Staten Island is growing in popularity for many looking to escape rising real estate prices in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Claire Bisignano Chesnoff is a broker with Staten Island’s Weichert Realtors Vitale Sunshine. She has 10 years of experience in the borough’s market, is one of only 4% of realtors nationwide designated a Certified Residential Specialist, and one of only a quarter of all realtors in the country to be designated a graduate of the Realtor Institute. She spoke recently with The New York Sun’s about buying a home on Staten Island.

Q: There are a lot of misconceptions about life on Staten Island. What can buyers expect from life on the other side of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge?

A: The sidewalks don’t roll in at 8 p.m. There are 24-hour diners, and the vast majority of restaurants are open quite late. Then there are the tremendous cultural aspects, with the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and the programs at the College of Staten Island. There are many museums and Historic Richmond Town. It’s also easy to commute to the other boroughs. There are buses into Brooklyn and Manhattan, in addition to the ferry. You can get on and off Staten Island without a car.

Typically, people who are priced out of the city move first to Brooklyn, then to Staten Island, and then to New Jersey, but that’s another story. What areas of Staten Island would appeal most to ex-city dwellers?

The areas that would appeal most to ex-city dwellers would be St. George and Stapleton Heights, such as the Mud Lane area. Bay Street Landing offers very sophisticated co-ops and condos that face the water and have beautiful views.

There is something for everyone on Staten Island. What are the best areas for families with children, commuters to Manhattan, and luxury buyers?

The South Shore has really phenomenal schools and parks, and the North Shore has terrific parks geared toward families. For the sophisticated luxury buyer, Todt Hill is the most exclusive area, as well as Grymes Hill, Dongan Hills Colony, and Emerson Hill.

On Todt Hill, you have at least 100-by-100 pieces of property, and many gated properties. You can have your own tennis court, pool, and cabana, and the homes are generally between 10,000 and 12,000 square feet. At Bay Street Landing, you would find a Manhattan-type of co-op or condo, but the only difference is you are on the other side of the river and paying a lot less.

People like to live in Grasmere, close to the express buses, or anywhere along the train line, where there are express trains. Most of the time, you have a 25-minute drive to the city. On public transportation, it’s 30 minutes from downtown.

The character of the North and South Shores are very different. What types of buyers are attracted to each area, and what types of homes are available?

The North Shore is a more charming area, with older homes and people that have a feeling of tradition. The homes are generally 50 years old or older. The South Shore has older homes scattered throughout, but it’s mostly new construction. The South Shore attracts many young families attracted to the facilities of the Catholic and public schools. The North Shore still has all those amenities, but is geared more for someone looking for a charming colonial with character and personality, and houses that have a history to tell.

In Manhattan, a buyer might be able to find a shoebox studio for $350,000. What can you buy for that price in Staten Island these days?

You could find a one-family attached home, or a condo, with two bedrooms and 1.5 baths. An end-unit might have a little bit more room. There are several luxury condos at Wellington Court by LaTourette, which have two-bedroom, two-bath, Manhattan-style living, and the amenities of a pool and clubhouse.

If you were advising a young couple looking to buy their first home anywhere in the five boroughs, where would you suggest they look?

I would suggest Staten Island …I don’t know many boroughs where kids can still play outside in the yard and still be children.