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New York, United States

Yonkers

The City of Gracious Living; Gateway to Westchester; Home of Untermyer Gardens and Yonker…

Overall
6.1
Per day
$213 from $145
Season
Peak: Late spring through fall and holiday we…

Best for:Nightlife

  • Drive
  • Train
  • Airport
Directions

Best connected to Bridgeport 1 h by car

Overview

Untermyer Gardens is the best-known stop in Yonkers, a city that borders the Bronx on the Hudson River and is the largest in Westchester County, with about 213,000 people. Most residents here think of it in terms of the train: Metro-North gets you to Manhattan in about 30 minutes, which keeps demand strong and inventory tight. Visitors also find the Hudson River waterfront, Philipse Manor Hall, and the Hudson River Museum with its planetarium. Yonkers Raceway and the MGM casino handle the nightlife.

It is expensive, though generally less so than the city itself. Ludlow, Park Hill and Crestwood feel leafy and suburban, and the Old Croton Aqueduct trail is a nice walk. Violent crime is well below many cities of similar size, but parts of southwest Yonkers, Nodine Hill and the area around Getty Square deserve caution late at night. Expect winter ice storms and some river flooding when the rain is heavy.

Trip planning at a glance

Peak season
Late spring through fall and holiday weekends
Nearest airport
LaGuardia (LGA), 17 miles south

Highlights

  • Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
  • Hudson River waterfront and Getty Square
  • Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
  • Hudson River Museum and Andrus Planetarium
  • Yonkers Raceway and MGM Empire City Casino
  • Muscoot area and Old Croton Aqueduct trail
  • Sprain Ridge Park
  • Cross County Center shopping
  • Metro-North train to Manhattan (about 30 minutes)

Best connected to

Bridgeport

Connecticut, United States ·

6.1
Distance
45 mi · 72 km
Drive
1 h
Train
likely (not verified) · 1 h 27 min

adds pro sports and family & kids

Paterson

New Jersey, United States ·

6.2
Distance
25 mi · 40 km
Drive
40 min

adds mountains & hiking and national & state parks

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Scores

Out of 10. Open any score to see how it’s worked out. “Data-based” scores come from published figures; “Hey! En Route estimate” scores are worked out from what we know about the city; “Hey! En Route rating” scores were set by our editors.

6.1/10Good
  • Connector Score8.3

    17 worthwhile cities within three hours; reachable by road, intercity train, air, and local transit; lodging and sights for an overnight stop. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Safety7.6

    About 300 violent crimes per 100,000 people a year; the US average is about 370. Data-based

  • Affordability2.9

    Cost of living index about 138, where the national average is 100. Data-based

  • Transportation8.5

    Reachable by: road, intercity train, air, and local transit. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Car-free friendliness6.0

    Intercity train or bus, plus local transit and walkability. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Walkability5.1

    Estimated from city size and transit; no walkable downtown noted. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Things to do6.6

    Known for 7 kinds of attraction, with 7 annual events listed. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Food & dining6.5

    A known food scene, weighted by city size. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Places to stay6.3

    Lodging at budget, mid-range and luxury prices. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Nature & outdoors3.5

    Known for lakes & rivers. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Scenic value4.8

    From its landscape: coast, mountains, lakes and parks. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Family friendliness5.0

    Zoos, aquariums, theme parks and museums, weighted by safety. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Solo-traveler friendliness6.1

    Safety, getting around without a car, hostels, and things to do. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Nightlife8.0

    Known for its nightlife. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Remote-work friendliness5.3

    City size, affordability, cafés and connections. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Road-trip convenience6.5

    17 worthwhile cities within three hours’ drive, plus parking, EV charging and RV options. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Train-trip convenience7.8

    Intercity train service, with 18 nearby cities reachable by rail. Hey! En Route estimate

