3 Most Affordable and Safe Neighborhoods to Live in Yonkers, New York

Yonkers, New York, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience as the fourth largest city in New York State. Located just north of the Bronx along the picturesque Hudson River, Yonkers serves as a gateway to both New York City and the scenic Hudson Valley. With its diverse population, rich history, and ongoing revitalization efforts, the city provides residents with an attractive mix of affordability, accessibility, and community atmosphere. The proximity to Manhattan—just a 30-minute train ride away—makes Yonkers particularly appealing for commuters seeking more affordable housing options without sacrificing urban amenities.

Yonkers is the most populous city in Westchester County and the  third most populous city in New York State, with a population  of over 200,000 residents. The city’s diverse neighborhoods reflect its rich history, from historic districts with century-old architecture to more modern residential developments along the revitalized waterfront.

In terms of taxation, Yonkers residents face a somewhat higher tax burden compared to other areas. Property taxes in Westchester County are among the highest in the nation, which is a consideration for potential homebuyers. Yonkers also has its own income tax in addition to state and federal taxes. However, these higher taxes support quality public services, schools, and infrastructure that enhance quality of life throughout the city.

The cost of living in Yonkers presents a mixed picture. While higher than many U.S. cities, it remains more affordable than neighboring New York City. As of March 2025, the average rent in Yonkers is $2,149 per month, which is 38% higher than the national average of $1,558. However, within Yonkers, significant variation exists between neighborhoods, with several areas offering more budget-friendly options for cost-conscious residents.

Housing costs in Yonkers span a wide range, from affordable apartments with rents under $2,000 to luxury properties commanding significantly higher prices. Single-family homes in Yonkers range from starter homes around $500,000 to multi-million-dollar estates in more exclusive neighborhoods. Co-ops average around $200,000 and condos about $350,000, providing additional affordable options for homebuyers.

Like the rest of the New York metropolitan area, Yonkers experiences four distinct seasons. Summers can be warm and humid, with temperatures typically ranging from the 70s to 90s Fahrenheit. Winters bring cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, while spring and fall offer pleasant transitional weather. The city’s position along the Hudson River provides some natural moderation of temperature extremes compared to inland areas.

Yonkers’ location offers exceptional transportation connectivity. The city is served by Metro-North Railroad, providing direct access to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan in approximately 30 minutes. Multiple highways including I-87 and the Saw Mill River Parkway facilitate car travel, while the Bee-Line bus system offers comprehensive public transportation throughout Westchester County. This transportation network makes Yonkers an ideal location for commuters working in New York City or elsewhere in the region.

The combination of relative affordability (compared to New York City), excellent transportation options, and diverse neighborhoods makes Yonkers an increasingly attractive option for residents seeking value without sacrificing urban amenities and convenience.

1. Ludlow Park

A. Neighborhood’s Employment: Ludlow Park benefits from exceptional transportation connectivity that creates access to diverse employment opportunities. Located just three blocks north of Riverdale and adjacent to the Hudson River, the neighborhood offers residents a five-minute walk to the Ludlow Metro-North station, providing a convenient 30-minute commute to Grand Central Terminal and Manhattan’s abundant job market.

While Ludlow Park itself is primarily residential, its strategic position provides easy access to employment centers throughout the New York metropolitan area. Local employment opportunities can be found in nearby retail corridors, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, creating a range of options for residents with various skill sets and professional backgrounds.

The neighborhood’s ongoing development plans, including 500 new apartments near the Ludlow station, promise to bring additional commercial activity and employment opportunities directly to the area. This planned growth suggests strengthening economic prospects for current and future residents while maintaining the neighborhood’s residential character.

B. Neighborhood’s Safety rating: Ludlow Park presents a complex safety profile with varied perceptions and statistics. Residents consistently describe the neighborhood as “safe” with “friendly neighbors,” creating a small-town atmosphere where neighbors know and look out for one another. This community vigilance contributes significantly to day-to-day safety and quality of life.

The neighborhood’s walkable design with its tree-lined streets encourages outdoor activity and natural surveillance, further enhancing security. Families particularly appreciate the safe environment for children, with several describing Ludlow Park as an ideal area for raising families.

