White Plains NY​

White Plains – A vibrant city nestled just outside New York City, White Plains offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. From tree-lined neighborhoods and lively shopping districts to thriving businesses and cultural hotspots, it's a place where residents and visitors alike can enjoy a high quality of life. Whether you're exploring local parks, dining at award-winning restaurants, or commuting with ease to Manhattan, White Plains delivers a little something for everyone.

• Population: ~60,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold winters (20–40°F), warm summers (70–85°F), colorful falls, and pleasant springs.
• Places To Visit: The Westchester Mall, White Plains Performing Arts Center, Silver Lake Preserve, Kensico Dam Plaza, ArtsWestchester Gallery.
• Top Activities: Shopping downtown, walking the Bronx River Trail, attending outdoor concerts, dining al fresco, catching a show at the theater.
• Famous Food: New York-style bagels, wood-fired pizza from Serafina, global flavors at Via Emilia and Sam’s of Gedney Way, and craft coffee at local cafés.

White Plains, NY is a vibrant suburban city just north of New York City. Known for its strong economy, bustling legal sector, and healthcare infrastructure, it offers a mix of urban and suburban opportunities across various careers. Below are some of the top in-demand jobs in White Plains.

Top 5 Jobs in White Plains, NY

White Plains, NY may seem like a quiet suburb, but it’s actually full of fun spots where students can hang out, unwind, and enjoy themselves. Whether you're looking for a cozy place to relax between classes or want to blow off steam with friends on the weekend, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city just north of NYC.

City Center 15: Cinema de Lux – Need a break from studying? Catch the latest blockbuster or unwind with a light-hearted comedy at this stylish movie theater in downtown White Plains. With comfy seats and student-friendly pricing, it's a classic go-to spot for a chill evening out.

White Plains Public Library – It’s not just for studying! This modern library features quiet reading corners, free Wi-Fi, and a cool cafe area. It’s a peaceful oasis when you need a break without leaving the city center—and the digital media lab is an underrated gem.

The Westchester Mall – For a mix of retail therapy and food court fun, The Westchester offers everything from high-end boutiques to casual hangouts. Grab a drink, try some new snacks, or just window-shop with friends.

Tibbetts Brook Park – If you're looking for fresh air and time away from screens, this nearby park is perfect for a walk, picnic, or even swimming in the summer. There are tons of open areas to just lie back and enjoy the day.

Playland Boardwalk (Rye, NY – 15 minutes away) – A quick drive or ride away, Playland has arcade games, rides, and a scenic beach boardwalk. It's especially great during warmer months and gives off major fun-and-summer vibes any day of the week.

Lazy Boy Saloon – When you’re 21+ and looking for casual vibes, good food, and a place to hang out with friends, Lazy Boy is super popular with the local student crowd. It’s known for its burgers, wings, and large selection of drinks.

Starbucks & Barnes & Noble Combo – Located on Main Street, this spot is more than just coffee and books. It’s a favorite hangout for students who want a low-key place to chill, study, or catch up with friends without distractions.

The Galleria White Plains – Though smaller than The Westchester, it’s got a great food court, some cool shops, and a lot of seating areas where students like to meet and unwind.

White Plains offers that perfect mix of energy and downtime. Whether you love a good movie night, a quiet spot to read, or weekend adventures with your crew, you’ll find plenty of places to kick back and make the most of your student life here.

White Plains, NY, offers access to exceptional higher education options, both public and private, that prepare students for diverse and dynamic careers. Whether you’re interested in business, healthcare, or the liberal arts, this city and surrounding Westchester County region provide high-quality academic opportunities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in White Plains, NY

Westchester Community College (WCC) – Located just minutes from White Plains, WCC is part of the SUNY system and is celebrated for its affordability and variety of two-year degree and certificate programs. The White Plains Education & Training Center hosts many WCC courses, making it an accessible choice for local students looking to transfer to four-year schools or start a new career.

Purchase College, SUNY – Around a 20-minute drive from downtown White Plains, Purchase College offers strong programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Its creative campus, renowned arts conservatories, and public liberal arts education have built a vibrant academic culture.

Manhattanville College (affiliated with the TeachNYC program for public teachers) – While technically a private institution, Manhattanville is included here for its robust public partnerships, especially in teacher education and community outreach right in Purchase, NY, just outside White Plains.

Empire State University (SUNY) – Empire State’s Hudson Valley hub includes resources for White Plains residents seeking flexible, online, and hybrid bachelor’s and master’s programs. Adults and nontraditional learners find its model welcoming and tailored to their needs.

