Ward Hill

Stapleton is a northeastern neighborhood in Staten Island. The area is located on the northeast coast along Upper New York Bay. Historically, the Vanderbilt family held much land here in the early 19th century. In 1836, Minthorne Tompkins (the son of Vice President Daniel Tompkins) and merchant William Staples established a ferry to Manhattan and founded the village at Bay and Water Streets.

Rich in history, the neighborhood streets are filled with restored homes and skeletons of homes dated way way back. There is not much new about Stapleton. Stapleton used to be the area’s commercial hub, but since the construction of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge most all commercial development has shifted to the interior of the island.

The New York Public Library operates a branch in Stapleton and is located at 132 Canal Street, at the corner of Wright Street.

Ward Hill on Staten Island’s north shore makes a good case in matching the views of Staten Island’s more prominent hills. First a little history, the hill was named Ward Hill after the prominent Caleb Tompkins Ward whose family roots in this community run deep. Ward Hill’s mansion sits in the heart of the current Ward Hill neighborhood and is currently a New York City Landmark.

On Ward Hill’s southern most side, occasionally called Stapleton Heights, is St. Paul’s Avenue. The Avenue features some of Staten Island’s oldest homes and is probably one of the best preserved historic communities in New York City. Several years prior to the streets historic designation in June, 2004 area homeowners worked laboriously to get the street approved for designation. St. Paul’s Ave. is Staten Island’s only land marked street.

Homes on Ward Hill have a sales range of $830,000 to as little as $315,000, obviously the homes located on the hill will have an effect on value. The highest price listing currently stands at nearly a million dollars.

If you’re seeking a high end home in Staten Island, then Ward Hill is one location that should be considered. This extremely residential area, aside from an occasional gas station or supermarket, boasts priceless views with a relative bargain.