Yonkers NY

Yonkers, NY – Nestled along the banks of the Hudson River just north of Manhattan, Yonkers blends urban energy with suburban charm. Known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and scenic waterfront views, the city offers a unique mix of culture, community, and convenience. Whether you’re strolling through beautiful parks, exploring museums, or enjoying global cuisines, Yonkers offers a captivating slice of Westchester life just minutes from New York City.

• Population: ~210,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons (25–85°F); snowy winters, warm summers, colorful autumns.
• Places To Visit: Untermyer Gardens, Hudson River Museum, Cross County Shopping Center, Ridge Hill, Yonkers Raceway.
• Top Activities: Walking along the waterfront, shopping and dining at Ridge Hill, exploring historic sites, catching performances at local theaters, and enjoying outdoor festivals.
• Famous Food: Brick-oven pizza at Fortina, empanadas from La Piñata Bakery, soul food at Alvin & Friends, and Italian pastries from Carlo’s Bakery.

Yonkers, NY, located just north of New York City, offers a dynamic job market with opportunities in healthcare, education, public service, and retail. Its proximity to the city, along with its growing economy, makes it a prime spot for job seekers. Below are some of the top jobs in Yonkers.

Top 5 Jobs in Yonkers, NY

Yonkers, NY, offers a blend of urban and natural spots ideal for students looking to unwind, kick back, and enjoy their downtime. With its parks, historical sites, and eclectic eats, Yonkers caters to all tastes.

Untermyer Gardens – This hidden gem attracts those looking for a peaceful escape. The gardens are beautifully maintained with stunning sights like the Persian garden and a Greek-inspired amphitheater, offering plenty of photo opportunities.

Cross County Shopping Center – For students looking to spend time window shopping or grab a bite, Cross County has it all. With a mix of chain and unique stores, plus irresistible dining options, it's perfect for a day out with friends.

Sprain Ridge Park – For some outdoor adventure, head to Sprain Ridge Park. It offers hiking and biking trails along with picnic spots, making it a great location for a weekend hangout.

Saw Mill River Daylighting – Discover a little slice of tranquility in downtown Yonkers. Ideal for a walk or to relax by the water, it provides a natural getaway for those who enjoy scenic paths and green spaces.

Blue Door Art Center – If art is your interest, then check out the Blue Door Art Center. They hold regular exhibits and workshops perfect for art lovers and students looking to tap into their creativity.

Yonkers Brewing Co. – A trendy spot where students of age can grab a craft brew and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. The brewery often hosts events and live music, creating a vibrant setting for socializing.

Yonkers, New York, offers access to several respected colleges and universities, both public and private. Located near New York City, Yonkers provides students with a mix of urban opportunities and suburban convenience. These institutions are known for their strong academics and diverse student experiences.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Yonkers

Westchester Community College (Yonkers Extension Center) – A branch of SUNY WCC, this center offers associate degrees and certificate programs. It’s ideal for students seeking affordable and flexible education options close to home.

Lehman College (CUNY) – Located just a few miles from Yonkers in the Bronx, Lehman is part of the City University of New York system. It offers strong programs in nursing, education, and the liberal arts.

Bronx Community College (CUNY) – Also near Yonkers, this college provides a wide range of two-year programs and career training, particularly in technology, science, and healthcare.

City College of New York (CUNY) – Though slightly farther away, CCNY is accessible to Yonkers residents and known for its engineering, architecture, and liberal arts programs. It’s one of the oldest public institutions in the state.

The College of Westchester – While technically a private institution, it offers lower-cost degree and certificate programs similar to public colleges. It is included here due to its strong presence and local impact.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Yonkers

Sarah Lawrence College – Located on the border of Yonkers in Bronxville, this small, prestigious liberal arts college is known for its innovative curriculum and emphasis on the arts and humanities.

St. Joseph’s University, New York – Yonkers Campus – Offering undergraduate and graduate programs in education, business, and healthcare, this private university provides flexible class schedules for working adults.

Mercy University – Bronx Campus – Though based in Dobbs Ferry, its Bronx campus is easily accessible from Yonkers. Mercy offers degrees in business, education, and healthcare, with a focus on practical skills and career readiness.

Manhattan College – Located just minutes from Yonkers in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, this Catholic college is known for its engineering, education, and business programs.

Iona University – Located in nearby New Rochelle, Iona offers a range of programs in business, liberal arts, and healthcare, and is known for its strong alumni network and campus resources.

Yonkers, NY offers a range of excellent high schools that prepare students academically and socially for life beyond graduation. These schools focus on strong academics, extracurricular activities, and college readiness. Whether public or private, each institution plays a vital role in shaping future leaders.

Top Public High Schools In Yonkers, NY

• Yonkers High School – Ranked as one of the top public schools in the region, it offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program and has a strong college enrollment rate.
• Roosevelt High School – Early College Studies – Known for its focus on early college coursework, allowing students to earn college credits while in high school.
• Gorton High School – Offers a range of specialized programs including science, technology, and health pathways to prepare students for technical careers or college.
• Riverside High School – A smaller learning community with strong emphasis on academic improvement and supportive faculty.
• Lincoln High School – Known for its inclusive learning environment and strong support services for students of all backgrounds.

