Downtown Yonkers Yonkers, NY

Downtown Yonkers has been redeveloped over the years to become the thriving community it is today, full of rich arts and cultural opportunities. The city's name honors its founder, Adriaen Van der Donck, New York City's first lawyer. Yonkers has always thrived on industry ever since the 17th century and has housed many important inventors. The safety elevator that made the first skyscrapers possible was developed here as well as the first elevated train line, the invention of FM radio and America's first golf course.

As a Downtown Yonkers resident, you can visit the Hudson River Museum, the largest museum in Westchester County. See renowned art collections, history and science exhibits and visit the state of the art planetarium.

Residents also love attending Downtown Yonkers' annual Riverfest, a free family-friendly event that showcases live music, art shows, arts and crafts, international foods, street performers, environmental tours and carnival games.

Experience some of Westchester's finest dining options in Downtown Yonkers and take advantage of events such as Yonkers Downtown International Restaurant Week, an annual happening that takes place in February.

Nestled on the Victorian pier that stands on Downtown Yonkers waterfront, you can find X20 Xaviars on the Hudson. Residents flock to this restaurant for special occasion celebrations, weekend date nights or brunch. Guests indulge in creative French and Asian fusion cuisine while admiring stunning views of the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge and the Palisades. Sample signature entrées such as Long Island duck breast with sushi fried rice or pan-seared Diver scallops with sunchoke risotto and chanterelle mushrooms. For an ideal date night, choose a bottle from the impressive wine list and order the aged cowboy rib eye for two; the brown sugar and cayenne crusted grilled steak comes with creamed spinach, potato gratin and rich Béarnaise sauce. Be sure to save room for Xaviars' delectable desserts, such as warm chocolate cake, classic creme brulee or organic carrot cake with mascarpone frosting. In addition, you can dine at the restaurant's eclectic Dylan Lounge, where you can share appetizers and sample cocktails, fresh sushi and sashimi.

Let Zuppa Restaurant and Lounge on Main Street transport you to Southern Italy for the evening. A favorite among locals, this Italian restaurant offers a warm and charming ambiance, white table-clothed seating and 100-year-old brick walls lined with bottles of wine. Start your meal with grilled calamari or "milk and honey," a selection of creamy burrata cheese, local New York honey and fresh Ciabatta bread. Then, choose from inspired antipasto plates, seasonal handmade pizzas and fresh salads, including an upgraded Caesar salad with grilled romaine, butternut squash chips and fresh reggiano cheese. Entrées include roasted Amish chicken with creamy polenta, Nutella-braised short rib, chestnut-filled ravioli and pappardelle with veal bolognese. Order an espresso or after-dinner cordial along with your dessert; menu choices include deconstructed cannolis, warm Italian donuts and honey panna cotta with Hudson whiskey.

Downtown Yonkers hosts an assortment of nightlife opportunities from corner pubs perfect for sharing a pint to Cuban hookah bars. Visit La Bella Havana Hookah Lounge on Main Street for drink specials, music and flavored hookah in a fun, relaxed environment.

Getting around Yonkers and New York proves easy with a multitude of transportation options. Residents traveling by car can enjoy easy access to major highways including U.S. 9, Saw Mill River Parkway, Cross County Parkway and Interstate 87.

Yonkers boasts the 11th highest rate of public transportation riders among U.S. cities. Downtown Yonkers features both an Amtrak and a Metro-North Railroad station in its Getty Square. Riders can travel throughout Westchester, as well as destinations such as Albany, Buffalo and Canada with Amtrak, while the Metro-North Railroad can take you to Grand Central Station in about 30 minutes. Additionally, the Bee-Line bus system services the area with almost 10 different routes within walking distance.

Ride-share services such as Uber, ZipCar and RelayRides also exist in the area, and taxi cabs are readily available near the train station at all hours. Both metered and non-metered street parking is available in addition to many restaurants providing their own parking lots and parking garages near Getty Square. Of course, you could always choose to get around by foot or bike; the website Walkscore names Downtown Yonkers a "walker's paradise" where daily errands do not require use of a car. Yonkers also has its own bicycle club, several biking trails, bike-friendly roads with dedicated lanes, and plenty of bicycle parking outside of the Metro-North station.

A selection of parks and recreational activities ensure Downtown Yonkers residents always have an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. A favorite spot among locals, Esplanade Park, offers stunning views of the Palisades and a historic Municipal Pier. The 1,000-foot esplanade fairly bursts with activity, from locals picnicking and walking dogs to taking postcard-worthy photos or perusing the sculpture garden. Kayak, boat, fish or simply admire the Hudson River; the waterfront oasis provides an ideal spot for a day of relaxation and fun.

While strolling the downtown area or commuting, be sure to stop at Van der Donck Park. The park provides an urban retreat in the center of the city and lets you catch your breath and admire Saw Mill River and the wildlife and fish that reside there.

With so many additional parks nearby, you don't have to travel far for your next adventure. Visit Tibbetts Brook Park to cool off during hot summer months; the waterpark features activities suited for all ages. Float in the park's lazy river or play a game of pool basketball or volleyball. Children love to splash and play in the spray grounds, and completing a swim workout in the lap lanes is great exercise for anyone. The 13-acre War Memorial Field also provides plenty of activities for the whole family. The park houses three baseball diamonds, basketball courts, jogging tracks and children's playgrounds with slides and swings.

Living in Downtown Yonkers comes with a higher price tag than other parts of New York and the surrounding area with the average one bedroom at $2,040.

Gas prices settle in at 11 percent higher than the national average, while public transportation costs vary. A local ride on the Bee-Line Bus System costs $2.50, while a one-way trip on the Metro-North will cost an average of $10, with child, senior, off-peak and monthly discounts available. You should expect to pay around $5 for a pint at a local pub.

Downtown Yonkers residents are never far from shopping opportunities, whether it be the international speciality stores of Getty Square or the nearby Cross County Shopping Center. Cross County houses dozens of stores, including Macy's, Gap, Victoria's Secret, and Zales.

You can find a variety of stores nestled on the streets of Downtown from jewelers to gift shops to dollar stores. Music enthusiasts should be sure to check out Reaction Musical on New Main Street. Besides selling CDs and DVDs, the store provides an extensive collection of musical instruments, from Fender guitars to Latin bongos and conga drums.

Locals have the choice of buying groceries from the supermarket ShopRite, located in Greenway Plaza, convenience stores or one of Downtown Yonkers several farmers markets. The Van der Donck Park farmers market, held from June through October, features fresh local produce, artisan baked breads and jams made by local high school students.