Yonkers

by The Linguist

Yonkers is the fourth most populous city in the U.S. state of New York and is located in Westchester County. According to the 2020 census, Yonkers has a population of 211,569 residents, making it the 17th largest city in New York.

History

Yonkers was first settled in 1646 by Adriaen van der Donck, a Dutch colonist. It was originally part of a 24,000 acre land grant called Colen Donck and later became known as Yonkers after the British took control of the area in 1664. By the late 1800s, Yonkers had become an industrial center thanks to the expansion of the railroad and access to the Hudson River. Major carpet and furniture companies like Alexander Smith Carpet Mills fueled the city’s growth.

Today, Yonkers remains a diverse industrial hub as well as a bustling residential area. The city has worked to revitalize its historic downtown and waterfront in recent decades to attract new businesses and residents.

Geography

Yonkers covers approximately 20.3 square miles of land area in southern Westchester County. It sits along the eastern bank of the Hudson River, across from the Bronx and upper Manhattan. The city is bordered by the villages of Bronxville and Tuckahoe to the north, the town of Greenburgh to the north and east, and the Hudson River to the west.

The city has a varied terrain, with steep hills that rise from the waterfront into rocky ridges and residential neighborhoods in the eastern part of the city. The downtown and industrial sections are located in the flatter areas along the riverbank. Major geographic features include the volcanic formations of the Palisades in the western part of Yonkers.

Demographics

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Yonkers had a population of 211,569. This is a 6.6% increase from the 2000 census, showing steady and continued growth for the city. Here is a breakdown of key demographic statistics for Yonkers:

  • Median Age: 36.8 years old
  • Male Population: 49.8%
  • Female Population: 50.2%
  • Median Household Income: $64,894
  • Population below poverty line: 15.5%
  • White: 56.4%
  • African American: 18.8%
  • Asian: 6.1%
  • Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 34.8%

Yonkers has a racially and ethnically diverse population. The largest racial group is non-Hispanic whites, followed by African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos. One third of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are also significant immigrant communities, especially Albanians, Italians, Greeks, and Ukrainians.

Economy

Yonkers has a diversified economy with a mix of industries. Major employers include:

Other major industries include healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail, and telecommunications. Yonkers is home to over 150 manufacturing plants including Kawasaki Rail Car, Coca-Cola, and Cartus. The city’s economy has a Gross City Product of $20.3 billion as of 2018.

For more information on the Yonkers economy, visit the Yonkers Economic Development Corporation website.

Real Estate

The average home value in Yonkers is $477,000 as of 2021. This is an increase of over 10% from the prior year. The majority of homes in Yonkers were built between 1940 to 1969. There is also a significant amount of new construction, especially along the Hudson River waterfront where developers are building luxury high-rise residential towers.

Popular neighborhoods include Crestwood, Northwest Yonkers, and Sherwood Park which feature single-family homes. Apartment style living is common along the eastern side of the city. Rent costs average around $1,500 per month.

Cost of Living

Yonkers has a cost of living that is higher than the national average but lower than New York City. Housing and utilities make up the biggest expense. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living index for Yonkers as compared to the national average:

  • Overall: 120
  • Housing: 140
  • Food: 108
  • Utilities: 124
  • Healthcare: 109
  • Transportation: 113

The high cost of living is offset by Yonkers’ proximity to New York City. Residents pay lower taxes than nearby suburbs but have access to big city amenities, entertainment, and employment opportunities.

Transportation

Yonkers enjoys excellent transportation infrastructure that provides connections throughout the region. The main highway serving Yonkers is the New York State Thruway, which runs through the middle of the city. Other major roads include the Saw Mill River Parkway, Sprain Brook Parkway, and Cross County Parkway.

Public transportation is provided by the Bee-Line Bus System which connects to the New York City Subway and Metro-North Railroad. The Yonkers Metro-North station provides direct train service to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. Amtrak also serves Yonkers along the Hudson River line.

Education

The Yonkers Public School District serves over 27,000 students K-12 across 39 schools. The district has seven high schools including Lincoln, Roosevelt, Riverside, Yonkers, Gorton, Palisade Prep, and Saunders Trades & Technical High School.

Higher education options include Westchester Community College which offers two-year associate degrees, workforce development programs, and professional certificates. Sarah Lawrence College is a prestigious liberal arts college located right on the border of Yonkers in Bronxville.

Sports

The Yonkers Highbridge Giants are a collegiate summer baseball team playing at Gorton High School Stadium. The Giants are part of the All American Amateur Baseball Association and previously played in the Empire State Collegiate Baseball League.

Yonkers also has several recreational sports leagues for adults including basketball, volleyball, and softball. Popular outdoor recreation areas include the Blue Hills Park for hiking and Tibbetts Brook Park for baseball and tennis.

Attractions

Top attractions and things to do in Yonkers include:

  • Hudson River Museum – exhibits art and history of the Hudson River Valley region
  • Grinton I. Will Library – historic library founded in 1915
  • Cross County Shopping Center – indoor mall with over 100 stores and restaurants
  • Untermyer Gardens – Victorian style gardens open to the public
  • Yonkers Riverfront Library – modern library with Hudson River views
  • Science Barge – hydroponic urban farm and education center on the Hudson River

Annual events include the Yonkers Riverfest, Yonkers Film Festival, and Hudson River Craft Beer Festival. There are also several historical sites and monuments that commemorate Yonkers’ past.

Facebook

The official Facebook page for the City of Yonkers provides updates, event listings, city news, and more for residents. Visit facebook.com/CityofYonkersNY to follow Yonkers on Facebook.