Grant City, NY

Grant City is a charming neighborhood located on the southwestern shore of Staten Island. Nestled alongside the Arthur Kill waterway, Grant City offers residents small town charm within New York City limits. 

Population

Grant City is home to approximately 6,000 residents according. The neighborhood is quite diverse, with over half of the population identifying as white and significant portions identifying as Asian or Hispanic. 

While Grant City saw modest growth of around 2% over the past decade, the population continues to increase each year as more people discover this welcoming community.

Fast Facts - Grant City, NY
Median age	37.3
Male-female ratio	49.9% male to 50.1% female
Most common languages spoken	Christianity, Hinduism, Islam
Most common religions
Unemployment rate	4.20%
Poverty rate	8.10%

History

Grant City's history stretches back centuries, to its earliest inhabitants, the Lenape. In the mid-1600s, Dutch and English settlers arrived in Frenchtown, as the area was then known.

It was not until the early 1900s, as the Industrial Revolution took hold, that the community really began to grow. That's when it was renamed Grant City in honor of Civil War hero Ulysses S. Grant. Wave after wave of working class immigrants transformed the humble agricultural community into a vibrant suburb of New York City.

Quality of Life

Residents enjoy a high quality of life in the friendly neighborhood of Grant City. The community offers excellent schools and a variety of amenities to support families. Wagner High School consistently ranks among the top public schools in New York thanks to dedicated teachers and staff. 

You'll find many professionals and young families choosing to settle here for the highly regarded education system.

Health

Residents of Grant City tend to be fairly healthy, enjoying a life expectancy above the New York City average of 80 years. 

However, the neighborhood faces its share of public health issues. Chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes affect four in ten adults—likely linked to high obesity and sedentary rates. 

Thankfully, Grant City is well-served by healthcare infrastructure. Situated just a mile away are:

• Staten Island University Hospital South: This full-service facility provides emergency services plus inpatient and outpatient care. Residents appreciate its convenience for everything from routine checkups to surgery.
• RUMC NW Staten Island Family Health Center:This community health center offers affordable primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, dentistry, and behavioral health services to everyone, regardless of income or insurance status.

Safety

The friendly, closely-knit community of Grant City prides itself on being a safe place to call home. 

Property crimes like burglary and theft occur at a slightly lower rate than in other New York City neighborhoods, while violent offenses are considerably rarer. Around-the-clock police presence helps provide security.

While no place is entirely trouble-free, locals feel solid safety measures give them peace of mind. 

Transportation

Getting around the hilltop neighborhood of Grant City is easy thanks to an array of transportation services. 

Locals rely heavily on the dependable Staten Island Railway, which offers a quick ride downtown complete with Manhattan views. The commute under an hour beats the borough average. Those preferring roads can hop on the frequent S51, S79 or SIM1C buses for stately travel to other SI hubs or bustling Brooklyn.

Within community borders, car travel runs smoothly aside from minor congestion at rush hour. Fortunately ample street parking spots are available when needed.

Shopping and Dining

From daily essentials to evening entertainment, Grant City is well-stocked when it comes to shopping and dining destinations.

Grocery powerhouses like ShopRite and Foodtown satisfy hungry families, while CVS and Walgreens take care of prescriptions and sundries. Homeowners flock to hardware havens Ace and True Value for supplies. The Staten Island Mall hosts Macy's, JCPenney, Old Navy and more for clothes and housewares.

Just as diversified are the neighborhood's cuisine choices. Italian joints like Gennaro's and Luigi's entice with brick-oven wonders, yet international flavors also abound from Chinese to Mexican. 

Education

Students in Grant City are well-served by several public schools according to test scores that surpass city averages. The neighborhood falls under the largest school system in the country, New York City Public Schools, which implements a rigorous common core curriculum.

Additionally, the neighborhood has a number of elementary and middle schools, as well as one high school: Susan E. Wagner High School. Wagner High School is a highly regarded public school, and it has been ranked as one of the best high schools in New York State.

Points of Interest

• The Staten Island Zoo: This local favorite is the largest zoo in New York City, home to over 850 animals from around the world. Kids and families flock here to see their favorite lions, tigers, bears, elephants and more up close in natural habitats. Guided tours and educational shows further wildlife appreciation.
• The Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden: Sprawling over 83 beautiful acres, this cultural oasis boasts art galleries, performance spaces, ornamental gardens and pastoral walking trails. Varied exhibitions showcase both established and emerging talents. Come summer, outdoor concerts and plays enhance the lush setting.
• The Staten Island Museum: Delving into the borough's past, present and future, this thorough institution displays artistic, scientific and anthropological exhibits. Explore Native American relics, colonial memorabilia or vestiges of industrial boom times. Bonus attractions include a planetarium and nature center.
• Silver Lake Park & Playground: Active families rejoice at this popular community hub. Little athletes can burn energy to their heart's content on swings and jungle gyms galore. Parents catch up on a shaded bench by the namesake lake or fitness-focused stride trails. Special events like concerts further draw residents.