Yonkers

Yonkers now has its own 911 Memorial. A 38-foot rusted steel beam from the World Trade Center was dedicated on Tuesday 9/11/12 and has been permanently erected in the center of Conor Park on McLean Ave at the intersection of Central Ave. This dramatic structure is surrounded by a memorial wall with plaques naming those twenty-four Yonkers residents who perished that day.

Crestwood, often mistaken for part of Tuckahoe, is actually a neighborhood in the city of Yonkers. It occupies a mere 415 acres, making it smaller than some of Westchester’s parks and preserves. Despite its small size, Crestwood has its own Metro-North station, and makes the trip to midtown in about a half hour. Car commuters appreciate the location of the Bronx River Parkway, which forms the eastern border of the neighborhood.

Crestwood is surrounded by Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe, which provide a variety of dining and shopping options. Yonkers itself has recently been enhanced by the addition of Ridge Hill, a large shopping, dining and residential complex located off Interstate 87. Yonkers also has a large recreation department, which includes a skating rink, rifle and pistol range, and pool. Programs, including summer camp, are organized year-round for children and adults.

The neighborhood is served by the Yonkers City School District. However, Crestwood has been a heavily Catholic for a long time, and many of the children attend the Annunciation School. Paideia School 15 is the neighborhood’s public school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It enrolls 510 students; some hail from Crestwood but a magnet program brings in students from all over Yonkers. The district has been identified by the state as a district in need of improvement for poor test results on the elementary and secondary English Language Arts assessments.

There are no co-ops or condos in Crestwood. Most of the homes are older colonials and Tudors; there has been little new construction. The Yonkers district makes the homes less expensive than they would be in other Westchester school districts, but the Crestwood zip code makes homes more expensive than they’d be in Yonkers.

Crestwood is a beautiful community in Yonkers that can make you forget that you’re even in a city. It gives you the vibe of a small country town, for all you have to do is attend the annual Veteran’s Day Parade or light the town’s Christmas tree to feel at home. (Ironically, the area used to be a farming community, and that old-time charm has managed somehow to linger.)

Walking along the tree-lined streets, you’ll see beautiful old homes in the fashion of Tudor, Colonial and Victorian style. The area even has its own train station, which can take you to downtown Manhattan in a mere thirty minutes. Prices for homes range between $275,000 for a three-bedroom and higher, as they can go up to $500,000 and beyond, but it’s a perfect place for middle-class families who like an easy commute and a secluded city life with a community-oriented feel.

Children will use the Yonkers Public Schools, and the area is famous for its Church of Anunciation and the school that is connected with it. This is a vibrant Italian, Irish and Jewish community that will help to make you feel right at home. There’s two train stations, and while one says Crestwood and the other Tucahoe, and the area uses Tucahoe’s zip code, Crestwood is a a charming little hamlet of Yonkers in its own right.

Northeast Yonkers is one of the most affluent areas in Yonkers, as most residents commute to corporate jobs in Manhattan, and enjoy a quieter life in Yonkers at the end of the day and on weekends, where they can take their kids to nearby parks like Sprain Ridge and Omoore.

Residents have access to the Tanglewood Shopping Center, which offers free wi-fi, has a kids’ club (newly opened), Applebees, J.C. Penny, TJ Maxx, Staples, Radio Shack, Wells Fargo Bank and more. Some people say that the mall is dying, but then, if it is, how do so many of these stores stay in business?

Some people who live here are students who attend nearby Sarah Lawrence College, a liberal arts school, or St. Vladimir’s Academy, an Orthodox Theological school. Children will attend Yonker’s highly renowned Public School System, one of the best city districts in the country. Visitors and residents alike also have access to the major Yonkers Train Station, among other train stations spread throughout the area.

While expensive, it’s one of the safer places in Yonkers and offers a richly diverse atmosphere, and offers an easy commute, as well as convenience. Commuters for downtown Manhattan, with a 2-mile distance, you won’t be disappointed!

Yonkers is a very diverse city with a fascinating history. The very first elevator factory was built here by inventor Elisha Otis, whose creation was the Otis Elevator, and during WWII the same factory produced war tanks instead of elevators. The Alexander Mill Carpet Factory also manufactured blankets for soldiers during the war, and is now home to artist residents who invite visitors into their homes to see a most eclectic array of artwork.