CUNY Lehman College (extension site in Westchester) – Though located in the Bronx, CUNY Lehman’s extension programs serve Westchester and White Plains students, offering convenient pathways to bachelor’s and graduate degrees in fields like social work and early childhood education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in White Plains, NY

Pace University – Elisabeth Haub School of Law – Located in the heart of White Plains, Pace’s law school is renowned for environmental law, public interest law, and business law. Its close ties to courts and legal organizations make it a premier choice for aspiring attorneys.

Berkeley College – White Plains Campus – Known for career-focused programs in business, criminal justice, and healthcare, Berkeley’s White Plains campus offers small class sizes and flexible scheduling for those balancing work and study.

The College of Westchester – With more than 100 years of history in White Plains, The College of Westchester specializes in business, digital media, health professions, and technology degrees. It prides itself on career services and strong employer connections in the region.

Mercy University – White Plains Campus – Mercy’s White Plains location hosts graduate programs in counseling, business, and the social sciences. The university is known for personalized attention, small classes, and commitment to student support.

Iona University – Hagan School of Business (Westchester campus) – Headquartered nearby in New Rochelle, Iona offers executive MBA programs and business classes in White Plains, focusing on leadership and practical skills for working professionals.

Whether you’re just starting your academic journey, looking to advance your career, or seeking flexible learning options, White Plains, NY, delivers excellent choices in higher education. The city’s schools are invested in your future and the vibrancy of the local community.

White Plains, NY is home to several outstanding high schools that prioritize strong academics, student development, and college readiness. Whether you're looking at public or private options, this vibrant community just outside of New York City offers excellent opportunities for your teenager’s education and personal growth.

Top Public High Schools in White Plains, NY

• White Plains High School – Known for its rigorous coursework, diverse student body, and wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) classes. The school also offers specialized programs such as engineering and business, making it a well-rounded choice for students with varied interests.
• Valhalla High School – Just a short drive from White Plains, Valhalla is a highly rated public school offering enriched academic programs, a strong arts department, and competitive athletic teams. The school focuses on shaping students into responsible, college-ready individuals.
• Alexander Hamilton Jr./Sr. High School – Part of the Elmsford Union Free School District, this small but effective school emphasizes personalized attention. It offers college prep resources, honors courses, and a growing list of extracurricular activities that support student growth.
• Bronxville High School – A nearby public high school that consistently ranks high in statewide assessments. With top-notch academic performance and high college acceptance rates, Bronxville is a top choice for families in the greater White Plains area.
• Blind Brook High School (Rye Brook) – Located near White Plains, this school is well-known for excellence in academics and student satisfaction. It offers a tight-knit learning environment, strong teacher support, and exceptional preparation for college entrance exams.

Top Private High Schools in White Plains, NY

• Archbishop Stepinac High School – An all-boys, Catholic high school offering a blend of tradition and innovation. Known for strong academics, leadership programs, and faith-based education, Stepinac has a proud reputation in the White Plains community.
• The German International School New York – Located in nearby White Plains, this unique private school offers a dual-language curriculum in German and English, preparing students for international higher education paths and offering the rigorous German Abitur diploma.
• French-American School of New York (FASNY) – A premier bilingual school with a campus in White Plains. FASNY offers both the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate (IB), giving students global opportunities and an inclusive academic culture.
• Solesbury Academy (White Plains Campus) – This smaller, private campus focuses on personalized instruction and offers creative, student-centered learning. It’s an excellent option for students who thrive in non-traditional academic environments.
• Windward School – Westchester Middle School Campus – Though technically a middle school, it lays exceptional groundwork for high school by specializing in students with language-based learning disabilities. Many Windward graduates continue to excel at top area high schools afterward.

Choosing the right high school is a big step that can shape your child’s future. Whether you’re drawn to public schools offering a wide range of programs or private institutions with specialized instruction, White Plains has something for every learner. With caring educators, challenging academics, and a strong focus on student success, these schools give families confidence as they prepare for the road ahead.

White Plains, New York, may not have professional sports teams with the same global recognition as cities like New York City or Los Angeles, but it has a vibrant sports culture and key connections to major league franchises. Nestled in Westchester County, just 25 miles north of Manhattan, White Plains serves as a key hub for sports fans and even plays home to several sports organizations and teams across different levels.

While there are no major league teams based directly in White Plains, several minor league and affiliate teams play in or around the area, providing fans with an exciting and accessible sports experience year-round.

Basketball – Westchester Knicks (NBA G League)

• Westchester Knicks – The Westchester Knicks are the official NBA G League affiliate of the New York Knicks. Based in White Plains, they play their home games at the Westchester County Center. The team was founded in 2014 and provides a development platform for emerging talent, offering basketball fans in the area a great opportunity to watch future NBA stars up close. Several former players have moved up to the NBA, making the Westchester Knicks a key part of the professional basketball pipeline.

