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical GardenWander through 285 acres of gorgeous gardens and historic buildings turned art galleries and event spaces. You'll find lots to discover like concerts, festivals and workshops happening year-round.
• Staten Island MuseumSee exhibits that tell the fascinating history and culture of Staten Island. Bonus points if you check out what's playing at their small planetarium too.
• St. George TheatreA preserved theater from the 1920s offering everything from musicals to concerts to comedy shows. The ornate design transports you to Hollywood's golden age.
• Tottenville Historical SocietyDive into the history of Tottenville and Charleston through their museum artifacts and research archives. Fascinating for local history buffs.