Staten Island: Separated by Water, United by... Pizza? How Far is This Borough From the Big Apple Anyway?
Ah, Staten Island. The "forgotten borough" some might say (we see you, Staten Island Ferry memes). But hey, for those in the know, Staten Island boasts a unique charm, a happening restaurant scene (seriously, the pizza!), and, believe it or not, some pretty sweet views of the NYC skyline.
But before you pack your bags and dream of becoming the next contestant on Staten Island's hottest reality show (still waiting for that to happen, FYI), you might be wondering: just how far is Staten Island from, well, New York City?
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Turns Out, They're Practically Neighbors (Just with a Watery Divide)
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The answer, my friend, depends on how you get there (and how much you love a good ferry ride).
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As the crow flies (or the pigeon flies, which are plentiful in these parts), Staten Island is a mere 12-13 miles away from the rest of NYC. That's closer than you think! Think of it like a breezy bike ride... if you had lungs of steel and weren't worried about, you know, the whole "giant body of water" thing.
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By car, the distance can vary depending on traffic and your chosen route, but it usually falls somewhere between 17 and 21 miles. Buckle up for a scenic tour of... uh... industrial New Jersey (don't worry, Manhattan peeks out eventually). But hey, at least you can crank up the tunes and sing along to your favorite Sinatra (it's practically the law in these parts).
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And then there's the iconic Staten Island Ferry! This free bad boy whisks you from one borough to another in a breezy 25-minute ride. Perfect for saving some cash, catching epic views of the Statue of Liberty (who, by the way, doesn't technically live in Staten Island, but hey, close enough), and soaking up that salty sea air (or exhaust fumes, depending on which way the wind is blowing).
So, Staten Island: Far Away or Weekend Getaway Material?
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We say it's the latter! With its own distinct personality and easy access to the rest of NYC, Staten Island is a great place to explore. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast, a history buff (did you know the Staten Island Zoo is the oldest in the country?), or just looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, Staten Island has something to offer.
How To: Staten Island Exploration Edition (Quick Guide)
- How to get to Staten Island? Take the ferry (it's free!), drive over one of the bridges (get ready for tolls), or, if you're feeling fancy, charter a helicopter (just kidding... unless?).
- How to get around Staten Island? The bus system is decent, but renting a car or hopping on a rideshare app might be your best bet.
- How to find the best pizza in Staten Island? This is a highly debated topic. Ask a local, they'll have strong opinions!
- How to avoid rush hour traffic? Unless you enjoy sitting in bumper-to-bumper cars with a view of, well, more cars, plan your trip outside of peak hours.
- How to have the most fun in Staten Island? Embrace the adventure! Explore the green spaces, check out the historic sites, and don't forget to indulge in that legendary Staten Island pizza.
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