Yonkers is much more than the famed Yonkers Raceway, a harness-racing track that is also a casino (or “Racino”, as the locals love to call it). As Yonkers is home to Westchester’s very first mall, you won’t be without shopping options with the famous Cross County Shopping Center (named after the parkway with access to Yonkers). You’ll find any kind of store here under the sun, including a Red Lobster (recently established there) and the old staples like Sears, Old Nay and Macy’s that have been there forever. In addition, the Ridge Hill Shopping Center offers free wi-fi to visitors, as well as a newly established Kid’s Club, where kids can come and be, well...kids.

Schools here are A+! The high school has been ranked as the 24th best in the USA. Graduation rates are high at 99% and staff is honored and dedicated to their work.

It’s a very ethnically diverse area, and you’ll be reminded of the residents’ Irish and Italian pride with parades on St. Patrick’s Day and special community events like “Miss Italian-America”. Notable residents such as Steve Tyler of Aerosmith fame and Betty Shabazz, widow of civil rights leader Malcolm X, are both originally from this area. Living costs are fairly reasonable, as housing costs around $300,000 and up; however, renting is somewhat high, considering it’s a city, but you’ll be near lots of parkways like the Bronx and the Sprain, and of course you’ll also have the Yonkers Train Station.

While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the highly esteemed exhibits at the Hudson River Museum, where you can learn all about that wonderful river in your view, and afterwards, why not grab a bite at the Cheesecake Factory and see a flick at the Multiplex. Yonkers is a great city for those who don’t mind congestion and traffic. It’s got a bit of something for everyone, and is only 2 miles away from Manhattan!

Though not as trendy at the moment as White Plains, Yonkers is a city undergoing revitalitzation, with excellent shopping and easy proximity to Manhattan.

Yonkers is the fourth-largest city in New York, with a population of almost 200,000 people. It is also one of the more diverse areas of Westchester. About half the population is white; there is a large Hispanic population, and about a fifth is African-American with a small Asian population.

Yonkers is one of the few places in Westchester where it’s possible to live easily without a car. The city is served by two Metro North lines- the Hudson Line, which travels parallel to the river, and the Harlem line, which travels along the city’s eastern border. The Bee-Line bus runs several routes in Yonkers and has express bus service to Manhattan. Taxi and car services are readily available.
Because it’s a city, it’s possible to find housing within walking distance of shopping areas.

Yonkers is a bustling city with excellent shopping and culture. The recently opened Ridge Hill has brought a large collection of retailers to the city. The center was built in a previously undeveloped space and is located just off Interstate 87. The Cross County Center recently underwent a $250 million dollar facelift, and includes many well-known retailers. Stew Leonards, which began as a small dairy store, is also well-known throughout the region for its unique atmosphere and excellent store-made offerings.

The historic Yonkers Raceway, which opened in 1899, underwent a name change and renovation in 2006. The raceway was called the Empire City Trotting Club when it first opened; when the casino was added, the history was recalled with the name Empire City Casino. It boasts 5,300 slot machines and beckons residents and visitors alike.

There are 40 schools in Yonker’s public school system. The district is dealing with numerous challenges. In 2010, 187 staffers were laid off; 90 were teachers. This forced the district to scale back on curriculum and programs. There are numerous private school options in Yonkers.

Yonkers is hit or miss, depending on the neighborhood. There are many pluses to the city- proximity to Manhattan, great local shopping and culture, nice neighborhoods. However, the school district is troubled, and the crime rate is higher than other communities in Westchester.

Ridge Hill is a new shopping center in Yonkers, located just off I-87. The shopping center welcomed its first customers last year with the opening of its movie theater, the Cinema de Lux. Since then, stores and restaurants have been opening their doors one by one—having visited the mall several times in the past year, I have seen one shuttered building façade after another fall away to reveal tall windows and the store’s wares within. It has been fun to see the place come to life.

Ridge Hill has been built to mimic a small town, with shops laid out on a grid of streets. Trolleys run on a loop to deliver shoppers from one end of the mall to the other. Although it is an outdoor mall it has two levels; escalators take you up to the covered walkway that makes up the second floor. Ridge Hill has several parking structures. I have yet to encounter any problems finding a spot, although this may change as more shops open and the mall becomes busier. Unfortunately, customers have to pay for parking, although the movie theater and certain restaurants offer parking vouchers.

The clothing stores that have opened so far range from affordable to pricey and represent a variety of styles. They include Lord and Taylor, H&M, Old Navy, the Gap, Desigual, and L.L. Bean. Ridge Hill also has several specialty stores, like Sur la Table (for cooking supplies) and Guitar Center (which should be self-explanatory). The Cheesecake Factory, Yard House, Texas de Brazil, and BRIO Tuscan Grille are the restaurants that have opened so far. They are very popular, so if you plan on eating at one of them, it is best to get there early or to make reservations. Ridge Hill also has a Whole Foods for those who prefer to dine in.