  • Bus-trip convenience1.5

    No intercity bus service noted. Hey! En Route estimate

City info

Country
United States
State / province
New York
Population
212,603
Metro area
20,112,448
Area
47 km²
Density
4,562 / km²
Elevation
30 m
Currency
USD
Local time
10:15 am UTC-04:00
Power
Type A/B, 120V 60Hz
Drives on the
Right
Known as
The City of Gracious Living; Gateway to Westchester; Home of Untermyer Gardens and Yonkers Raceway; Birthplace of the Otis elevator and Alexander Smith carpet industry
Founded
1646 land purchased by Adriaen van der Donck (Dutch, 'Jonkheer' origin of the name); 1788 town; 1855 incorporated as a village; 1872 incorporated as a city
Languages
English; Spanish; Albanian; Italian; Arabic; Portuguese; Haitian Creole; Chinese
Airports
LaGuardia (LGA), about 17 miles south; Westchester County (HPN), about 17 miles northeast; John F. Kennedy International (JFK), about 27 miles south; Newark Liberty (EWR), about 28 miles south
Tipping
Restaurants 18-20%; bars $1-2 per drink; taxis and rideshare 15-20%; hotel housekeeping $3-5 per night; bellhops $2-5 per bag; counter service optional

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About this data

Population 212,603, land area 18.01 sq mi, median value $501,600 and median rent $1,784 are from Census QuickFacts (Vintage 2025 and ACS). Metro figure 20,112,448 is the given New-York-Newark-Jersey City MSA figure, shared with New York City; Yonkers is not the anchor city. Yonkers has no dedicated tourism bureau confirmed, so the city Visit Yonkers page is used; calendar is the city Calendar page. Both URLs were seen in search results but not load-tested. Elevation, coordinates, founding, event months, hotel ranges, tipping, cost-of-living index, crime rates and airport distances are approximate or from general knowledge and not verified in this pass.

Last verified September 25, 2026 · Source: Research spreadsheet · Editorial ·

Neighborhoods

9 areas to know, and who each one suits.

Getty Square

Downtown

    Ludlow

    Historic Metro-North village

      Hudson River waterfront

      Redeveloping

        Nodine Hill

        Residential

          Park Hill

          Leafy, historic

            Crestwood

            Suburban

              Bronxville border area

                Cross County

                Shopping

                  Colonial Heights

                    Where to base yourself

                    • Downtown Yonkers waterfront for river views and Metro-North access
                    • Cross County and Central Avenue areas for chain hotels and shopping
                    • White Plains (8 miles) or Manhattan for more selection. Tiers: budget motels along Central Avenue
                    • mid-range chains near the waterfront and Cross County
                    • upscale (Hudson River waterfront hotels and Westchester options)

                    Suburbs and neighboring towns

                    The Bronx (2 mi; car, subway 1 train at 242 St, Bee-Line bus); Mount Vernon (4 mi; car, Bee-Line bus, Metro-North); Bronxville (4 mi; car, Bee-Line bus, Metro-North); Hastings-on-Hudson (4 mi; car, Metro-North Hudson Line); Tuckahoe (5 mi; car, Bee-Line bus, Metro-North); Eastchester (5 mi; car, Bee-Line bus); Dobbs Ferry (5 mi; car, Metro-North Hudson Line); Greenburgh (6 mi; car, Bee-Line bus)

                    What a visit costs

                    Per person per day, with a room shared by two. Change anything below to fit your trip.

                    Budget

                    $145/day

                    Lodging about $130 a night

                    Mid-range

                    $213/day

                    Lodging about $205 a night

                    Luxury

                    $357/day

                    Lodging about $350 a night

                    Budget calculator

                    Vehicle
                    mpg

                    These are estimates from typical prices, not quotes. Real costs vary with season, events, booking time and your own habits; taxes and fees are approximate.

                    Cost of living

                    For longer stays and relocation.

                    Cost of living index
                    138 (national average = 100)
                    Typical 1-bedroom rent
                    $2,100 a month
                    Median home price
                    $501,600
                    Research notes

                    About 130-145 versus US=100 by common indices (approximate; housing-driven); typical 1BR rent about $1,900-2,300 per month (Census median gross rent for all units $1,784)

                    Real estate

                    Buying or renting long-term: prices, trends and the rules.

