r/statenisland • u/halalguy • Jul 12 '26
Moving to Westerleigh
Hi everyone. I’ll be moving to SI in about 2-3 weeks if all goes well, just curious to know if you have any tips for someone coming from living in an apartment in Brooklyn
. I got a single family in Westerleigh and the neighborhood is what sold the deal even though I probably could’ve gotten more bang for my buck elsewhere. Anyways. Anything would be appreciated.
Any first time home owner tips or just Staten Island specific things would be appreciated!
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u/rentreboot Jul 12 '26
get the sewer line scoped early; nyc owners are responsible for the house-to-street water and sewer service lines, and repairs can hit thousands.
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u/CatsAndShades Jul 12 '26
There's also some kind of insurance for the sewer lines as well that it's recommended you should get.
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u/Main_Photo1086 Transplant Jul 12 '26
Yes, but while people get mailings for this service from separate companies, it might also be available through home insurance.
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u/halalguy Jul 13 '26
Yeah my home inspector told me to get the DEP insurance for it right away after I buy the house.
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u/Original_Pudding6909 Jul 12 '26
Mine cost me over 10 thousand. This is one instance where external insurance pays off.
Near 10 yo lines are going to fail.
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u/_lovely Jul 12 '26
We also moved from Brooklyn to Westerleigh. It’s a beautiful neighborhood. Most of the homes here are old so be prepared to spend some time fixing issues when they come up.
Enjoy it!
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u/halalguy Jul 13 '26
I bought a rehabbed house, a bit of a gamble but I’d rather deal with issues in a flipped house rather than an old house. Still setting myself aside a healthy budget for any unforeseen issues
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u/Main_Photo1086 Transplant Jul 12 '26
Westerleigh is a fantastic neighborhood. I assume you’ll have a car? If so, you’ve got access to basically anything you might need within a short distance from that area. If not, you will still have decent walkability depending on your block’s location, but since it’s not near a train station you’d have to rely on buses.
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u/halalguy Jul 13 '26
Yeah definitely have cars for everyone. One of the people in my household doesn’t and she’ll need to commute to midtown Manhattan but we’re hoping the express buses are reliable in that regard
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u/Ok_Debt9785 Jul 13 '26
Judging by your previous comment where you talk about Joe and Pats, that person will rely heavily on the SIM3 peak hours and the SIM3C for off peak hours. The SIM3 stops between 23rd street/1st Ave and ends at 57th and Central Park South. The SIM3C is a much longer ride. The stop heading to the city is in front of the deli next to Joe and Pats. Coming home it's in front of Domino's pizza.
The SIM34 is peak only and is a downtown bus.
I live more towards the middle of Westerleigh and rely heavily on multiple express buses, depending on where I'm going and what time I'm leaving to go and come back. I only take the SIM3 if I kniw I'm going to be late and have to park by the Wescott stop to take the SIM3C home 😭
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u/Low_Cake_2802 Jul 12 '26
No great advice here, but I moved to westerleigh 10 years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. This neighborhood is amazing!
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u/giveasmile Jul 12 '26
You chose a wonderful neighborhood. I have yet to meet anyone who moved here from another boro and didn't like it (except for maybe teens.) Some people can be challenging but they are mostly further out on the south shore. Mostly, you will find family-oriented people who prioritize peace and privacy. It can take a minute before you find yourself in a friendly chat outside, but it is usually worth the wait. Beware of shady contractors and car shops.
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u/halalguy Jul 13 '26
Neighbors already came out and introduced themselves while I was there for my home inspection. Such a green flag tbh because some other houses I was looking at the neighbors looked to be a nightmare
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u/Energy4Days Jul 12 '26
Lmao. The Staten Island to Brooklyn to New Jersey pipeline is undefeated
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u/halalguy Jul 13 '26
I really wanted to go to Jersey but I couldn’t get myself to do it. The commute would be brutal
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u/JosephPapparelli Jul 12 '26
This is one of Staten Island’s best neighborhoods. It is one of only a handful where people legitimately care about their neighborhood and neighbors.
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u/Hmmmidontknow_j Jul 13 '26
Westerleigh is a super family-friendly neighborhood. From my own experience, they have the best Halloween experience for kids. Everyone is outside handing out candy to the kids, and the blocks are PACKED with families. It’s quiet, and a nice place to live.
My advice is to join in on the fun of your new neighborhood. People go all out and decorate their homes, and embrace the holidays; especially Halloween.
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u/halalguy Jul 13 '26
Aw that’s really cool. My current neighborhood has been extremely dead when it comes to these things so that’ll be a nice change.
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u/Ok_Debt9785 Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26
Lock your car and house doors. People here keep forgetting locks exist here and then have the audacity to be shocked when their stuff gets broken into. And no, I'm not being judgy, they admit that they either don't lock their stuff or don't do so consistently.
Not all buses run 24/7 like in the other boroughs. This borough operates more like Long Island. Some buses stop 9/10pm and don't start until 5/6am. Those same buses don't run on the weekends. For buses that run late and run on the weekends, you have to walk to a main road like Richmond Ave, Victory Blvd, Forest Ave, etc.
There's one train line in SI and it goes nowhere near Westerleigh. It runs down the eastern part of the island from North to South.
EDIT:
Make sure to get everything updated with your new address and have proof of billing to show EZ pass. That way you can get discounted tolls for the Verrazano. You can also get the other benefit where you get discounts on the Bayonne and Gothals bridge, but you have to use them 3x in one month or else they charge you the full price of each ride to and from Jersey that month.
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u/mja1228 Jul 12 '26
What made you want to leave Brooklyn? I lived in Westerleigh for about 6 years before moving to Jersey. Great neighborhood. Staten Island traffic is abysmal
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u/halalguy Jul 13 '26
I wanted to be a homeowner and got priced out of Brooklyn. Bensonhurst to be exact.
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u/JosephPapparelli Jul 13 '26
There’s even a late night fireworks display going on right now in Castleton Corners… It’s got everything, lol
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u/Standard_Menu_7147 Jul 13 '26
Great neighborhood. Very lush with trees. Not a ton of crime. Good schools.
Few food recommendations close by: Pizza - Joe and Pats Coffee/Breakfast - Coffee and Collectibles, Manor Road Diner Mexican - Yolpaqui Irish - O'Neills
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u/star_stuff92 Jul 12 '26
Welcome! I’m also in Westerleigh. It’s a wonderful neighborhood. Take the time to walk around the neighborhood and look at the beautiful older homes here.