The Truth About Living in Yonkers, NY

Are you thinking of moving to Yonkers, NY? Yonkers is New York’s fourth largest city with a population of over 200,000 residents. It’s a diverse city in Westchester County and conveniently located within an easy commute to NYC. 

Below you will find reasons to move to Yonkers, NY as well as demographic, school, housing, and commute information. 

Below you will find useful information if you are thinking of living in Yonkers, NY. The information presented in this article is based on data from the US Census American Community Survey. 

5 Reasons to Move to Yonkers, NY

1. Easy Commute to NYC

With 4 Metro North train stations conveniently located in Yonkers, you can get to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan in just about 30 minutes during peak times. 

This easy commute makes Yonkers an ideal place for those who work in the city but prefer suburban living. 

It’s nice to live so close to Manhattan- you can easily take the train from Yonkers to have dinner and catch a Broadway show! 

2. Greystone Neighborhood of Yonkers

The Greystone neighborhood, located along the scenic Hudson River, is a hidden gem within Yonkers. This area has seen recent development with several new condominiums and apartments offering exceptional river views and access to a dock and marina. 

Plus, there is Greystone Metro North train station which is a short walk away for a quick 35-minute train ride to Grand Central.

Greystone neighborhood is near Hastings on Hudson so you can easily visit this Rivertown village.

3. Diversity

One of Yonkers’ defining traits is its cultural and ethnic diversity. With a population that represents a wide array of cultures and backgrounds, Yonkers is a vibrant and inclusive community. 

4. A Culinary Haven

Yonkers offers a myriad of dining options that cater to every palate. Whether it’s the upscale waterfront dining experience at X2O Xaviars on the Hudson or the diverse eateries in the Ridge Hill Mall, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. 

Check out our guide to Happy Hours in Westchester County

5. Shopping Galore

Yonkers is a shopper’s paradise. The city boasts a variety of shopping destinations ranging from the upscale Ridge Hill Mall, which features a range of high-end retail shops and boutiques, to the unique grocery shopping experience at Stew Leonard’s, the only one in Westchester County. 

Whatever your shopping needs, you’re likely to find it in Yonkers.

Is Yonkers Diverse?

Yes, Yonkers is a diverse city. It is predominantly White (46.3%), followed by Hispanic or Latino residents (40.0%), and Black or African American residents (18.7%). Other racial groups, including Asian, American Indian, and Alaska Native, contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Yonkers. 

A significant proportion of Yonkers’ residents (31.0%) are foreign-born.

Are There a Lot of Families with Children Living in Yonkers, NY?

Yes, Yonkers is a city for families. About 21.3% of its population is under 18 years. The average household size in Yonkers is 2.55 persons.

Is There a Large Number of Senior Citizens Living in Yonkers, NY?

Yes, there is a significant senior population in Yonkers. Persons aged 65 years or older make up 16.8% of the city’s population.

Do Most People Rent or Own Their Home in Yonkers?

The homeownership rate in Yonkers is 46.9%, meaning nearly half of the residents own their homes, while others rent.

How Much Are Homes in Yonkers?

The median value of owner-occupied housing units in Yonkers is $420,000.

How Much is Rent in Yonkers?

The median gross rent in Yonkers is $1,550.

Are Yonkers Residents Well Educated?

Yes, Yonkers prides itself on its educational achievements. High school graduation or higher is attained by 82.8% of persons aged 25 years or more, and 34.4% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

How Long is the Commute for Yonkers Residents?

The average commute to work for Yonkers residents is 34.3 minutes.

Is There a Metro North Train Stop in Yonkers?

Yes, there are several Metro North train stations in Yonkers. If you are planning to take the train to NYC from Yonkers, you can catch the train from Yonkers Station, Glenwood Station, Greystone Station, and Ludlow Station. 

How Long is the Train Ride from Yonkers to NYC?

The average train ride from Yonkers to NYC is around 37 minutes.

What’s the Income of Yonkers Residents?

The median household income in Yonkers is $72,403, while the per capita income over the past 12 months stands at $39,086.

What’s the Poverty Rate in Yonkers?

Despite the city’s economic activities, Yonkers faces the challenge of poverty, with 13.2% of the population living in poverty.

How Big is Yonkers?

Yonkers covers an area of 18.01 square miles.

Are There Beaches and Pools in Yonkers?

Yes, there are public pools in Yonkers, but not beaches. Two popular pools include the Tibbetts Brook Pool and the Sprain Ridge Pool.

Tibbetts Brook Pool

  • Address: Midland Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710

Sprain Ridge Pool

  • Address: 149 Jackson Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701

Check out our guide to the beaches and pools in Westchester County

Do I Pay NYC Tax if I Live in Yonkers?

No, you do not pay NYC tax if you live in Yonkers. However, you will be subject to Yonkers resident income tax surcharge if you are a resident of Yonkers. 

Please consult with a tax professional to understand your specific tax obligations.

What is the Yonkers Resident Income Tax Surcharge?

The Yonkers Resident Income Tax Surcharge is an additional tax imposed on residents of Yonkers who have to file a New York State income tax return. 

The City of Yonkers income tax surcharge is imposed on every City of Yonkers resident individual, estate or trust for each taxable year. The income tax surcharge is 15% of net state tax.

It’s important to note that the surcharge applies to the net taxable income that is also subject to New York State income tax. Net taxable income includes wages, salaries, and other forms of compensation, as well as profits from businesses or property located in Yonkers.

Additionally, nonresidents who work in Yonkers may also be subject to the Nonresident Earnings Tax.

Tax laws and rates may change from year to year, and personal situations can greatly affect how much you pay in taxes. 

Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or the most recent official state and city guidelines to understand your specific tax obligations.

Complete List of Schools in Yonkers

The Yonkers Public Schools is a large public school district, home to a diverse range of schools. Here are the public schools in Yonkers:

Elementary Schools:

  • Casimir Pulaski School
  • Family School 32
  • Kahlil Gibran School
  • Montessori School 27
  • Montessori School 31
  • Paideia School 15
  • Paideia School 24
  • School 5
  • School 9
  • School 13
  • School 16
  • School 17
  • School 21
  • School 22
  • School 23
  • School 30
  • Thomas Cornell Academy
  • Enrico Fermi School for the Performing Arts

Middle Schools:

  • Yonkers Middle High School
  • Robert C. Dodson School
  • Pearls Hawthorne School
  • Eugenio Maria De Hostos MicroSociety School
  • Scholastic Academy for Academic Excellence
  • Cedar Place Elementary School
  • Westchester Hills School 29
  • Cross Hill Academy

High Schools:

  • Yonkers High School
  • Saunders Trades and Technical High School
  • Roosevelt High School – Early College Studies
  • Palisade Preparatory School
  • Gorton High School
  • Lincoln High School
  • Riverside High School
  • Yonkers Montessori Academy

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