Colonial Heights - Yonkers, NY

During the early years of Yonker's development, many neighborhoods, including Colonial Heights, remained completely unsettled. Before settlement during the 17th century by Dutch colonists, much of the Colonial Heights area was populated by indigenous tribes of Algonquin lineage in locations such as the village of Nappeckamack. Records show that during the Revolutionary War, General Lord Sterling established the advance post for George Washington's army in the hills that are now known as Colonial Heights.

This northeast corner of the greater Yonkers area was eventually settled by Americans predominantly of Irish and Italian descent. Both residents and visitors to the Yonkers area head over to the Hudson River Museum to become involved with local arts and culture. The museum features regularly shifting arts exhibits and the 19th-century Glenview mansion, where several period rooms provide an interactive experience.

Several food, drink and entertainment options surround community residents, whether they want Italian, Mexican or American fare. Located on Central Park Avenue in Colonial Heights, Luciano's Italian Restaurant serves its wonderful Italian dishes with a bit of flair. Start with clams oreganate as huge, fried bivalves sit on your plate and invite you to an undersea dance. This dish comes in the shell. Occasional live music makes this perfect for an entertaining dinner, even when the place gets a little loud.

Just down the street stands the famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, frequently referred to the "best" pizza in the area. Serving Yonkers since 1925, Pepe's sticks strictly to its traditional coal-fired pizzas and offers just a few choices for salads. Pepe's provides more topping choices than you could think of without charging any more than other local pizza joints. The small drink menu includes selections of beer and wine, and Pepe's also offers private parties, gift cards and store merchandise.

To enjoy local nightlife, take a short walk down Central Park Avenue to the Barney McNabbs Lounge & Bar that operates just southwest of Colonial Heights. On weekends, customers enjoy live music and comedy acts, and on the weekdays, they utilize the bar-side jukebox. With cheap drinks, classic pub food, and regular game-day crowds, this venue represents an ideal local hangout.

Interstate 87 runs up through the east side of Yonkers. Exit 4 leads to Central Park Avenue, which passes through the western border of Colonial Heights. The Brooks River Parkway is also accessible from the Cross County Parkway that leads from the Yonkers city center. The Yonkers Parking Authority maintains parking for commuters in the area, and commuters can purchase monthly and semi-annual parking passes.

Just outside of Colonial Heights on Columbus Avenue, the Crestwood bus station provides access to public transportation into New York City. The Bee-Line bus service has routes throughout all of Westchester County, and the Scarsdale Train Station provides rail travel and stands north of Colonial Heights on the Brooks River Parkway.

Uber serves as another viable means of transportation in and out of Colonial Heights. While some great trails for cyclist scatter the area -- such as the trail alongside the Bronx River Parkway -- Colonial Heights does not maintain bike-friendly lanes. Pedestrians can easily get around by foot via sidewalk. Local taxi services, including Future Cab Service, service the area and can be reached by phone.

The Sprain Ridge Park lies northwest of Colonial Heights. With only two picnic areas in all of its 278 acres, this park provides a rare expanse of woodland for hikers and bikers who enjoy escaping the city landscape. The park was once owned by a botanical research center, and today, it harbors life to many exotic and unusual plants. All of Westchester's parks require a county park pass, which costs $75 for 3 years, and family discounts apply. All parks welcome dogs on leashes.

Untermyer Park & Gardens, located a short drive away from Colonial Heights in Northwest Yonkers, provides a much different park experience. With its massive fountains, temples, walls and other architectural structures, this park provides a beautiful space to walk around and browse or to sit and hang out. The park opens everyday from 7 a.m. until sunset and does not charge an entry fee. The park does not admit pets.

Every year during the summer, you can look forward to Untermyer Performing Arts Council's Worldfest Summer Concert Series held at Untermyer Park & Gardens. In this series, a variety of acts perform, and admission is free every Saturday evening outside the Walled Gardens. Locals come out to enjoy symphonies, rock bands and internationals music groups.

The average cost of living in Yonkers and surrounding areas tend to be much higher than the national average. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment in Colonial Heights averages $1,390.

Gas prices throughout Yonkers falls about 13 percent higher than the national average. Through the Bee-Line bus service, one-way bus fare costs $2.50 with a metro card and $7.50 with cash; weekly and monthly metro tickets are available. At a local pub, costumers expect to pay $4 to $5 for a beer.

While many large shopping centers operate on Central Park Avenue near Colonial Heights, including Best Buy, Burlington Coat Factory and Bob's Discount Furniture, residents can also find small individual boutiques that provide a unique shopping experience.

La Robe by Leah sells dresses, tuxedos and other outfits for occasions such as weddings, proms and formal parties and is one of the most well-known outfitters in the area. The shop also provides custom outfitting and alteration services. Appointments for fittings can be made but are not necessary.

Epstein's Apparel has been selling camping and athletic gear for the whole family since 1933 and remains one of the few locally owed athletic stores in the area. Regular customers always check out their expansive clearance rack before buying anything at full price. Epstein's sits on Scarsdale Road, just outside of Colonial Heights.

Grocery retailers such as the Great Grace Supermarket Corps, located on Central Park Avenue, serve the Colonial Heights neighborhood, and a Whole Foods store can be found nearby across the Sprain Brook Parkway. To the south, the town of Bronxville holds a regular farmers market from May to November every Saturday on Paxton Avenue.