Yonkers, New York
Situated just 20-minutes from the big-city action of downtown Manhattan, Yonkers offers residents a welcoming borough nestled on the hills just east of the Hudson River. A city made up of several small and unique residential communities, those moving to Yonkers will discover an ideal location for anyone looking to take advantage of the opportunities of big-city living, while enjoying the local spirit of small-town community.
History:
Yonkers, New York was officially incorporated in 1872. Governor Hoffman signed the charter establishing Yonkers as the first in Westchester County to be incorporated and designated as a city. Yonkers’ advantageous location turned the city into a leading industrial hub during the 19th century. The city was a small farm town until businesses began to emerge. During that time, the city witnessed gristmills multiply, land development increase, and blacksmith shops, taverns and general stores come to life. Yonkers soon developed into a major trading hub, with early settlers including Native Americans, English and Dutch creating a diverse community for residents. Innovations in travel, by both land and water, helped accelerated the development of the industrial era. The city’s first railroad station would also contribute to additional occupations and trade. Today, more than 200,000 residents call Yonkers home.
Economy:
With four-and-a-half miles of Hudson River shoreline offering the community an important natural resource, Yonkers has be able to develop a stable local economy. Waterpower from the Nepperhan River attracted early industries, such as the Otis elevator works, sugar refining and the country's largest carpet mill. Today, manufacturing giants include cable, chemicals, clothing, railroad cars and electronic equipment. The city is also reliant on a growing its growing printing and publishing industries. The city’s two hospitals, St. John's Riverside Hospital and St. Joseph's Medical Center have long contributed to the local economy in the way of jobs and revenue. With an increasing need for more economic viability in the city, a vast revitalization project proposal, promising to add luxury housing, waterfront development, commercial and retail space has recently been designed for Yonkers. With hopes of increasing the city's tourism and economic impact in the state and county, the project is considered one of the largest revitalization projects ever proposed for any city within the New York Metropolitan Area.
Tourism:
The city of Yonkers offers nearly every recreational activity imaginable. Begin your adventure at the Hudson River Museum. Founded in 1919, the Hudson River Museum facilities at the restored Glenview mansion include spacious galleries for art exhibitions and the technologically advanced Andrus Planetarium, the area’s only public planetarium. A city focusing on art and science, the city’s museums offer a variety of lectures, family art workshops, classical music, and unique art exhibits. For shopping, head to the Cross County Shopping Center. This million-plus square foot facility offers more than a hundred retail stores to choose from. Or, head over to Westchester County. A high-end mall in White Plains located just minutes outside of Yonkers' city limits, here you will find upscale, fresh foods at Stew Leonard's, trendy clothes from Bloomingdale's, or exclusive accessories from Neiman Marcus. In the evening, visit the city’s downtown waterfront district. Here you can grab a nightcap, enjoy a late-night snack or mingle with locals and area travelers. Don’t miss out on the Yonkers Hudson Riverfest. This environmental and multi-cultural festival is held annually at the Yonkers Recreational Pier and vicinity and attracts thousands. It offers free all-star entertainment for all age levels, exhibits, kids' hands-on workshops, crafts and ethnic foods.
Colleges/Universities:
• Sarah Lawrence College
• Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
• Westchester Community College
Interesting Facts:
• The first game of golf ever played in the United States took place in Yonkers on February 22, 1888, in an improvised course with three holes laid out on a cow pasture.
• Many significant inventions were born in Yonkers, including the safety elevator by Elisha Otis in 1853 and the synthetic plastic “Bakelite” by Leo H. Baekeland in 1906.
• Yonkers is the second safest big city in the United States, based on FBI-collected crime statistics for 2009 for 125 cities with a population of 180,000 and up.
Helpful Links:
• Yonkers Dental Guide
• Yonkers Real Estate
• Yonkers Storage Facility
• Yonkers Moving Guide
• Yonkers Moving Companies