                    Median home

                    $501,600

                    Mortgage calculator

                    Census median owner-occupied value $501,600; median gross rent $1,784 (Census ACS); current sale-price median is likely higher than the Census value (roughly $550,000-650,000, not verified this pass); market note: strong demand from New York City commuters and a tight inventory

                    Research notes on prices and seasons

                    Hotels per night: budget $100-160; mid-range $160-250; luxury $250-450 in the wider Westchester area. Peak season is late spring through fall and holiday weekends; cheaper than Manhattan for train access. Rough daily visitor budget excluding lodging: $80-140

                    Where to stay

                    Which part of town suits which kind of trip.

                    • Downtown Yonkers waterfront for river views and Metro-North access
                    • Cross County and Central Avenue areas for chain hotels and shopping
                    • White Plains (8 miles) or Manhattan for more selection. Tiers: budget motels along Central Avenue
                    • mid-range chains near the waterfront and Cross County
                    • upscale (Hudson River waterfront hotels and Westchester options)

                    Places to stay

                    2 listings in Yonkers, ranked by traveller reviews. Featured listings are marked.

                    Top sights

                    • Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
                    • Hudson River waterfront and Getty Square
                    • Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
                    • Hudson River Museum and Andrus Planetarium
                    • Yonkers Raceway and MGM Empire City Casino
                    • Muscoot area and Old Croton Aqueduct trail
                    • Sprain Ridge Park
                    • Cross County Center shopping
                    • Metro-North train to Manhattan (about 30 minutes)

                    Known for: Lakes & riversMuseums & galleriesHistoric sitesFood sceneNightlifeLive musicShopping

                    Things to do

                    3 listings in Yonkers, ranked by traveller reviews. Featured listings are marked.

                    See what’s on: events and festivals

                    Known for: Food sceneNightlifeLive music

                    Food & nightlife

                    4 listings in Yonkers, ranked by traveller reviews. Featured listings are marked.

                    Events

                    Dated events will appear here as they’re added.

                    Every year

                    • Yonkers Marathon and Half Marathon (fall)
                    • Yonkers Riverfest and Waterfront concerts (summer)
                    • Yonkers Saint Patrick's Day Parade (March)
                    • Hudson River Museum events and planetarium shows
                    • Yonkers Food and Wine Festival (verify dates)
                    • Getty Square farmers market (summer to fall)
                    • Yonkers Downtown events and Yonkers Raceway racing (year-round)

                    Official events calendar ↗

                    Safety information is a guide from public data and our research, not a guarantee. Conditions change; check local news and official advice before you go.

                    7.6

                    Very good · Data-based

                    About 300 violent crimes per 100,000 people a year; the US average is about 370.

                    Safety overview

                    Violent crime rate roughly 250-350 per 100k (approximate, not verified this pass), well below many comparably sized cities; vehicle theft and car break-ins are the main visitor risk. Hospitals: St. John's Riverside Hospital (Yonkers), Saint Joseph's Medical Center (Yonkers), and Montefiore Medical Center (nearby in the Bronx). Hazards: winter storms and ice, Hudson River and Bronx River flooding during heavy rain, hurricane remnants; heat waves in summer

                    Local notes

                    Specific places where extra care is worthwhile, especially at night. Most visits are trouble-free.

                    Some blocks in southwest Yonkers, parts of Nodine Hill and areas around Getty Square have higher property and violent crime, especially late at night; use ordinary big-city caution there. Waterfront, Park Hill, Crestwood, Cross County and Ludlow are generally comfortable for visitors

                    Safety & health

                    Health

                    • Hospital (ER)St
                    Official visitor information
                    yonkersny.gov/35/Visit-Yonkers

                    Last verified September 25, 2026 · Source: Research spreadsheet · Editorial ·

                    Local directory

                    10 listings in Yonkers, ranked by traveller reviews. Featured listings are marked.

