So, you’ve decided to make the move to the “Empire State” and you want a little suburbia on the side with your city life? Look no further then Yonkers, or as the locals call it “Yonkas.” Yonkers has been keeping the dream of residing in New York alive for residents since the 17th Century. While Yonkers isn’t one to toot its own horn, it is also responsible for the first FM radio station, the first use of street lights, the invention of the safety elevator and Mary J. Blige, who, assuming you still listen, is sometimes featured on the ol’ FM radio (see, how it all comes full circle?).
Thirty minutes from both Manhattan and Hoboken, Yonkers offers residents access to all things city while giving them the picturesque, Westchester County views of trees and the Hudson River
So, you’ve decided to make the move to the “Empire State” and you want a little suburbia on the side with your city life? Look no further then Yonkers, or as the locals call it “Yonkas.” Yonkers has been keeping the dream of residing in New York alive for residents since the 17th Century. While Yonkers isn’t one to toot its own horn, it is also responsible for the first FM radio station, the first use of street lights, the invention of the safety elevator and Mary J. Blige, who, assuming you still listen, is sometimes featured on the ol’ FM radio (see, how it all comes full circle?).
Thirty minutes from both Manhattan and Hoboken, Yonkers offers residents access to all things city while giving them the picturesque, Westchester County views of trees and the Hudson River. If you really need more convincing, the rent here is much more affordable than the “Big Apple”.
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The city of Yonkers has experienced a true revitalization, especially around the waterfront area. New buildings, luxury housing and plenty of shopping in the Waterfront has given Yonkers a one-up on its Westchester County sister cities. On the other hand, the Tudor-style housing and country side appeal of certain Yonker’s neighborhoods is what attracts residents to this neck of New York woods. That said, let’s figure out which part of Yonkers is your Yonkers.
Colonial Heights: Located in the northeast end of Yonkers, Colonial Heights is a desirable neighborhood with plenty of homes available for rent, but its apartment and condo selection is lacking. The single-family homes in this area tend to be a bit on the larger side (typically between 3 and 5 bedrooms with large yards).
Crestwood: Nestled between Eastchester (we couldn’t make that up if we tried) and Bronxville, Crestwood is an area made up of a variety of housing styles, including Tudor, Victorian and modern homes. Residents love it for its 80-plus tree-lined streets, as it looks like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting – oh wait, Crestwood was featured in a Norman Rockwell painting! For those looking for apartment lifestyle, Crestwood only offers a few options; however, if you have your eye set on a cozy neighborhood with a small town feel, look no further.
Waterfront: The waterfront of Yonkers was once mainly used for industrial purposes, but thanks to a facelift, this part of Yonkers is now one of the most coveted. With the Hudson River as your backdrop, living here means residing in a loft or small apartment close to shopping on Main Street. The hot nightlife spots, cultural centers, park places and trendy restaurants are scattered throughout on the streets below. The waterfront is the prime location.
Lawrence Park West: Large, Tudor-style homes sit authoritatively upon grassy knolls; but apartment life is not completely null and void here as there are a few luxury apartments to rent.
Cedar Knolls: Co-op, condos, single-family homes are the bread and butter of this town. Located in the northeast corner of Yonkers, Cedar Knolls is praised for its homey, small-town appeal. Ideal for those who like less hustle and bustle, there are no stores located in the neighborhood. There are some condos and apartments in the area, but the majority of living spaces here are houses that were built before the Depression and are either Tudor or Mediterranean style.
Lincoln Park: One of the most affordable areas. Here, Cape cod, Tudor and brick Colonial-style homes, built between the ‘20’s and ‘40’s, share the streets with co-ops and condos. Perhaps the best thing about this neighborhood is that it truly is suburbia-meets-urban terrain. It features its own shopping district (on Mclean Avenue), as well as a park for all your outdoor recreational needs. See? Urban, yet suburban! What a concept! Those looking for the best of both worlds can find it in Lincoln Park.
Park Hill: In Park Hill, it is fairly important to love (or simply tolerate) your neighbor. The homes here are very close-set and the streets are particularly narrow. The beauty of Park Hill is the neighborly feel it exudes. Single-family homes here were built between 1890 and the 1930s and builders made the most of what they could with the compact swaths of land. What stands today is a hodge-podge of Shingle-style, ranch-style, Colonial, two-family dwellings, condos and newer, larger homes. Housing here often looks over the Hudson River.
The folks of Yonkers are very dependent on public transportation. Those relocating due to a job in the city can rely on the good ‘ol Hudson River Line (cue Billy Joel song) to get around. You can also invest in a bus pass or hop on the Water Taxi for a scenic commute. The commute, for those working in NYC, is only about 30 minutes and the rent will make you thankful for the train.
Aggressive driver? Welcome home! You will fit right in here. Highway 87/New York Thruway is your best bet to motor in and around Yonkers and the rest of New York and the West Side Highway will bring you into Manhattan about 30 minutes (depending on city traffic).
