1. Saying You’re From The City, Except When You’re In The City
Yonkers is just two miles from Manhattan and borders the north end of the Bronx, so to an outsider Yonkers is in the Empire State Building.
But “true” New Yorkers apparently don’t see it that way and will be quick to correct anyone claiming city status. They’re very protective of their borders.
2. You Know The Sopranos Ain’t Got Nothing On Yonkersites
You can tell there’s a huge Italian American population in Yonkers by the enormous Columbus Day Parade and Miss Italian American pageant they put on to celebrate their heritage. Ahh, Christopher Columbus, the original Italian American.
3. The Irish Pride In Yonkers Is Intense
Think Boston, but with an even older parade. Yonkers’ St. Patty’s Day parade is one of the oldest in the country dating back to March 17th, 1857 and the large Irish American population won’t let you forget it.
Today the parade takes place on McLean Avenue and Yonkersites start preparing for it at 12:01 am on March 18th.
4. Skating At The Edward J. Murray Memorial Skating Center Is A Rite Of Passage
Going to Edward J Murray Memorial Skating Center is something every kid living in Yonkers does at least once in his or her life. It’s like a rite of passage. Because the center, opened in 1960, hasn’t changed much, nostalgia is built right in.
5. Where There’s A River, There’s A Parking Lot Built Over It
Well, parking lot no more since the Groundwork Hudson Valley broke through it to reveal the Saw Mill River still flowing away underneath. Through a reconstruction project starting in 2010, locals got together, with the help of the city, to create a “river within a park within a city” to bring some outdoors right into downtown. Van der Donck Park is now a peaceful place for residents to walk along or sit and enjoy the view.
6. You Know What The Science Barge Is And It Is Awesome
It’s not exactly the next Portland, but Yonkers is coming up in the green world with the Science Barge, another Groundwork Project. With this clever use of solar power, river filtration, and barge surface area they’ve created the first off-the-grid, fully sustainable garden in New York City. The barge is docked near the Yonkers pier and is popular for both kids and adults to learn about how plants grow and all the resources it takes for that to happen.
7. The Empire City Casino Is Either Something You Love Or Love To Hate
The machines are all updated to include slots and poker, but don’t expect human dealers. Everything is automated and the drinks aren’t free. It’s a casino, yes, but it’s still Yonkers. And Yonkersites love to hate.
8. Yonkers Raceway Is The City’s Claim To Fame
Since its opening in 1899, Yonkers Raceway has had more than just Yonkersites betting the horses. It has been the leg of two different Triple Crown races and with the expansion to include Empire City Casino, it is still going strong. Because it has stood the test of time, unlike most things in this city, it’s something people can come up with as an answer to the question “What’s in Yonkers?”
9. LEGOLAND Was Your Childhood
This Yonkers play place brings up great memories of building castles and never knowing what to do with those super super skinny pieces, and they seriously won’t let an adult in without a kid under the age of 13. This place is swarming with kids and tough Yonkers moms.
10. Untermyer Gardens Conservancy Is Yonkers’ Best Kept Secret
Even some Yonkersites don’t know about this place. With hiking trails to Greystone—if a house is formally named you know it’s good—and spectacular views of Untermyer’s “greatest garden in the world,” only some privileged Yonkersites have had the pleasure to stroll the lavish grounds. Visits are open to the public, though, so it’s not like people need the right last name to get in.
What do you love about living in Yonkers? Tell us in the comments below! 