Ridge Hill is also home to Monarch, a condominium of one- and two-bedroom apartments that range from $300,000 to $975,000. Although its proximity to I-87 makes it convenient for people who have to commute into Manhattan, it does not seem ideal for raising a family, and is probably best for young professionals and older couples who can afford it. Although Monarch opened in late March, it does not seem particularly active yet, so any effects that a fully-occupied condo would have on the shopping center remain to be seen.

When people speak of the suburban lifestyle there’s an implication of a slightly placid vibe and lack of variety. Yonkers is here to challenge all those assumptions. It’s a city that is growing and changing and in the process rewriting what a suburb can be.

It’s proximity to New York City has made it a popular choice for many looking to move away from the exorbitant Manhattan lifestyle. While for many years it was a largely white community, with the slow increase of other racial and ethnic groups, Yonkers has become increasingly diverse. The process has not been always smooth and there was some talk in the 1980s of racial tension. Today, it is a much more integrated community than many other parts of Westchester County.

Yonkers offers many kinds of housing options from waterfront condos to homes with plenty of acreage. There are the affordable starter homes and the ritzier status symbols. The key is to find a neighborhood that feels right for you and your lifestyle. It is true that not all parts of Yonkers are seen as safe, but that is a statement that applies to pretty much any city in the world! The other suburban stereotype that Yonkers does not fit is that it is not dominated by families with kids; there’s more of an intergenerational feel to the community

The growth of Yonkers has meant that there are a whole range of restaurants, bars and shopping options here. There’s nothing sleepy about this suburb! Ridge Hill and the newly renovated Cross County Mall are great for browsing and shopping. Xaviars on the Hudson, Belle Havana, Patang and La Lanterna are among the popular restaurants in the area.
It’s hard to write a review of Yonkers without mentioning the Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, as it attracts people from all around the New York and Connecticut area. The verdict is that this casino is not Vegas or even Atlantic City, but fun for those looking for some slot machine time.

It is easy to get lost in Yonkers (or, Yon-Kahs, as some jest) as it is the largest city in Westchester County and the fourth largest city in the state of New York with a total 18.3 square miles. It is definitely more convenient to have a car to get around there, but there are twenty different bus routes that are heavily used.

Yonkers is a mixed bag as far as attractiveness. It has its suburban pockets with smaller old homes, slightly less appealing neighborhoods and a newly renovated waterfront district with more affordable luxury condo rentals for young professionals who are often NYC commuters. Speaking of the commute, an express train from the Yonkers train station puts you into Grand Central in a mere 28 minutes.

Yonkers has an abundance of shopping possibilities. On the busy Central Avenue strip, there is a Best Buy, Bob's Discount Furniture store, a large Barnes and Noble, a Kohl's Department Store and a Bed, Bath and Beyond, to name but a few. The Cross County Shopping Center, an outdoor mall which received a modernizing face lift in recent years, also has a plethora of retail stores including H & M, NY & Co, Forever 21, Sears, and a large discount electronic Micro Center amongst at least a dozen restaurants including Applebees. In the last six months, many Yonkers and Westchester County residents were very excited by the newly built Ridge Hall, a modern shopping center set atop a hill which almost has a ski resort town type of feel to it with its wide streets and whimsical trolley system. The shopping center brought a slew of new shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities including an LL Bean outlet, a Guitar Center, smaller boutique shops and some never before heard of restaurants including Texas de Brazil, the Yard House with its endless slew of world beers and some modern staples such as a very industrial looking Whole Foods Market. There is also a new multiplex which brings the movie theatre count up to three in Yonkers. Right near the new Ridge Hill, and for the culinary and entertainment pleasure of children and adults alike, is the ever popular Stew Leonards, the Disney land of grocery stores.

Yonkers is also home to Yonkers Raceway, the Empire State Casino, quite a few attractive parks, a number of interesting museums including the Hudson River Museum, numerous popular watering holes with and without live music, and the revitalized waterfront district with splendid views of the Hudson River and Manhattan.

Yonkers is definitely more racially diverse than many of its Westchester County neighbors. Yonkers is approxiimately 41% White, 34% Hispanic and 15% African American with the rest of the population well divided amongst other cultures.

The school system is relatively good and it is reported that between 70% and 90% of high school graduates do go on to college, that figure largely depending on which of the three high schools they attend.

