Is Tottenville-Charleston safe?
Staten Island, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Tottenville-Charleston as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Tottenville-Charleston
“Go. Tottenville and Charleston form one of the safest and quietest suburban enclaves in New York City, characterized by exceptionally low violent and property crime rates. While it is quite far from Manhattan and heavily car-dependent, visitors seeking historic sites, peaceful waterfront parks, and Italian dining will find a very welcoming and secure environment.”
About the area
Occupying the southernmost tip of New York State on Staten Island, Tottenville and Charleston offer a distinctly suburban, small-town atmosphere with historic homes and natural shorelines. The area boasts high rates of homeownership, well-kept single-family residential streets, and sprawling waterfront green spaces like Conference House Park. It is predominantly residential and retail-oriented, catering mainly to families and commuters.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Waterfront Views
Walking and biking in Tottenville-Charleston
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 40/100
Citi Bike is not available in this part of Staten Island, though local multi-use paths exist inside Conference House Park and Clay Pit Ponds State Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Covered by the NYPD 123rd Precinct, which consistently reports some of the lowest violent crime rates in New York City
- High median household incomes exceeding $110,000 and low poverty rates under 5%
- Extremely peaceful residential blocks with strong community cohesion and high homeownership
- Scenic waterfront parks and well-preserved Revolutionary War-era history
Cons
- Substantial distance and lengthy commute times to Manhattan and Brooklyn without a personal vehicle
- Occasional property crimes such as catalytic converter theft and opportunistic car break-ins in commercial plazas
- Very low walkability requiring a car for most daily errands and dining
- Limited late-night commercial activity and quiet streets after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Tottenville or Charleston, with virtually no encampments or public panhandling observed in the area.
What Tottenville-Charleston is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet with neighbors walking dogs, joggers in local parks, and residents commuting along Arthur Kill Road.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe, with family activity centered around local parks, schools, and the Bricktown retail plazas.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel with relaxed dining crowds at local waterfront restaurants and low pedestrian traffic.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very sleepy and exceptionally safe, though side streets are dark and personal vehicle travel is standard.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA Staten Island Railway terminates at Tottenville Station offering rail connections northward toward the St. George Ferry, supplemented by local MTA buses (S59, S78) and express buses to Manhattan (SIM2, SIM26).
Parking is exceptionally easy with abundant free street parking throughout residential neighborhoods and expansive free surface lots at shopping centers.
Things to do in Tottenville-Charleston
- Tour the historic 17th-century Conference House and walk along the scenic Raritan Bay waterfront paths
- Explore Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve for hiking, birdwatching, and nature trails
- Shop and dine at the open-air Bricktown Centre at Charleston
Local favorites
- The Conference House · Historical Landmark · 4.6★ (420)Historic 1675 stone manor house famous for hosting the 1776 peace conference during the Revolutionary War.
- Angelina's Ristorante · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (1680)Upscale Italian fine dining offering waterfront harbor views, fresh pasta, and an extensive wine list.
- South Shore Bar & Grill · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (310)Laid-back neighborhood spot serving hearty pub favorites, burgers, and craft beers on tap.
Neighborhoods near Tottenville-Charleston
Common questions about Tottenville-Charleston
Is Tottenville-Charleston safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Tottenville-Charleston a good place to live?
On safety, Tottenville-Charleston scores 90/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Tottenville-Charleston?
Walk score 42/100 and bike score 40/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Tottenville-Charleston are safer?
Annadale-Huguenot-Prince's Bay-Woodrow (92) score higher nearby.
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