Ever-growing commercial, corporate and community life in the Westchester County seat
White Plains, the county seat of Westchester, has a storied history that predates its incorporation as a city by centuries. New York state was born in its courthouse in 1776. Months later, then Gen. George Washington commanded and lost the Battle of White Plains during a long-term retreat from British forces through Westchester County. Decades characterized by Revolutionary Warfare passed into an era of northeastern industrialization, and the laying of New York & Harlem railroad tracks kickstarted urban development. Though sun-glaring glass facades and towering steel frames are a newer edition to the city, White Plains has long been a center of commerce. “In Westchester County, there’s only a couple communities with a significant commercial component, and White Plains is one of them,” says Rey Hollingsworth Falu, broker-owner of the Hollingsworth Real Estate Group and president elect of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. “It’s a very desirable area with a lot of fantastic restaurants and main shopping areas. It’s the business pulse of Westchester County.”
Major corporate headquarters and Westchester County employers sprawl on campuses in the neighboring hamlet of Purchase, including PepsiCo, Morgan Stanley and Mastercard. Within the city, Westchester County employees travel across the sky bridge over Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between the County Courthouse and County Office Building. White Plains Hospital is also centrally located, a member of the Montefiore Health Network which was named a “World’s Best Hospital” in 2024 by Newsweek for a third year in a row.
Reflecting the trends in greater Westchester County, White Plains is booming with development projects. With New York state’s ongoing affordable housing crisis as the backdrop, some of the city’s buzziest development stories include mixed-use, transit-oriented facilities centered around the downtown area. Since 2023, developers have begun unveiling plans to transform the former Galleria Mall at the corner of Main and Court streets into the Galleria District, a complex of commercial space, pocket parks and mixed-rate apartment towers.
White Plains is home to many large corporations and only 20 mins from New York City.
White Plains is close to some of the largest corporate parks in the area.
The City Center in White Plains offers many options from groceries to clothing.
White Plains offers city living thats close to employment with fine shopping and dining. .
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From co-ops to luxury condos, from the $100,000s to the $4 millions
Throughout White Plains, the housing stock typical of a city center melts into the landscaped suburbia that Westchester County is known for. Downtown, pre-war buildings and luxury, reflective-glass modern construction like The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton Westchester II offer sky-high condo units overlooking distant, tree-spotted roads. Further from downtown, city blocks transform to longer, sidewalk-lined suburban stretches and lawn-heavy subdivisions full of a mix of single-family homes built from the early 20th century to the early 21st. The median home price in New Rochelle is lower than the national median of $416,7000 given by the National Association of Realtors at around $550,000, but prices are as diverse as housing styles; co-op units can go for under $100,000 and far-flung, custom-built estates on the city’s outskirts rise above $4 million.
Enjoy a nice view in White Plains in one of the many buildings to live in.
Co-ops and high rises make up the housing in White Plains.
White Plains includes luxury apartments at 1 Renaissance Place. .
You will find many living options in White Plains.
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Shopping, dining and cultural events in Downtown White Plains
The shopping district in downtown White Plains, largely consisting of Main Street, East Post Road and Mamaroneck Avenue, is the midpoint between a major urban business center and strip-mall heavy suburban shopping mall. Cars cruise down blocks lined by wide sidewalks and large commercial buildings with tenants like Target. Restaurants serving global cuisines serve tens of thousands of full-time residents and the hundreds of thousands of commuters who come into White Plains during business hours. Italian restaurants, sandwich shops, Thai joints and plenty of national chains serve meals on white tablecloths and diner counters, in large first-floor footprints and holes-in-the-wall. Nearby, The Westchester is four stories of classic indoor mall ambiance, tchotchke kiosks, decorative fountains and food court vendors, connected by dozens of upscale brands and specialty retailers. Churches of many denominations pop up between commercial buildings and cul-de-sac subdivisions throughout the city, joined by a smaller number of synagogues and one Islamic Center.