However, statistics show slightly elevated crime rates compared to some other Yonkers neighborhoods, particularly property crime. According to one analysis, Ludlow has a crime rate of 15.49 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is 33% higher than the Yonkers average, with a violent crime rate registering at 4.34. As with many urban areas, residents should maintain basic security awareness. The ongoing development and revitalization efforts in the area aim to address these concerns through improved lighting, increased community presence, and economic development.

C. Neighborhood’s Healthcare: Healthcare access represents a significant advantage for Ludlow Park residents. While the neighborhood itself doesn’t host major medical facilities, its proximity to comprehensive healthcare services in Yonkers and adjacent communities ensures quality care remains easily accessible.

St. John’s Riverside Hospital, located a short distance away, provides a full spectrum of medical services including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized treatment programs. Additionally, the neighborhood’s nearness to New York City opens access to world-class medical institutions for specialized care when needed.

For routine healthcare, residents can access various medical practices, urgent care centers, and pharmacies within a reasonable distance. The neighborhood’s excellent transportation options further enhance healthcare accessibility, ensuring that medical services remain conveniently available even for residents without personal vehicles.

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D. Neighborhood’s Education: Educational opportunities enhance Ludlow Park’s appeal for families. The neighborhood is situated near several well-regarded schools, including SAR Elementary Day School and High School, creating convenient options for families seeking quality education for their children.

Additional nearby educational institutions include Westchester Day School, Westchester Torah Academy, Manhattan Day School, and Ramaz, providing diverse options to match different educational philosophies and needs. This variety allows families to select the learning environment best suited for their children’s development.

For higher education, Ludlow Park’s excellent transportation connectivity provides easy access to numerous colleges and universities throughout the New York metropolitan area. This educational accessibility creates pathways for lifelong learning and professional development for residents of all ages.

E. Neighborhood’s Amenities: Ludlow Park offers a compelling mix of local amenities and easy access to regional attractions. The neighborhood’s walkable design makes daily errands convenient, with essential services accessible without requiring extensive travel. Development plans for a new park with Hudson River access promise to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities directly within the neighborhood.

Shopping needs are well served by proximity to retail areas in Riverdale, Bronx, which borders Yonkers just south of Ludlow Park, including Riverdale Kosher Market and other specialty shops. Dining options include local favorites like Carlos and Gabby’s and Pizza Block, providing convenient food options without leaving the area.

Recreational opportunities abound with the neighborhood’s position near the Hudson River and various parks. The planned waterfront development will further enhance these offerings, creating additional outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy. For cultural attractions, Ludlow Park’s excellent transportation options provide easy access to New York City’s world-class museums, theaters, and entertainment venues.

F. Neighborhood’s Unique Attributes: What truly distinguishes Ludlow Park is its remarkable combination of affordability, location, and community character. Unlike many affordable areas that require significant commutes to urban centers, Ludlow Park offers budget-friendly housing just 30 minutes from Manhattan by train, creating exceptional value for commuters.

The neighborhood’s physical character features large homes on quiet, tree-lined streets, creating an attractive residential environment that belies its affordability. With housing prices ranging from $500,000 to $700,000, Ludlow Park offers significantly better value than comparable properties in nearby communities while maintaining excellent accessibility.

Perhaps most importantly, Ludlow Park fosters a genuine sense of community. Residents describe a small-town feel with the conveniences of urban living, where neighbors know one another and community connections flourish. This social fabric, combined with the neighborhood’s affordability and convenience, creates a uniquely appealing option for diverse households seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.

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2. Lincoln Park

A. Neighborhood’s Employment: Lincoln Park provides residents with access to diverse employment opportunities through its favorable location within Yonkers. While primarily residential, the neighborhood’s position offers convenient connections to job centers throughout the city and the broader metropolitan area.

Local employment can be found in nearby commercial corridors, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and municipal services. For those commuting to Manhattan or other employment centers, Lincoln Park offers reasonable access to transportation options including Metro-North Railroad and major highways, creating flexibility for diverse career paths.