Hockey – Proximity to NHL Action

• New York Rangers Fans’ Territory – While White Plains doesn’t host a professional hockey team directly, it lies firmly in New York Rangers territory. Madison Square Garden, the Rangers’ home arena, is just a short train ride away. Many fans in White Plains passionately support the Rangers, and the area occasionally hosts youth or alumni events tied to the NHL team.

Soccer – Local and Regional Enthusiasm

• New York City FC – Although they play in New York City, New York City FC (MLS) draws a significant portion of its fanbase from Westchester County, including White Plains. The team currently shares Yankee Stadium but has announced plans for a new stadium in Queens. Local youth and development soccer are strong in the White Plains area, with programs often affiliated with or inspired by professional clubs like NYCFC.

Baseball – Connections to Major and Minor League Teams

• New York Yankees & Mets Proximity – White Plains sports fans are spoiled when it comes to baseball. In under an hour, residents can be watching the New York Yankees in the Bronx or the New York Mets in Queens. Many baseball fans from White Plains choose sides and passionately follow one of these two legendary MLB franchises each season.
• Hudson Valley Renegades – Just a short drive from White Plains, the Hudson Valley Renegades serve as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Their games offer a family-friendly, affordable baseball experience in nearby Dutchess County for fans who enjoy watching rising stars before they make it big.

Football – Home to Passionate NFL Fans

• New York Giants & New York Jets – Though based in New Jersey, the Giants and Jets have strong followings in White Plains. The city lies in a prime location between the fanbases of both teams, and lively debates between Giants and Jets fans are a local staple, especially during football season. Many residents travel to MetLife Stadium for games or gather in local sports bars to root for their teams.

Other Sports – A Hotbed for Talent and Events

• High School and College Sports – White Plains and surrounding areas are known for strong high school and collegiate sports programs. High school football, basketball, and soccer attract devoted fanbases, with local athletes frequently going on to play at the collegiate or even professional levels.
• Youth Sports and Amateur Leagues – With countless youth leagues, travel teams, and sports camps, White Plains cultivates a love for sports from an early age. The community supports a variety of activities, from baseball and soccer to lacrosse and ice hockey, creating a rich sports culture at the grassroots level.

While White Plains may not boast its own major league team, its sports scene is lively and deeply connected to New York’s greater professional sports environment. From watching up-and-coming talent in the G League to hopping a train for some MLB or NFL action, White Plains is perfectly positioned for sports lovers who crave both the thrill of live events and the community spirit of local fandom.

White Plains, NY is more than just a city in Westchester County—it's a place filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and a few surprising facts that might just make you want to pay a visit. Whether you're a local or new to the area, here are 10 fun facts about White Plains, NY that make it a truly unique spot:

1. Birthplace of New York State – White Plains proudly played a role in American history. It was here, on July 9, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was officially read to the public in New York, making it a birthplace of freedom for the state.
2. George Washington Slept Here – It’s not just a saying—George Washington actually stayed in White Plains during the Revolutionary War while organizing troops for the Battle of White Plains in 1776.
3. Home to a Giant Gavel – White Plains is the seat of Westchester County's government and court system. That means it houses some of the biggest legal decisions outside of NYC—and even has a massive gavel sculpture outside the courthouse!
4. Shopping Central – With The Westchester and Galleria malls just blocks apart, White Plains is a shopping paradise. It’s one of the top retail hubs in the tri-state area, drawing visitors from across the Northeast.
5. Easily Connected – White Plains has one of the busiest Metro-North Railroad stations outside of New York City. You can get to Grand Central Terminal in just about 35 minutes—perfect for commuters and day-trippers alike.
6. Film Location Favorite – The city’s classic downtown buildings and courthouse have made it a popular location for filming legal and drama television scenes. Keep an eye out—you might see a camera crew!
7. City With a Suburban Feel – Even though it's officially a city, White Plains blends the urban conveniences of restaurants, nightlife, and public transit with the calm of quiet neighborhoods and park-lined streets.
8. A Little Bit of Green – With more than 20 parks and recreational areas, including the 130-acre Kensico Dam Plaza just a few miles away, White Plains is filled with spots to hike, picnic, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
9. Birthplace of Bubble Wrap – Believe it or not, the famous stress-relieving packaging material we all love was invented by two engineers in Hawthorne, just minutes from White Plains. The region takes a little pride in that fun fact!
10. A Growing Foodie Scene – From cozy diners to upscale cuisine, White Plains boasts a surprisingly diverse and growing food scene. Whether you're craving sushi, tapas, or classic NY slices, you’ll find it here!