If you’ve ever hopped off the Metro-North at Yonkers, you probably felt that immediate, slightly chaotic energy of a city trying to be three things at once. It’s gritty. It’s historic. It’s becoming undeniably fancy in patches. This is Getty Square Yonkers New York, the heart of Westchester’s largest city, and honestly, if you haven’t been here lately, your mental map of the place is probably ten years out of date.
Most people think of Getty Square as just a busy bus transfer point or a place to pay a parking ticket at City Hall. They aren't entirely wrong, but they’re missing the point. It’s a "Walker’s Paradise" with a Walk Score that hits 95, which is basically unheard of outside of Manhattan or Brooklyn. You’ve got colonial-era manors sitting right next to glass-walled luxury high-rises. It's weird, and it works.
The Waterfront vs. The Square: A Tale of Two Vibes
There is this funny divide in Getty Square. You have the "New Yonkers" down by the water—think Yonkers Brewing Co. and the sleek Hudson 44 tower—and then you have the old-school, bustling retail hub of the square itself.
Lately, the city has been leaning hard into the "daylighting" of the Saw Mill River. For decades, the river was literally buried under a parking lot. No joke. They just paved right over it. Now, it’s the centerpiece of Van der Donck Park. You can actually stand there and watch the water flow while someone nearby is shouting into a phone and a bus is hissing its brakes. It’s a very specific kind of urban peace.
Why the 2026 Timeline Actually Matters
If you’re visiting or looking to move here right now, you’re seeing the "under construction" phase of a massive identity shift. The Yonkers Greenway is the big talk of 2026. It’s a $14 million rail-trail project that’s finally connecting Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx directly to Getty Square.
👉 See also: Why Silent Valley National Park Still Feels Like a Different Planet
Basically, it’s Yonkers’ version of the High Line, but without the $25 avocado toast (well, mostly). It uses the old Getty Square branch of the Putnam Railroad. For years, these tracks were just overgrown eyesores. Now, they’re becoming a 3.1-mile path for bikes and pedestrians. It’s a game-changer for the South Broadway corridor.
Eating Your Way Through the Chaos
Honestly, don't go to Getty Square if you're looking for a quiet, suburban mall experience. Go because you’re hungry. The food scene here is a massive, multi-ethnic sprawl that doesn't care about "aesthetic" Instagram lighting.
- Zuppa: This is the heavyweight champion. It’s in a converted printing press building. If you want high-end Italian that actually justifies the price tag, this is where you go. The vibe is sophisticated but not "stiff."
- Guapo Cocina Mexicana: Solid, authentic, and always busy.
- La Bella Havana: You want Cuban food? This is the spot. It’s vibrant, loud, and the food tastes like someone’s grandmother is in the back making sure the rice is perfect.
- The Science Barge: Okay, you can't eat the barge, but it’s a floating farm on the Hudson. It’s powered by wind and solar, and they grow crops right on the river. It’s a bit of a trek from the center of the square, but it’s worth the walk for the "wait, this is in Yonkers?" factor.
The History Most People Walk Past
You’ve got Philipse Manor Hall sitting right there. It dates back to 1682. Think about that. While we’re all complaining about 5G speeds, this building has survived the Revolutionary War and the entire industrial rise of the city. It’s one of the oldest buildings in the state, and it’s basically the anchor of the neighborhood.
✨ Don't miss: Flights From Tampa to Key West: What Most People Get Wrong
Then there’s St. John’s Protestant Episcopal Church. Built in 1752. It hosts one of the oldest farmers' markets in Westchester. It’s a trip to see people buying fresh kale and artisanal bread in the shadow of a building that was around before the United States was a country.
Logistics: How to Actually Get Around
Getting to Getty Square Yonkers New York is easy; parking there is a nightmare. Seriously. Don't drive if you can avoid it.
- The Train: The Yonkers station is a Beaux-Arts beauty. You can catch the Metro-North Hudson Line and be at Grand Central in about 25–30 minutes.
- Amtrak: This is the only Amtrak stop in southern Westchester. You can literally hop a train here and end up in Toronto or Montreal.
- The Bus: The Bee-Line system is the lifeblood here. Millions of people pass through this hub every year. It’s the highest transit usage area in the county.
What’s the Catch?
Look, I’m not going to tell you it’s a perfect utopia. It’s a city. There’s noise. There’s traffic. Rents are climbing because everyone escaping NYC realized they could get a river view for a fraction of the price. The "gentrification" word gets thrown around a lot here, and for good reason. New luxury towers like Hudson 44 are bringing in a different demographic, which is great for the tax base but tough for the families who have been here for three generations.
There's also a persistent issue with loitering and a lack of public parking that makes local business owners pull their hair out. If you’re visiting, just be aware that it’s a high-energy, high-density urban environment.
💡 You might also like: Finding the Chang River on a Map: Why You’re Probably Looking for the Yangtze
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
If you're planning a day trip or considering a move, here is how to handle Getty Square like a local:
- Skip the Car: Take the Metro-North. The walk from the station to the square is short and takes you right past the "daylighted" river.
- Visit the Manor: Actually go inside Philipse Manor Hall. Most people just take a photo of the outside, but the interior history is wild.
- Check the Greenway: If it’s a nice day, walk the new Greenway sections. It’s the best way to see the "real" Yonkers away from the main car exhaust.
- Order a "Wedge": If you go into a deli and ask for a sub or a hoagie, they’ll know you’re a tourist. In Yonkers, it’s a wedge. Always.
To get the most out of the area, start your morning at the waterfront for coffee at Mon Amour, walk through Van der Donck Park to see the trout in the Saw Mill River, and end your afternoon exploring the shops along Main Street before catching the train back. The evolution of this area isn't finished, but the version of Getty Square that exists today is finally worth the trip.