The neighborhood’s stable residential character supports various service-oriented businesses that provide additional employment directly within the community. This combination of local opportunities and regional accessibility creates a balanced employment landscape for Lincoln Park residents.

B. Neighborhood’s Safety rating: Safety represents a significant strength for Lincoln Park, with the neighborhood consistently rated among the more secure areas in Yonkers. Crime statistics show rates below city averages, particularly in Lincoln Park South, creating an environment where residents feel comfortable and secure.

The neighborhood’s “quiet and residential” character contributes to its safety profile, with limited through traffic and a strong community presence that enhances natural surveillance. Streets are generally well-maintained and appropriately lit, further supporting security throughout the area.

Community cohesion plays an important role in maintaining safety, with residents who know and look out for one another. This combination of favorable statistics and strong community connections creates a reassuring environment that attracts safety-conscious residents and families.

C. Neighborhood’s Healthcare: Healthcare accessibility in Lincoln Park benefits from the neighborhood’s central position within Yonkers. While the area itself doesn’t host major medical facilities, its location provides reasonable access to healthcare services throughout the city and surrounding communities.

St. John’s Riverside Hospital and other medical centers offer comprehensive services within a manageable distance, ensuring that emergency and specialized care remain available when needed. For routine healthcare, various medical practices, urgent care facilities, and pharmacies serve the area, addressing day-to-day health needs without requiring extensive travel.

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D. Neighborhood’s Education: Educational quality enhances Lincoln Park’s appeal for families. The neighborhood is served by schools in the Yonkers Public School District, providing educational options directly within the community. These schools offer academic programs and activities that support student development in various areas.

For families considering alternative educational approaches, several private and parochial schools operate in the surrounding area, creating additional options to match different needs and preferences. This variety allows families to select the learning environment best suited for their children’s development.

Higher education opportunities are accessible through the neighborhood’s transportation connections, with several colleges and universities available throughout the region. This educational accessibility creates pathways for continuing education and professional development for residents of all ages.

E. Neighborhood’s Amenities: Lincoln Park balances residential tranquility with convenient access to essential amenities. While maintaining a primarily residential character, the neighborhood offers reasonable proximity to shopping, dining, and services that address daily needs without excessive travel.

Recreational opportunities center around Lincoln Park itself, a green space that provides outdoor activities and gathering places for community members. Additional parks and recreational facilities in surrounding areas complement these local offerings, creating diverse options for leisure and exercise.

The neighborhood’s position within Yonkers provides access to the city’s broader amenities, including cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and specialized services. This combination of local conveniences and city-wide resources creates a well-rounded living environment for Lincoln Park residents.

F. Neighborhood’s Unique Attributes: What distinguishes Lincoln Park is its combination of residential calm and urban accessibility at a relatively affordable price point. Unlike many comparably peaceful neighborhoods, Lincoln Park offers housing costs below the Yonkers average while maintaining a quality living environment, creating exceptional value for budget-conscious residents.

The neighborhood’s physical character features traditional homes on well-established streets, creating an atmosphere of stability and permanence that newer developments often lack. This established nature, with mature trees and settled streetscapes, contributes significantly to Lincoln Park’s appeal.

Community stability represents another distinctive attribute, with many long-term residents creating continuity and connection. This established social fabric, combined with the neighborhood’s physical charm and relative affordability, creates a distinctive living environment that balances budget concerns with quality-of-life considerations.

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3. Crestwood

A. Neighborhood’s Employment: Crestwood offers residents excellent access to employment opportunities through its strategic location and outstanding transportation options. The neighborhood’s proximity to the Crestwood Metro-North station provides a convenient commute to Manhattan’s abundant job market, making it ideal for professionals working in New York City.

Local employment opportunities exist in nearby retail centers, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. Yonkers itself hosts various employers in sectors including healthcare, retail, education, and government services, creating diverse options within a reasonable commuting distance.

The neighborhood’s position within the broader Westchester County economy provides additional employment possibilities in neighboring communities, accessible via excellent road connections and public transportation. This combination of local opportunities and regional accessibility creates a favorable employment landscape for Crestwood residents.

