Dongan Hills

 

 

Many home buyers and investors who love a central location with quick Brooklyn access have their sights set on Dongan Hills. This Mid-Island section has lots going for it, from its proximity to the beach to its own train station on the SIRR. And since Hylan Boulevard runs through it, Dongan Hills has almost every amenity you can think of.

 

From capes to colonials, townhomes to mansions, and homes that are centuries old or brand new, Dongan Hills offers some of the most diverse housing stock on the island. Practically anyone with any budget can find a home that fits their needs here. Neighborhoods that border Dongan Hills are Old Town to the north, South Beach to the east, Todt Hill to the west, and Grant City to the south.

 

Dongan Hills has extensive history dating back to the very beginning of Staten Island’s European settlement. In fact, the oldest home on Staten Island is located here. Peter Billiou was the leader of a group of Dutch and French settlers who applied for land grants in 1661. After forming the colony now known as Old Town, Billiou built his house further south of this community in 1662.

 

The Billiou-Stillwell-Perine House was eventually landmarked and you can find it on Richmond Road in the Dongan Hills area. This property was named for Billiou and his descendents who also lived in the home. The Perine and Stillwell families each built additions onto the house so it is quite a bit larger today than it was in the mid-1600’s. The home is owned and maintained by the Staten Island Historical Society and is open to the public.

 

Dongan Hills was formerly known as two split communities. The western part was originally called Hillside Park and the western half was referred to as Linden Park. The present name of this community comes from Thomas Dongan, the former governor of New Amsterdam in 1683 (see Castleton Corners for more info).

 

 

All types of housing stock can be found in Dongan Hills. Condominiums and co-ops make housing affordable at the entry level, while mansions and multi-family properties comprise the higher end real estate here. Lovers of both new construction and classic older homes can all find something here. Homes here span all the way from brand new back to pre-1900. You’ll even find a few Queen Anne Victorians in the northeastern section.

 

There are a number of small community parks within Dongan Hills and some larger parks around the perimeter. An L-shaped park along Zoe Street and Stobe Avenue called Last Chance Pond Park is one block away from the triangular General Douglas MacArthur Park and mini pool. Over on Dongan Avenue you will find Dongan Playground.

 

Larger swaths of greenery surrounding Dongan Hills make this a great area for lovers of the outdoors. Along the South Beach shoreline is Ocean Breeze Park and wetlands. To the east is Staten Island’s largest park land and the second largest park in New York City- the Greenbelt. This outdoorsman’s paradise offers miles of wooded hiking trails, lots of hills, and boy scout camping grounds and cabins. Adults can also play at the Richmond County Country Club, located on E Entry Road.

 

 

Dongan Hills is one of the more convenient locations to get around. Hylan Boulevard and Richmond Road both run through here, along with all the shops and restaurants found on these main roads. Another great asset for motorists is I-278, directly north of this neighborhood. Dongan Hills is just a few exits Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

 

Being located on the east shore in the mid-island section means Dongan Hills is one of the best areas for public transportation. As mentioned before, Dongan Hills has its own stop on the train. There are also many express bus routes here that serve the city: on Richmond Road, the SIM15, with local bus routes s74, s76, and s78. Hylan Boulevard has the most options though. Here, you can catch the SIM1, the SIM1c, SIM7, SIM10, and the SIM11, and also select bus s79-SBS to Bay Ridge.

 

Dongan Hills students have a number of schools in the vicinity. The nearest elementary school is PS 46 on Reid Avenue. For older children, Concord High School is just north of Dongan Hills in the Rosebank area, and Micheal J. Petrides school is located on Ocean Terrace. There are a few Catholic Schools around Dongan Hills too: The Academy of St. Dorothy, The Holy Rosary School, St. Joseph Hill Academy, St. Joseph’s Parochial School, and the St. Ann’s School.

 

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