                    Nearby cities and connections

                    Find the next city worth adding to your trip from Yonkers: how far, how long, and how to get there.

                    White Plains

                    Distance
                    8 mi · 13 km
                    Drive
                    20 min

                    New Rochelle

                    Distance
                    10 mi · 16 km
                    Drive
                    20 min

                    Manhattan

                    Distance
                    15 mi · 24 km
                    Drive
                    30 min

                    Newark

                    New Jersey, United States ·

                    6.4
                    Distance
                    25 mi · 40 km
                    Drive
                    45 min
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 50 min

                    New Haven

                    Connecticut, United States ·

                    5.9
                    Distance
                    71 mi · 114 km
                    Drive
                    1 h 21 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 1 h 56 min

                    Waterbury

                    Connecticut, United States ·

                    5.7
                    Distance
                    77 mi · 124 km
                    Drive
                    1 h 28 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 2 h 4 min

                    Hartford

                    Connecticut, United States ·

                    6.3
                    Distance
                    107 mi · 172 km
                    Drive
                    2 h 2 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 2 h 47 min

                    Northampton

                    Massachusetts, United States ·

                    6.0
                    Distance
                    145 mi · 234 km
                    Drive
                    2 h 45 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 3 h 41 min

                    Newport

                    Rhode Island, United States ·

                    6.2
                    Distance
                    175 mi · 281 km
                    Drive
                    3 h 19 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 4 h 23 min

                    Worcester

                    Massachusetts, United States ·

                    6.4
                    Distance
                    178 mi · 286 km
                    Drive
                    3 h 22 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 4 h 27 min

                    Providence

                    Rhode Island, United States ·

                    6.3
                    Distance
                    178 mi · 287 km
                    Drive
                    3 h 23 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 4 h 28 min

                    Utica

                    New York, United States ·

                    5.7
                    Distance
                    206 mi · 332 km
                    Drive
                    3 h 54 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 5 h 7 min

                    Brockton

                    Massachusetts, United States ·

                    6.2
                    Distance
                    211 mi · 340 km
                    Drive
                    4 h est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 5 h 14 min

                    Cambridge

                    Massachusetts, United States ·

                    5.9
                    Distance
                    219 mi · 352 km
                    Drive
                    4 h 9 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 5 h 25 min

                    Quincy

                    Massachusetts, United States ·

                    6.3
                    Distance
                    219 mi · 353 km
                    Drive
                    4 h 9 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 5 h 25 min

                    Boston

                    Massachusetts, United States ·

                    6.1
                    Distance
                    221 mi · 356 km
                    Drive
                    4 h 11 min est.
                    Train
                    likely (not verified) · 5 h 28 min

                    Times marked “est.” are estimates: drives use typical road distances at highway speeds, and train or bus times assume both cities have service. Always check a route planner and timetables before you travel.

                    Route ideas

                    Suggested by Hey! En Route from the best-connected next stops. Save one to your routes and make it your own.

                    2-day trip

                    Yonkers (1 night)

                    3-day trip

                    Yonkers (1 night) → Bridgeport (1 night)

                    About 47 mi, 1 h 7 min of travel

                    5-day trip

                    Yonkers (2 nights) → Bridgeport (1 night) → New York City (1 night)

                    About 109 mi, 2 h 42 min of travel

                    7-day trip

                    Yonkers (2 nights) → Bridgeport (1 night) → New York City (1 night) → Philadelphia (1 night)

                    About 203 mi, 4 h 48 min of travel

                    10-day trip

                    Yonkers (2 nights) → Bridgeport (2 nights) → New York City (1 night) → Philadelphia (1 night) → Baltimore (1 night)

                    About 301 mi, 6 h 58 min of travel

                    Suggested city pairs

                    Building your own routes is part of Hey! En Route Plus. See what’s included

                    Community signals

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                    Yonkers City Circle

                    For people considering Yonkers, visiting soon, living there for a while, or comparing it with somewhere else.

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