Penthouse Apartments • Great Kills, Staten Island
Penthouse Apartments in Great Kills, Staten Island (2026)
NYC penthouses are top-floor apartments typically with a private terrace, multiple exposures, and setback construction from the street level. True penthouses are rare and command major premiums — often $10,000-$50,000+/month in prime Manhattan buildings. Watch for "PH" listings that are just high floors without the defining penthouse features. 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 penthouse apartment in Great Kills
Great Kills has a specific housing profile that affects your penthouse search. The practical infrastructure is strong, and the building stock includes budget-friendly options. These are the considerations that matter most here:
- •True penthouse vs "PH" floor number (true penthouses have private outdoor space)
- •Private terrace size and access
- •Multiple exposure directions (penthouses typically have 2-4 exposures)
- •Setback construction (the unit sits back from the building edge)
- •Elevator key access or private elevator
How to verify a penthouse listing
Listings often over-promise on amenities. Before you sign a lease for a claimed penthouse apartment in Great Kills, run through this verification checklist:
- ✓Verify private outdoor space — a "PH" without a terrace is just a high-floor unit
- ✓Ask about elevator access (some penthouses require key-activated elevator)
- ✓Check for roof access rights separate from the rental
- ✓Inspect the outdoor space drainage and structural integrity
- ✓Confirm the terrace has legal occupancy and load ratings
Want a deeper dive? Read our full NYC Building Types Explained 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 penthouse 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 penthouse 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 penthouse 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 penthouse 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).
Penthouse Apartments in other Staten Island neighborhoods
Check a specific Great Kills address
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