Goethals Community: Discovering Staten Island's Unique Mobile Home Living

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers searching for an innovative, affordable, and community-focused approach to homeownership within the five boroughs, the Goethals Community in Staten Island presents a truly unique living opportunity. Nestled in the borough’s North Shore, this well-established residential area is notable for a very simple, yet powerful, reason: it is recognized as the only mobile home or manufactured home community within the entirety of New York City. This distinction makes the community an important local landmark in the city’s complex housing landscape.

The Goethals Community, sometimes referred to as a "garden homes community" in local listings, consists of a collection of manufactured homes on individually leased lots. It was established decades ago, leveraging a unique zoning allowance on land originally zoned for manufacturing, an arrangement that has allowed it to provide a continuous source of relatively low-cost housing for Staten Islanders. This single-story, detached style of living stands in stark contrast to the high-rise apartments and dense row houses that typically define NYC living, offering residents a different kind of residential experience—one that often includes a small private yard and dedicated parking.

With approximately 129 units, the community operates under a Homeowners Association (HOA) or similar garden homes association, which manages community maintenance and services. The homes themselves often feature modern amenities following renovations, making them turnkey properties that combine the benefits of detached housing with the streamlined maintenance of a managed community. For longtime residents, like one who has proudly called it home for over 27 years, the Goethals Community is lauded as a "best kept secret on Staten Island"—safe, affordable, and surprisingly convenient, proving that unconventional housing can be a successful model for urban affordability.

The community serves as a compelling example of a successful, long-term affordable housing solution that could potentially inform future urban planning discussions in New York City. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, an empty nester, or a local professional seeking an accessible commute, Goethals Community offers a distinct, neighborly, and fiscally sensible option right here in the Big Apple.

Location and Accessibility

Goethals Community is strategically located on the northwestern side of Staten Island, primarily within the Mariners Harbor area, a dynamic section of the borough known for its working waterfront and excellent logistical access. The physical address is centralized around 2701 Goethals Rd N, Staten Island, NY 10303.

One of the community’s key selling points is its unparalleled transportation access for New York and New Jersey commuters. The location is situated near the Goethals Bridge, providing extremely fast and direct access to New Jersey cities such as Elizabeth and Linden. This makes it an ideal spot for those who work across the river but wish to maintain a New York City address.

Local transit access is also convenient. A bus stop is located within a one-minute walk of the community, and the proximity to the Port Authority Administration Lot offers additional transit options. While the community has a "Car-Dependent" walk score, reflecting the need for a car for most errands (a common trait on Staten Island), the access is excellent for drivers, with private carports and ample community parking for residents. Furthermore, the community is located near a wealth of essential services, including major shopping centers like Southgate Center and Forest Commons, both just a short 5-minute drive away. The location is also close to the Goethals Pond Complex, a splendid natural area offering opportunities for hiking, nature observation, and birdwatching, providing an immediate natural retreat from city life.

Services Offered

The Goethals Community operates with a structured management system that ensures a clean, safe, and well-maintained environment for its residents. The services provided are typically covered by a monthly association fee (HOA or lot rent), offering residents a streamlined approach to homeownership responsibilities.

Community Maintenance: General outside maintenance of common areas, ensuring the entire property remains clean and presentable.
Utilities Coverage: The monthly association fee generally includes essential utility costs, specifically water and sewer services, simplifying monthly budgeting for homeowners.
Waste Management: Organized garbage and waste removal services are part of the communal offering.
Snow Removal: Essential snow removal services for common roads and community areas during winter months, greatly enhancing accessibility and safety.
Private Lot Lease: The HOA structure involves leasing the individual land plot (typically around 2,000 sq ft) on which the manufactured home sits, offering a unique hybrid of detached home living and community management.
On-Site Management Communication: Residents benefit from having a structured management company that oversees the property and is responsible for investing in property upgrades.

Features / Highlights

The Goethals Community is defined by several key features that make it a highly desirable and distinctive place to live in New York City, particularly when considering value and lifestyle.

Unique Affordability in NYC: It stands out as one of the most affordable detached homeownership opportunities in New York City, often priced significantly lower than local co-ops or condos, presenting a compelling alternative for budget-conscious New Yorkers.
Detached Home Living: Residents enjoy the benefits of owning a detached, single-story home, often featuring private entrances, patios, small backyards, and freedom from shared walls—a rarity in the city.
Dedicated Parking: Individual homes often include a private carport or off-street parking space, a priceless amenity in any New York City setting.
Pet and Family-Friendly Environment: The community is known to be pet-friendly and family-friendly, offering a safe, neighborly atmosphere for residents of all ages.
Home Features: Many units boast modern comforts, including upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, forced air heating systems utilizing natural gas, central air conditioning, and in-unit laundry hookups (washer/dryer).
Proximity to Nature: The community is located in close proximity to the Goethals Pond Complex and other green spaces like Willowbrook Park, providing readily available access to beautiful wetland areas, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Easy Commute to New Jersey: Its location right by the Goethals Bridge facilitates an exceptionally easy commute to major employment centers in Central and North New Jersey.

Contact Information

The Goethals Community is an active, private manufactured home community managed by an association. While specific homeowner or listing agent contact details can vary based on availability, the primary address and contact numbers associated with the community and its management can be used for general inquiries or finding current availability.

Address: 2701 Goethals Rd N Apartment D15, Staten Island, NY 10303, USA

General Management Contact: (203) 348-2200 (Reported number for the managing company/Garden Homes Community Association)

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For New York City locals, especially those on Staten Island and those who commute, the Goethals Community is more than just a place to live—it's a critical financial and lifestyle solution. In a city defined by escalating housing costs, this community offers a vital, affordable path to detached homeownership, a dream that is often unattainable for many New Yorkers in traditional markets.

Its suitability is centered on three core benefits:

First, the financial advantage is undeniable. The costs associated with purchasing a manufactured home and paying a monthly lot lease (which includes essential services like taxes, water, and community maintenance) are substantially lower than buying a traditional house or often even a co-op in the surrounding neighborhoods. This makes it an incredibly important resource for long-term residents and working families who prioritize budget stability.

Second, the lifestyle upgrade is significant. Residents enjoy the privacy of a single-story, detached home with a dedicated yard and guaranteed parking—amenities that are luxuries elsewhere in NYC. This sense of personal space, combined with a safe, close-knit, and actively managed neighborhood, offers a refreshing change from the dense urban living stereotype. As one long-time resident noted, it's a "safe" and "best kept secret."

Finally, the commuter convenience is excellent, particularly for those with ties to New Jersey. The location's immediate access to the Goethals Bridge and major bus lines ensures that residents can easily navigate the tristate area.

The Goethals Community stands as a powerful testament to the value of diverse, unconventional housing solutions in New York City. It provides a unique blend of affordability, safety, community, and domestic comfort that is perfectly suited for the New Yorker who values a practical and financially sound approach to home life.