Prince's Bay, NY

Just south of Staten Island's hustle and bustle lies the serene waterside community of Prince's Bay. Tucked along the Arthur Kill river, this often unsung location offers scenic shorelines and views of industrial New Jersey from across the way.

Take a stroll down Bay Street where salty sailboats bob in the waves and local fishermen haul their catches aboard colorfully painted boats. 

Feeling adventurous? In just ten minutes you can lose yourself in the woods, beaches and trails of Great Kills Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US. 

Population

Prince's Bay has a population of around 1,762 residents according to recent estimates. This represents a slight decline from the 2020 count of 1,781 people.

Demographic	Percentage
White	77.50%
Black	10.80%
Asian	5.60%
African American	3.20%
Other	2.90%

Source: US Census Bureau

A closer look at Prince's Bay's demographic breakdown shows a population that is aging gradually. Approximately 20% of residents are under 18 years old, while those aged 18-64 make up the largest group at 63.7%. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 16% of the population. The median age of 47.6 years reflects this trend towards an older demographic profile.

With a density of over 3,254 people per square mile, Prince's Bay is more densely populated than most other parts of New York state. 

However, the growth seen in recent decades has slowed. In fact, from 2020 onward the population has declined slightly each year, with the net migration rate turning negative. This could be due to fewer young families moving into the area.

History

By the early 1700s, the area had become known as "Prince's Bay." Local lore provides two theories for the name - it may have been named after the Prince of Orange or a prominent early settler named Prince.

Other industries also took root, such as shipbuilding, brickmaking and agriculture. The arrival of the Staten Island Railway in 1860 furthered the community's growth.

In the early 1900s, Prince's Bay developed as a vacation destination as wealthy New Yorkers constructed grand summer estates. However, declining water quality and new recreational alternatives ended this era by mid-century.

Today, the town maintains a mixed residential character. Historic sites like the Seguine Mansion museum and operating Prince's Bay Lighthouse attract visitors. Built in 1837 and 1864 respectively, they offer glimpses of previous eras.

An annual Prince's Bay Oyster Festival celebrates the area's culinary heritage with tastings, music and activities. Yet oystering remains just a memory - its decline mirrored the community's shift to a bedroom community outside New York City.

Quality of Life

Prince's Bay is a safe and affordable neighborhood with low crime rates. The violent crime rate is 0.8 reported offenses per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the national average. Property crime is also less common here.

Housing is within reach for many families. Options include stand-alone homes, townhouses and waterfront apartments. 

Some challenges do exist though. Being nestled in between industrial zones means environmental pollution occasionally arises as an issue.

Congestion is also a reality, as commuters use local roads to reach the Staten Island Expressway during rush hours. However, most feel these downsides are outweighed by the tight-knit feel and relaxed tempo that characterizes Prince's Bay.

Health

Life expectancy in Prince's Bay is slightly higher than average, at 81.2 years. But chronic diseases pose ongoing challenges, such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Mental illness also significantly impacts one in five locals each year.

While health issues persist in Prince's Bay, residents benefit from engaged institutions. Hospitals, community centers and health organizations work as partners to improve quality of life. 

Some major hospitals in the area include:

• Staten Island University Hospital South

Staten Island University Hospital South is a full-service hospital located in Prince's Bay. It provides medical and surgical care to the community.

• Prince's Bay Community Health Center

This Federally Qualified Health Center offers affordable primary care, dental, and mental health services to residents.

Safety

Residents of Prince's Bay enjoy a safe community compared to national averages. Violent crimes are quite rare, occurring at just 0.8 incidents per 1,000 people. Property offenses are also below average, though larceny and burglary do occur.

The most serene neighborhoods lie in areas of single-family homes scattered throughout the Bay. Their low density and traffic help deter wrongdoing.

After-school programs constructively occupy youth, steering them from illicit risks. These efforts seem to positively impact Prince's Bay, as its crime rates remain well below what towns of comparable size typically face nationwide.

Transportation

Getting around Prince's Bay can be challenging, thanks to regular traffic jams. Commuter chaos reigns, especially down Amboy Road and Seguine Avenue – the primary conduits linking the community beyond.

As a solution, locals participate in carpooling programs to share rides to work and school, trimming transportation costs and congestion in one fell swoop. Neighbors coordinate drives together via services connecting potential passengers.

Shopping and Dining

Shoppers in Prince's Bay are treated to a variety of retail options. Bricktown Centre shopping mall attracts consumers with stores like Target and Marshalls under one roof. Meanwhile, Seguine Plaza offers everyday needs like CVS Pharmacy and Petco.

When it's time to dine, residents enjoy numerous neighborhood spots. Panino Rustico satisfies cravings for sandwiches and wraps, as well as salad lovers. Mediterranean cuisine with hummus, baba ghanoush and falafel entices diners to La Bella Marketplace.

Oyster aficionados flock to Lucky's Oyster Bar to indulge in the briny bivalves. Families can enjoy classic diner grub at Seguine Avenue Diner. Later, pizzeria Amboy Road Pizza draws fans of New York-style slices and signature pies.

Several commerce centers also house dining, including Bricktown with its offices, dentists and attorneys. Shops and services from car dealerships to salons fill out Seguine and Amboy Road centers.

Education

Students in Prince's Bay are educated according to the standards of the NYC Department of Education, the largest public school system in the US. 

Locally, two elementary schools serve the community. Margaret Gioiosa Elementary has a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and GreatSchools rating of 7 out of 10. Meanwhile Seguine Avenue Elementary, with a ratio of 18:1, holds a score of 6. 

Points of Interest

Seguine MansionBuilt in 1837, the historic mansion is a landmark on Main Street in the town. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers visitors a glimpse into the neighborhood's past.

Historic LighthouseThe working lighthouse built in 1864 is located at the point. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its importance, while also enjoying views of the bay.

Neighborhood ParkThe popular park is a spot for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. The park offers a playground, picnic areas, and walking paths, as well as stunning views of the creek and bay.

Boat ClubThe boat club offers boat rentals, sailing lessons, and a clubhouse from its waterfront location. Members and guests can enjoy activities on the water while taking in sights of the bay.

Prince's Bay Farmers MarketHeld weekly on Saturdays, the Prince's Bay Farmers Market is located on Seguine Avenue. Community members can find fresh produce, flowers, and local products from vendors and experience the community atmosphere.