Yonkers does have its unsafe areas and crime can be somewhat high there and above half the national index.

The median average income is roughly $54,469. The median home value is about $327,129. Rentals can be considerably cheaper with the median rental rate at $1,163,

The population of Yonkers is roughly 200,000 people with the median age being 35 years.

.

Also known as downtown Yonkers, Getty Square has a wide variety of diverse dining options, fun entertainment venues, stores, and a bustling nightlife. There are movie theaters, performing arts theaters, museums, and (yes, I know I already said this but) LOTS of restaurants. This is as close to "city life" as you'll probably get in Westchester County. Also offering relatively low housing costs, Getty Square is becoming a hot spot for young professionals who are attracted by the low cost of living and convenient commute to midtown Manhattan. Historically, Getty Square hasn't always had such a good reputation. The population in and around Getty Square is mainly white; there are large Italian and Irish communities here. People used to call it "Ghetto Square," and it was mainly known for its bad crime rate and highly publicized racial tensions. However, residents and town officials have worked hard to reform its bad image and improve its safety rating. This area of Yonkers is also interesting because it has a unique blend of classical and contemporary architectural styles. It also has a storied history, and the neighborhood is filled with landmarks. Overall, Getty Square is a nice place to live for young people who want to have fun and older people who want convenient access to everything, rather than a quiet country life.

Part of Yonkers in Westchester County, Dunwoodie is a great choice for young professionals who are looking for a convenient commute and diverse recreational activities. Dunwoodie residents have access to the Dunwoodie golf course and very nicely maintained parks. The neighbors are friendly and there are a lot of community events. Dunwoodie also has Yonkers' "Little Italy," so you will find a huge variety of Italian restaurants here. A lot of the residents are into sports, so they go running at Tibbetts Brook County Park or play other sports together. Home to St. Joseph's Seminary, the town is also close to Sarah Lawrence College, so you will see some students living here. Housing in Dunwoodie is very affordable, so you get a lot of young people here. Another great aspect of Dunwoodie is that it is in close proximity of two major hospitals, so you see a lot of health care professionals and medical school students here as well. One negative aspect of Dunwoodie is that the town's safety rating isn't all that great. That's not to say that it's unsafe though; most of the crimes here are nonviolent crimes such as car theft.

Located close to Yonkers, Crestwood is a great neighborhood that has a lot to offer. Interestingly, while most people consider Crestwood to be part of Yonkers, it's actually part of Tuckahoe (at least as far as the post office is concerned). This is actually a good thing for residents, as some parts of Yonkers don't have the best reputations. Crestwood has a very unified community with a small town vibe. The people, who are mainly Irish and Italian, are very welcoming. The town's location is also a big plus: the railroad station is within walking distance of most Crestwood homes, and the commute to midtown Manhattan takes less than half an hour. This is also a very safe community; kids play outside on the sidewalks and in the neighborhood's parks. The vast majority of the crimes that do take place here are auto thefts. There is also the great school system; most of the kids attend Catholic primary schools. While there is no commercial district within Crestwood itself, residents have very easy access to the stores in nearby towns such as Yonkers, Tuckahoe, or Bronxville. The houses are diverse and affordable; Crestwood also offers comparatively low property taxes.

Home to Sarah Lawrence College and St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Northeast Yonkers has become one of the most popular areas to live in Westchester County. This area boasts highly diverse housing options in a very wide range of prices, making it option for people of all different income ranges. There has been a particular increase in young professionals who are attracted by the area's relative affordability and convenient location. There are also executives who mainly live in the more affluent areas of Northeast Yonkers, such as Cedar Knolls or Lawrence Park. These more expensive parts of the town are closer to the railroad stations and have homes that are far more spacious. There are a few MetroNorth stops that you can access from Northeast Yonkers, making it quick and convenient to get to Manhattan. Even if you don't leave to go to the city, there is a lot to do right here in Northeast Yonkers. There are very cute and trendy stores and restaurants along Tuckahoe Road and Central Park Avenue. The population here is mostly white; it is dominated by the strong Irish and Italian communities here. However, there has been a small increase in the town's diversity over the past few years as more people have sought more affordable housing options.

