Yonkers, New York

It’s hard to believe that you can find anywhere close to NYC that doesn’t feel like the crowded streets of Manhattan, but, then again, a lot of people forget about the city’s sixth, unofficial borough. Driving or walking through Yonkers is like stepping back in a mini-time machine. It may feel 20 or so odd years behind Manhattan’s trend curve, but there’s a lot to love about the city! Most notedly, Yonkers is great for weekend warriors and those who love cities with a splash of nature thrown in. You can run in Tibbets Park, take in nature in Untermeyer, enjoy a peaceful moment in Lenoir Preserve, or just go downtown and take in the view from the Hudson. All this comes with just a 30-40 minute train ride into the city, if you choose to commute.

Here's a long-time local on living in Yonkers:
*It is a diverse city ethnically and racially and with wide variance in incomes and with that diversity comes some problems that the richer, more stereotypically Westchester towns don't have because they exclude anyone who cannot afford to live in their community. There is racial and ethnic segregation based primarily on income with the southwest area of the city being more minority and lower income. Access to the regions core, NYC etc. is excellent from Yonkers with a two commuter rail lines serving the city with a 30 minute ride to Grand Central Terminal. The ability to access the Hudson Valley is great as well.

Much of the city is walkable to services and shopping, or at least a very short hop in your car. In a pinch, say in lousy weather, there are many excellent neighborhoods that would allow you to leave the car at home and walk to get that quart of milk or to take the bus to the station instead of worrying about the car in the snow. On the downside, speaking of snow, Good place to live? Yes. -it has been a plus for my family and I for 30 years.

For more reviews of what living in Yonkers is like from locals check out: The Buzz

Listen, we know it’s not in the mountains or anything, but the 7 hills on which Yonkers is built are no joke. And in the winter? You’re in for a snowy surprise. Yonkers is known by residents for not having the most attentive snow removal services. Yes, there are bad drivers in any weather, but the hills combined with the snow and ice make Yonkers a winter driving nightmare. To make the winter a little less miserable, grab some snow tires and leave a little extra room when driving around town.

Here's a local on one of the cons to living in Yonkers:
Biggest downside for you bc you have kids is probably the school system. If you have the money, then you can send to private. I think Yonkers has very low property taxes compared to the rest of Westchester. Metronorth into Manhattan is very easy. Yonkers is huge, so just make sure you're near one of the train stations if you plan on using it.