If you travel 25 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, you’ll find yourself in bustling White Plains. The thriving government, retail, technology and business center is anything but a bedroom community. In 2012, America’s Promise Alliance named White Plains as one of the “Best Communities for Young People” because of the city’s outreach effort to youth. The city prides itself on sophisticated diversity that welcomes everyone. If you choose to call the historically rich community “home,” it will welcome you, too.
What Makes White Plains Great
- Colonial history: As the seat of Westchester County, White Plains received a copy of the Declaration of Independence on July 9, 1776. Later that year, General Sir William Howe’s troops attacked George Washington’s troops during the Battle of White Plains.
- No car? No problem: The city has become increasingly friendlier to residents who don’t have a car or want alternative transportation options by adding more bike lanes and encouraging car-sharing programs.
- Proximity: White Plains is just 25 miles from New York City. The train ride to Grand Central Terminal is only 35 minutes. The city is also a few miles from Westchester County Airport in Purchase, which borders Greenwich, Connecticut.
- Education: The White Plains school system allows parents and guardians to send students to the public school of their choice, regardless of district boundaries. Fordham, Pace University and other smaller colleges also have campuses in the city.
- Youth Bureau: White Plains’ unique Youth Bureau serves children and youth. It works within the schools and Parks and Recreation Department to provide young residents with programs that entertain, teach and train.
White Plains Weather
White Plains has a humid subtropical climate that brings hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. During the summer, high temperatures average between 75° and 79°F. Average highs during the winter are between 37° and 43°F.
White Plains Neighborhoods
White Plains is home to 35 neighborhoods with well-established identities. Here are a few to consider:
- Battle Hill: Battle Hill (aka, “the Hill”) is close to downtown and the site of the Battle of White Plains. It has a diverse population forming a tight-knit community, as well as several pre-war, colonial-style historic homes.
- Downtown: Downtown is a business hub with a growing residential component. The city has more than 3,000 units of residential housing built or undergoing the approval process.
- Highlands: Set higher in elevation than the rest of the city, Highlands is a pet-friendly, walkable neighborhood that gives you the best of city life and a small-town feel. The area has restaurants, theaters, great food, and live entertainment.
Average Housing Costs
The average home price in White Plains at the time of publication is $639,800. The market is expected to grow 4.8 percent through 2019. The median rent price is $3,200.
Things to Do in White Plains
- Celebrate: White Plains hosts several parades and festivals throughout the year, including a St. Patrick’s Day parade, Outdoor Arts Festival, Cinco de Mayo celebration, a jazz festival, and a New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
- Retail therapy: White Plains has several shopping centers, including The Westchester, a mall with high-end brands, including Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. You’ll find more great shopping opportunities at The Galleria at White Plains and The Source at White Plains.
- Take in the arts: The White Plains Performing Arts Center offers a professional theater and live entertainment, including music and dance performances. The annual White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival and summer outdoor exhibits at Tibbetts Park and Library Plaza provide plenty of art to view.
- History tour: The monument at the White Plains Armory is on the site of the original Westchester County courthouse where the Declaration of Independence was first read in New York. Jacob Purdy House is the site where George Washington had his headquarters during the Battle of White Plains.
- Take in the Great Outdoors: White Plains is nicknamed “The City in the Park” because of its impressive green spaces, trees, and fountains. Hike, view nature and bird watch at Cranberry Lake Preserve.
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