Over the past few decades, northwest Yonkers has developed into an attractive community for young families and young professionals. They have flocked to this area because of its competitive real estate prices, beautiful views, diverse housing options, low property taxes, and convenient commute to Manhattan. There are two railroad stations that are accessible from this area. The housing options here include apartments and both single- and multi-family homes of nearly every conceivable architectural style. While this area is known to be predominantly Irish and Italian, the population has become much more diverse in recent years. To that end, the shops and restaurants have also become much more diverse too. There are also a lot of houses of worship and parks, where residents can relax and enjoy live performances during the warmer months. As others have stated, the schools here aren’t very good, which may make it a less attractive option for families with school-age children. However, the community is continuing to try to improve, and mediocre schools are pretty common in neighborhoods where property taxes are low. In other words, while northwest Yonkers is a great town that does have a lot to offer, it isn’t for everyone.

Northwest Yonkers is ideal for commuting in to New York City. There are two train stations in the area, Greystone and Glenwood, and are easily walkable. The views of the Hudson River are beautiful, particularly at sunset, and there are plenty of spots to take in the view. Unless of course you are lucky enough to live on the waterfront. Untermyer Park is right on the river and is not your typical park. It was formerly the gardens of a huge mansion that was replaced by the hospital. You can expect to find walls, statues, fountains, and a gazebo. It's fun to explore even though it may not sound like it.

Towards the border between Northwest and Northeast Yonkers is Sprain Ridge County Park. This park is massive and has lots of trails and a swimming pool. Many Yonkers residents flock here in the summer.

The houses in Northwest Yonkers vary greatly but the ones directly on the water are Victorian era and stunning.

There are lots of shopping and restaurant options in the north end. You'll have no problem finding what you're looking for especially with New York City so close.

Unfortunately the school system in Northwest Yonkers isn't very good. Typically Westchester County schools rank high but Yonkers falls short.

Northeast Yonkers is more suburban than the rest of Yonkers. There are the typical moderately large houses that you find in most suburbs and it is more wooded. It's also very hilly and if you climb high enough there are some great views of New York City.

Sprain Ridge Park is close by and has some top rated trails. Some of them are a little tricky for beginners but they offer a good variety. There's also a pool here which is very convenient for residents of Northeast Yonkers. O'moore's Park, which is much smaller, has a baseball diamond and a little nature walk. If that's not your cup of tea then there's a country club right next to it.

This is probably the best part of Yonkers to start a family. It's definitely the more affluent part of the city and the houses can be on the expensive side.

There is a large Italian and Irish community but not much diversity past that.

In the heart of the residential area there aren't very many places to eat but once you get to Central Park Ave there are tons of restaurants and coffee shops. Because of the large Italian population there are some great pizzerias and pasta.

The bottom line is that Yonkers is great if you want to have a car, commute to New York City, and be close to upstate New York.

The public transportation is good; the train takes about 30-40 minutes to Grand Central Station. There used to be a ferry into Manhattan which was a very pleasant ride but it closed a few years ago. Apparently it never brought in enough customers to be profitable.

Yonkers has its bad parts, mostly in the west, and the crime rates can be high depending on where you're living. There are more than a few neighborhoods I don't like to walk around in at night.

Nice restaurants and shops are springing up along the Hudson River as well as some luxury condos. One of its biggest selling points, for me anyway, is to see the New York City skyline from your backyard. The best area to live in is the northeast. In general the people are relatively friendly but, like the rest of Yonkers, the different areas sharply contrast one another.

There are a couple of parks, check out Untermeyer Park, and a nice little museum near the waterfront. They're great for families with small kids but being that there are so many amazing museums just across the river I found it a little disappointing.

Yonkers is one of the largest cities in New York (by population and area). I have been told that it's the fourth largest, but I'm not sure about its exact rank. Up until the '90s, the population was almost entirely white. However, over the past two decades, we have seen huge changes in the population. These changes have taken place throughout Westchester, but they are particularly apparent in Yonkers. Less than half of the residents are white while the African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian populations have experienced tremendous growth. Some of this can be attributed to the fact that a lot of low income housing was built in parts of Yonkers. While diversity is a good thing, the low income housing also resulted in areas with more crime. However, that isn't too say that all of Yonkers is cheap and unsafe. Since it is such a large city, quality of life and cost of living vary from area to area. While southwest Yonkers is a pretty impoverished area, Yonkers also has plenty of upscale areas such as Park Hill and the downtown waterfront area. Public transportation is okay, although it certainly isn't as quick or convenient as in most of the boroughs. It is definitely a better place for drivers, as the traffic and parking is much better than in most of New York City. Yonkers also has plenty of things to do... there is plenty of shopping, and you can take the family out to the Hudson River Museum or the Science Barge. For adults, if you like gambling, there is the Yonkers Raceway. I'm told that it also has slot machines, but I haven't been there myself.