Ok, you’ve gotta bare with me here. I’ve been to Staten Island a handful of times in my life. I’ve always been pleasantly surprised. But don’t tell anyone. I still have to make fun of Staten Island because it’s the thing to do.

Disclosure: I did not get to Stapleton recently before writing this article. It’s just that….I’m running out of Brooklyn neighborhoods. I have to branch out.

So, here’s why I chose Stapleton this week.

A. It’s affordable.
B. Cool old homes.
C. Seems alive…culturally speaking.
D. Supposedly has good Italian restaurants.
E. Near beach.
F. Near ferry.
G. Still alittle rough around the edges.
H. My Brooklyn friend Vinny moved to Staten Island years ago told me I should do a post on it.

Some links since I don’t know what I’m talking about:

Prodigal Borough
NY Times Hipsta Article
Forgotten NY
Downtown Staten Island
Preserve Staten Island
Walking Is Transportation