Grimes Hill, Staten Island, NY
Discover Grymes Hill: Staten Island's Elevated Elegance
Perched on a prominent bluff overlooking the eastern shore of Staten Island, Grymes Hill offers residents more than just a place to live; it provides a grand gallery of the New York Harbor. At its peaks, you’ll find breathtaking panoramic views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and the rolling waters of the Atlantic.
This prestigious residential neighborhood is known for its winding, hillside streets, majestic estates, and a profound sense of privacy. If you seek an upscale community with stunning vistas and a serene atmosphere, Grymes Hill is an exceptional place to call home.
A History of Prominence and Picturesque Views
From Bennett's Hill to Grymes Hill: Originally known as Bennett's Hill after an early settler, the area underwent a transformation in the mid-19th century. Its name was changed to honor Suzette Grymes, the wife of a prominent New Orleans lawyer, who settled on the hill and helped cultivate its reputation as a refuge for the wealthy.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it attracted industrial titans and influential families drawn to its spectacular elevation. Over the years, the neighborhood has meticulously maintained this air of exclusivity, becoming one of Staten Island's most storied and desirable addresses.
A Community Defined by Seclusion and Sophistication
Grymes Hill is a sanctuary. Because many of its most impressive homes are set back from the road or tucked behind stone walls and iron gates, the neighborhood offers a level of seclusion rare in New York City.
The community is characterized by a "sophisticated quiet"; a place where residents value their privacy but share a deep pride in the preservation of their historic landscape. Despite its private nature, the neighborhood is vibrant, anchored by local institutions and a shared appreciation for the dramatic views that define daily life.
Architectural Grandeur with Unparalleled Vistas
The visual landscape of Grymes Hill is an architectural tapestry of Staten Island’s "Gold Coast" era.
Classic Estates: You’ll find sprawling Tudors, Spanish Revivals, and Georgian-style manors, many of which feature terraced gardens and stone-paved driveways.
Contemporary Mastery: Newer luxury homes emphasize modern glass and steel, designed specifically with floor-to-ceiling windows to capture the skyline views.
Elevated Design: Due to the steep topography, many homes are built into the hillside, resulting in unique layouts with multiple levels of balconies and panoramic terraces.
Real Estate in Grymes Hill: 2026 Market Insights
Grymes Hill remains a resilient "wealth preservation" market. While inventory is often limited, the options range from grand estates to luxury cooperatives.
Pricing Trends (Early 2026): As of January 2026, the real estate market in Grymes Hill reflects a "normalization" after the frantic years of the early 2020s. The median home value is approximately $748,000, which accounts for a mix of high-rise apartments and single-family homes.
Luxury Tiers: For those seeking the signature hillside estates, prices frequently range from $1.1 million to well over $4.5 million.
The "Apartment Row": Along Howard Avenue, the neighborhood offers prestigious cooperatives and condos with some of the best views in the city, providing a more accessible entry point for professionals and retirees.
Market Dynamics: Move-in-ready homes are currently commanding a premium, as buyers in 2026 prioritize quality and updated amenities over "fixer-upper" projects.
Amenities and Connectivity: Seclusion with Convenient Access
Experience peaceful living with proximity to urban culture and essential services:
Local Hotspots and Academic Hubs
Grymes Hill is often called the "Hill of Knowledge" due to its concentration of higher education institutions:
Wagner College: A private liberal arts college whose picturesque, collegiate-gothic campus adds to the neighborhood's beauty.
Notre Dame Academy: A prestigious all-girls Catholic school that has been a staple of the hill since 1903.
Dining: Residents are just a short descent from the diverse eateries of Victory Boulevard and the evolving St. George Waterfront.
Access to Green Spaces and Culture
Silver Lake Park: Adjacent to the hill, this park offers a golf course, tennis courts, and walking trails around a scenic reservoir.
Alice Austen House: A short drive away, this historic landmark offers stunning waterfront views and world-class photography exhibits.
Connectivity and Transportation
While private vehicles are the primary mode of transport on the hill, connectivity is excellent:
Ferry Access: The Staten Island Ferry Terminal is only about 5-10 minutes away, offering a free 25-minute trip to Manhattan.
Bus Routes: Periphery routes like the S61, S62, and S66 connect residents to the rest of the island, and the SIM1C express bus offers a direct route to Midtown Manhattan.
Driving: Immediate access to the Staten Island Expressway (I-278) makes for a fast commute to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and Brooklyn.
At a Glance:
HOA: No
55+ Community: No
2026 Median Home Value: ~$748,000
Vibe: Exclusive, Elevated, and Academic.
Grymes Hill offers a truly exceptional opportunity to experience luxurious living with some of the most breathtaking views in North America. Its grand homes, private settings, and unparalleled vistas make it a highly desirable place to call home.
