Elevator Buildings • Great Kills, Staten Island
Elevator Buildings in Great Kills, Staten Island (2026)
NYC elevator buildings are standard in post-1929 construction but can be rare in pre-war and tenement neighborhoods. Elevator access affects accessibility, moving costs, rent, and day-to-day convenience. The NYC Multiple Dwelling Law of 1929 required elevators in buildings over six stories. In Great Kills specifically, the market is competitive but manageable — with 2 subway stations nearby.
Great Kills at a glance
Great Kills scores a median 6.5—a solid neighborhood for tree-seeking families who drive, but recent crime increases and transit limitations temper appeal for those prioritizing walkability or frequent Manhattan commutes.
What to look for in a elevator apartment in Great Kills
Great Kills has a specific housing profile that affects your elevator search. The practical infrastructure is strong, and the building stock includes budget-friendly options. These are the considerations that matter most here:
- •Elevator reliability — check DOB elevator inspection records for outage history
- •Maintenance fees may be passed through in rent or billed separately in co-ops
- •Freight elevator availability for moving day (some buildings charge for reservation)
- •Wait times during peak morning hours in older buildings with single elevators
- •Emergency stair access and elevator outage contingency plans
How to verify a elevator listing
Listings often over-promise on amenities. Before you sign a lease for a claimed elevator apartment in Great Kills, run through this verification checklist:
- ✓Check DOB elevator inspection records at a810-dobnow.nyc.gov
- ✓Test the elevator during your viewing — listen for unusual noises
- ✓Ask about recent outages, repairs, and upcoming maintenance work
- ✓Verify if the freight elevator is operational for moving day logistics
- ✓Tour during morning rush hour to see how long the elevator wait actually is
Want a deeper dive? Read our full How to Look Up NYC Building Complaints guide.
About Great Kills, Staten Island
Great Kills is a residential waterfront neighborhood where you'll find tree-lined streets—averaging 133 trees within a 200-meter radius with a canopy density of 9.5/10—and a quiet, suburban feel anchored by marina access and beach proximity. You'll have five parks within roughly a kilometer, including the namesake Great Kills Park and the specialized Seaside Wildlife Nature Park, making outdoor recreation genuinely accessible. The building stock splits evenly between walk-ups and mid-rise structures, creating a mixed but predominantly low-rise residential character. Transit connections via the Staten Island Railway (Great Kills and Eltingville stations) provide your main link out, though commute scores reflect the reality of crossing water to reach Manhattan.
Great Kills scores 6.5/10 overall on DwellCheck's livability index, ranking #3 of 15 in Staten Island. Rent prices in Great Kills vary widely; check specific listings for current market rates. Great Kills has 2 subway stations within walking distance: Great Kills, Eltingville.
Great Kills averages 133 trees within 200m of each address, with a canopy density score of 9.5/10. Nearest major parks: King Fisher Park, Siedenburg Park, Seaside Wildlife Nature Park (avg 1047m away).
Subway stations near Great Kills
Who Great Kills is best for
Practical score of 9 (borough median: 5.5) indicates strong neighborhood essentials; ART/Livability at 7.3 suggests park access and tree coverage support residential comfort
Five named parks within ~1km (King Fisher, Siedenburg, Seaside Wildlife, Wegener, Greencroft) and marina/beach access make this appealing despite commute score of 5
Safety percentile of 66% in borough is higher; low rodent complaints (140) signal maintenance standards, though commute score of 5 and outdoor score of 4.2 show trade-offs
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about finding a elevator place in Great Kills?
Great Kills pricing varies by block and building. Great Kills ranks #3/15 in Staten Island on livability (6.5/10). Known for marina access and great kills park, Great Kills has a rental market where elevator options depend heavily on building era and management. Great Kills scores a median 6.5—a solid neighborhood for tree-seeking families who drive, but recent crime increases and transit limitations temper appeal for those prioritizing walkability or frequent Manhattan commutes.
How much should I expect to pay in Great Kills?
Pricing in Great Kills varies widely by block, building age, and floor. Staten Island is a large borough with significant rent variation — always compare at least 3-4 listings before committing.
Is Great Kills actually a good fit for someone looking for a elevator apartment?
Depends on your priorities. Great Kills scores 9/10 on practical livability and 5/10 on commute access. It tends to work best for car-dependent families seeking green space. The elevator inventory specifically depends on building stock, which you can verify address by address.
How do I get around from Great Kills?
You have 2 subway stations within walking distance. The closest are Great Kills (SIR) and Eltingville (SIR). Commute times to Manhattan are moderate.
What about safety in Great Kills?
Block-by-block variation is significant — two addresses a quarter mile apart can have very different safety profiles. Staten Island averages 100 reported incidents per 300m radius and 0.5 shooting incidents per 500m. The only way to know for a specific address is to check the NYPD data within a walking radius.
Are there parks or green space near Great Kills?
Great Kills averages 133 trees within 200m of each address, with King Fisher Park about 1047m away. The outdoor score is 4.2/10. There is some green space, though it is not the area's strongest feature.
What ZIP code covers Great Kills?
Great Kills falls in 10306 (New Dorp / Great Kills).
Elevator Buildings in other Staten Island neighborhoods
Check a specific Great Kills address
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