B. Neighborhood’s Safety rating: Safety represents one of Crestwood’s most significant advantages, with the neighborhood consistently rated among the safest areas in Yonkers. Crime statistics show rates well below city averages, particularly for violent crime, creating a secure environment that attracts families and safety-conscious residents.

The neighborhood’s residential character contributes to its safety profile, with limited through traffic and a strong community presence that enhances natural surveillance. Residents describe feeling comfortable walking throughout the neighborhood at various times of day, reflecting the area’s secure atmosphere.

Community engagement further strengthens safety, with active neighborhood associations and informal networks where neighbors know and look out for one another. This combination of favorable statistics and strong community bonds creates a reassuring environment for residents of all ages.

C. Neighborhood’s Healthcare: Healthcare accessibility represents another strength for Crestwood residents. While the neighborhood itself doesn’t host major medical facilities, its central position in Westchester County provides convenient access to quality healthcare services throughout the region.

St. John’s Riverside Hospital, CityMD, and other medical centers offer comprehensive services within a reasonable distance, ensuring that emergency and specialized care remain readily available. For routine healthcare, various medical practices, urgent care facilities, and pharmacies serve the area, addressing day-to-day health needs without extensive travel.

The neighborhood’s excellent transportation connections further enhance healthcare accessibility, making medical services throughout the New York metropolitan area available to residents. This combination of local options and regional access creates a comprehensive healthcare environment for Crestwood residents.

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D. Neighborhood’s Education: Educational quality enhances Crestwood’s appeal for families. The neighborhood is served by well-regarded public schools in the Yonkers Public School District, providing quality educational options directly within the community. These schools offer comprehensive academic programs and extracurricular activities that support student development.

For families considering private education, several respected institutions operate in the surrounding area, creating additional options to match different educational philosophies and needs. This variety allows families to select the learning environment best suited for their children.

Higher education opportunities abound through Crestwood’s excellent transportation connections, with numerous colleges and universities accessible throughout the New York metropolitan area. This educational accessibility creates pathways for lifelong learning and professional development for residents of all ages.

E. Neighborhood’s Amenities: Crestwood offers a compelling mix of local conveniences and easy access to regional attractions. The neighborhood’s walkable design centers around the Metro-North station, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment where many daily needs can be addressed on foot. Local businesses provide essential services without requiring extensive travel.

Shopping and dining options include both neighborhood establishments and easy access to larger commercial areas throughout Yonkers and neighboring communities. This combination creates convenience while maintaining the neighborhood’s residential character.

Recreational opportunities include local parks and green spaces that enhance quality of life for residents. The neighborhood’s excellent transportation connections provide easy access to additional attractions throughout the region, including cultural venues, entertainment options, and outdoor recreation areas that complement local amenities.

F. Neighborhood’s Unique Attributes: What truly distinguishes Crestwood is its picturesque streets and historic architecture, creating an atmosphere of established elegance that belies its relative affordability. Unlike many comparably priced areas, Crestwood offers genuine architectural character, with homes reflecting various traditional styles that create visual interest and lasting appeal.

The neighborhood’s position around the Metro-North station creates exceptional convenience for commuters, with direct access to Manhattan in approximately 25 minutes. This combination of suburban atmosphere and urban accessibility represents an ideal balance for many residents.

Community character further enhances Crestwood’s appeal, with a stable population that creates continuity and connection. Many residents have lived in the neighborhood for years or even generations, fostering a sense of place and belonging that newer developments often lack. This established community, combined with the neighborhood’s physical charm and convenience, creates a distinctive living environment with enduring appeal.

Overall Conclusion

Yonkers offers remarkable value through neighborhoods like Ludlow Park, Crestwood, and Lincoln Park, each providing unique combinations of affordability and safety. Whether prioritizing Ludlow Park’s exceptional transit access, Crestwood’s picturesque streets, or Lincoln Park’s residential tranquility, budget-conscious residents can find welcoming communities that balance cost considerations with quality living environments in New York’s fourth-largest city.