Top Private High Schools In Yonkers, NY

• Sacred Heart High School – A coeducational Catholic school offering rigorous college-prep courses and a strong sense of community.
• The Masters School (nearby in Dobbs Ferry) – An elite private boarding and day school just outside Yonkers, known for its advanced academics and arts programs.
• Salesian High School – An all-boys Catholic school that emphasizes discipline, responsibility, and academic achievement.
• Montfort Academy – A classical Catholic high school offering a Great Books curriculum and a strong moral education.
• St. Mark School (through 8th but offers pathways) – While primarily elementary, it offers academic pathways in conjunction with nearby Catholic high schools.

While Yonkers, New York, does not have any major league professional sports teams based within its city limits, its proximity to New York City provides easy access to some of the most iconic and successful franchises in American sports history. Yonkers residents are passionate sports fans who often support teams from the neighboring metro area.

🏀 Basketball – New York Knicks & Brooklyn Nets (NBA)

• New York Knicks – One of the most storied franchises in the NBA, the Knicks play at the legendary Madison Square Garden. They have won 2 NBA championships (1970, 1973). With a loyal fan base, they are a central part of New York’s basketball identity.
• Brooklyn Nets – Originally based in New Jersey, the Nets moved to Brooklyn in 2012. While they have not won an NBA championship, the team has featured star players like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden in recent years.

⚾ Baseball – New York Yankees & New York Mets (MLB)

• New York Yankees – Arguably the most successful team in all professional sports, the Yankees have won a record 27 World Series championships. Legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera have made the Yankees a globally recognized brand.
• New York Mets – The Mets have captured 2 World Series titles (1969, 1986) and are known for their underdog spirit. Based in Queens, the team has a loyal fan base that extends into Yonkers and beyond.

🏈 Football – New York Giants & New York Jets (NFL)

• New York Giants – With 4 Super Bowl victories and 8 NFL championships overall, the Giants are among the NFL’s most historic teams. Both the Giants and Jets play at MetLife Stadium in nearby East Rutherford, New Jersey.
• New York Jets – Known for their passionate fan base, the Jets won their only Super Bowl in 1969 with legendary quarterback Joe Namath. Despite recent struggles, the team remains a fixture in the New York football scene.

⚽ Soccer – New York City FC & New York Red Bulls (MLS)

• New York City FC – Founded in 2013, NYCFC is one of MLS’s newer teams. They play at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and won their first MLS Cup in 2021. The club has quickly grown a loyal following across the region.
• New York Red Bulls – Based in Harrison, New Jersey, the Red Bulls are one of the original MLS franchises. Though they have not won an MLS Cup, they have earned multiple Supporters’ Shields and developed talents like Tyler Adams.

🏒 Hockey – New York Rangers, New York Islanders & New Jersey Devils (NHL)

• New York Rangers – The Rangers play at Madison Square Garden and have won 4 Stanley Cups, most recently in 1994. They are one of the NHL’s Original Six teams and have a strong fan presence in Yonkers.
• New York Islanders – The Islanders have won 4 Stanley Cups (1980–1983) and are based in Long Island. Known for their dynasty years in the '80s, they are once again competitive in the Eastern Conference.
• New Jersey Devils – Although based in Newark, New Jersey, the Devils are seen as a regional team. They have won 3 Stanley Cups (1995, 2000, 2003) and have a sizable fan base in Westchester County, including Yonkers.

Yonkers, NY is a city filled with charm, history, and plenty of surprises. Just north of New York City, it blends urban energy with suburban style. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are some fun and fascinating facts about Yonkers:

1. George Washington Slept Here – Yonkers has deep roots in American history. George Washington stayed in Yonkers during the Revolutionary War.
2. Home of the First Elevated Train – The first elevator railroad in the U.S. was tested in Yonkers in the 1800s before heading to New York City.
3. Birthplace of the Otis Elevator – Elisha Otis invented the world-changing safety elevator in Yonkers in 1853.
4. Fourth Largest City in the State – With over 200,000 residents, Yonkers is the fourth most populated city in New York State.
5. The Hudson River Front – Yonkers has beautiful views of the Hudson River, complete with parks, restaurants, and waterfront trails.
6. Hollywood in Yonkers – Films like Catch Me If You Can and A Beautiful Mind had scenes shot in Yonkers, making it a Hollywood favorite.
7. A Shopper’s Paradise – Yonkers is home to the giant Cross County Shopping Center, one of the first malls in the United States.
8. The Science Barge – Docked on the Hudson, the Science Barge is a floating farm that teaches sustainability and urban farming.
9. Art and Culture – Yonkers has a growing arts scene, including the Yonkers Arts Weekend and local galleries like Blue Door Art Center.
10. Famous Faces – Yonkers is the hometown of several stars including actress Ellen Barkin and rapper DMX.