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rooklyn residents are fleeing to Staten Island in search of more affordable housing options. According to a PropertyShark analysis, 12% of Brooklyn homebuyers in the first five months of 2025 opted for properties on the island, making it the largest cross-borough migration of the year.

    The high cost of living in Brooklyn is driving this trend, with median home sale prices reaching $850,000. In contrast, Staten Island's median price was $708,000 during the same period. For many Brooklynites, the allure of larger homes and lower prices on Staten Island is too great to resist.

    Wallace Wong, a father of two who moved from Bath Beach to New Dorp in June, says he was able to purchase a detached four-bedroom home with a private backyard for just over $1 million – a significant upgrade from his previous semi-detached abode. "I prefer the environment of Staten Island because it feels less crowded and more rural," Wong said.

    Staten Island's real estate market has been benefiting from Brooklynites seeking more space and a lower cost of living. Realtor Tom Crimmins notes that during the pandemic, people were drawn to the island for its larger homes and greater sense of community. "You've got great communities; beautiful, tree-lined streets – all for a great price," he said.

    According to PropertyShark's analysis, 21% of Staten Island homebuyers in the first five months of 2025 were Brooklynites. The majority of these buyers came from four neighborhoods: Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, Borough Park, and Bay Ridge. "Overall, it seems that borough-based loyalty dominated," said Eliza Theiss, author of the analysis.

    Staten Island's real estate market is poised to continue benefiting from this trend, with many Brooklynites seeking larger homes and a more suburban lifestyle without sacrificing access to the city.