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Is Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills safe?

Staten Island, New York · safety score updated nightly

84out of 100

Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.

VibeLoco rates Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills as “Go”.

What makes up this score?

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Gogo's take on Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills

“Go. This cluster of East Shore Staten Island neighborhoods is generally peaceful, suburban, and very safe with low violent crime rates compared to broader New York City benchmarks. Visitors can comfortably explore the beachfront promenades, parks, and local Italian eateries with minimal security concerns.”

About the area

Comprising quiet residential communities along Staten Island's East Shore, this area blends leafy suburban streets, coastal recreation, and classic neighborhood eateries. It features predominantly single-family homes, strong community roots, and popular oceanfront parkland along the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk.

  • Suburban
  • Coastal
  • Family-Friendly
  • Quiet
  • Car-Dependent

Walking and biking in Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills

Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 54/100

Citi Bike does not operate in this area, but the continuous multi-use pathway along the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk offers excellent recreational riding.

Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice

Pros

  • Significantly lower violent crime rates than citywide averages, monitored primarily by the low-crime NYPD 122nd Precinct.
  • Strong economic profile characterized by high homeownership rates and median household incomes exceeding $90,000.
  • Direct access to open coastal recreation at South Beach, Midland Beach, and the Ocean Breeze park system.

Cons

  • Car-dependent layout with sparse pedestrian infrastructure away from main commercial avenues.
  • Isolated property crime incidents, primarily catalytic converter theft and unlocked vehicle trespassing.
  • Pockets near Father Capodanno Boulevard remain vulnerable to coastal flooding and severe weather.

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence across these neighborhoods, with only rare panhandling seen near busy highway exits or strip mall parking lots.

What Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills is like at each time of day

Morning · 5a – 11a
Active and calm as residents jog along the beach boardwalk and commuters make their way to the Staten Island Railway and express bus stops.
Afternoon · 11a – 5p
Very quiet on residential side streets with mild commercial traffic and errands centered around Hylan Boulevard.
Evening · 5p – 10p
Relaxed and safe, with families and patrons dining at neighborhood restaurants and strolling well-lit residential avenues.
Late night · 10p – 5a
Exceptionally quiet with minimal pedestrian activity; streets are generally peaceful, though standard caution is advised in secluded beach parking lots.

Transit, parking and getting around

MTA Staten Island Railway (SIR) serves the neighborhood via Grasmere, Old Town, and Dongan Hills stations, while MTA express buses (such as the SIM1, SIM5, and SIM7) provide direct peak-hour access to Manhattan.

Street parking is abundant and free throughout residential streets, and commercial strips along Hylan Boulevard offer dedicated surface lots.

Things to do in Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills

  • Stroll, jog, or cycle along the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk while taking in panoramic views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
  • Visit the Ocean Breeze Track & Field Athletic Complex and adjacent wetlands preserve for fitness and outdoor recreation.
  • Embark on a self-guided Italian culinary tour sampling bakeries, delis, and classic pizzerias along Hylan Boulevard and Richmond Road.

Local favorites

  • Lee's Tavern · Pizza / Tavern · 4.6★ (1250)
    Historic, beloved neighborhood tavern serving classic Staten Island bar-style thin crust pizza right across from the Dongan Hills train station.
  • Bocelli Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (920)
    Upscale East Shore staple known for traditional regional Italian dishes, fresh pasta, and old-school white-tablecloth service.
  • Pastosa Ravioli · Gourmet Italian Specialty Store · 4.7★ (680)
    Renowned Italian specialty market offering homemade ravioli, fresh mozzarella, cured meats, and authentic imported goods.

Neighborhoods near Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills

More: all Staten Island neighborhoods · safest neighborhoods in New York

Common questions about Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills

Is Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills safe to walk at night?

Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.

Is Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills a good place to live?

On safety, Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills scores 84/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.

How walkable is Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills?

Walk score 58/100 and bike score 54/100. Some errands can be done on foot.

Which areas near Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills are safer?

Todt Hill-Emerson Hill-Lighthouse Hill-Manor Heights (93), Westerleigh-Castleton Corners (90) score higher nearby.

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