Beyond being the seat of municipal and commercial life for the county, White Plains is also the physical center for many city-wide and county-wide arts and cultural groups. The soaring high ceilings of the historic Grand Banking Hall are the airy backdrop for vibrant gallery exhibitions in the ArtsWestchester Gallery. The Symphony of Westchester plays soaring string concertos at Iona University. “The Westchester County Center has a lot of activities. They’ll post online every time a group or culture has a month dedicated to them. They host fairs, wrestling matches, dog shows – all the big things that come along,” Hollingsworth Falu says. Holiday and cultural events spill out of venues and into the streets and parks throughout the year, whether it’s bagpipers marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade or the summertime White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival.
White Plains Farmers Market is a popular place for fresh fruits and vegetables.
The City Center in White Plains offers great dining and a brand new movie theater.
Arts Westchester in White Plains features cultural and seasonal events in White Plains.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in White Plains offers great food and a great ambiance.
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Biking from White Plains to the Bronx on the Bronx River Pathway
Along the path of its namesake river and parkway, cyclists and trail walkers can traverse the 9-mile Bronx River Pathway from the historic Kensico Dam to the edge of the Bronx. Away from the Bronx River, White Plains has a public park system that caters to residents of all ages and interests - neighborhood parks with playgrounds and fields for White Plains Little League games, community centers with adult exercise classes and the occasional public pool, community garden or dog park. The more spread out, verdant southern stretches of the city have large, rolling carve-outs between forests and subdivisions for the private Westchester Hills Golf Club and public Maple Moor Golf Course.
Bicycle Sundays in White Plains is very popular with families and people of all ages.
Bicycle Sundays begins at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
Bicycle Sundays along the Bronx River Parkway serves bikers from White Plains.
Lush cherry blossoms line the parks and bike paths in White Plains.
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NYC commuting on the Bronx River Parkway and Harlem Line
The Bronx River Parkway starts many commuters on the 25-mile drive to Manhattan. Others board Harlem Line trains from the White Plains and North White Plains Metro-North stations, offering a roughly 50-minute ride on normal trains and 40-minute ride on express trains. Bee Line buses run routes throughout Westchester County. Westchester County Airport is less than 10 miles from White Plains, its proximity sometimes causing it to be called White Plains Airport.
Attending A-rated White Plains School District or GITNY
White Plains School District earns an A overall from Niche, sending students to a number of highly rated schools like A-minus-rated White Plains High School where college-bound kids can earn dual enrollment college credit through courses in Westchester Community College’s Advanced College Experience Program. German International School New York is a popular private school for prekindergartners through 12th graders that earns an A-plus, offering older students the ability to graduate with a New York high school diploma and German International Abitur.
Church Street School in White Plains challenges and encourages children to learn.
White Plains Middle School is devoted to the individualized education of every child.
Welcome to White Plains Senior High School where students prepare for college.
ThGerman International School New York offers a space where students thrive in culture.
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Crime levels and climate in White Plains
According to the data reported to the FBI by the White Plains Police Department, 269 total violent crimes were reported in the city in 2023, slightly higher than the 235 reported in 2022. Also in 2023, there were 1,019 property crimes, higher than the 761 reported in 2022.
Residents of White Plains will see all four seasons. Summers are hot, average temperatures typically peaking in the 80s, while winter temperatures fall into the 20s. Precipitation is year-round, resulting in both rain showers and snowstorms.
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Stephen Mihalchik
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On average, homes in White Plains, NY sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in White Plains, NY over the last 12 months is $642,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This is a spacious 2bedroom/ 2bathroom unit located in a well maintained pet friendly building located within minutes of downtown White Plains. The unit has a nice spacious kitchen, large living room with a large dining area, an oversized main bedroom, with en-suite bathroom. The 2nd bedrooms is spacious with terrific closet space. The low HOA fees for the amount of space in this unit will blow
Modern 3-Bed, 3-Bath Condo in the Heart of White Plains – Steps from Downtown & Train Station! Welcome home in the vibrant heart of White Plains! This spacious and beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom condo offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style. Featuring an open-concept layout with abundant natural light, the unit boasts a large living and dining area—ideal for
A great opportunity awaits you at The Wedgwood, the most desired luxury doorman Cooperative building in White Plains. This spacious one bedroom apartment offers an unrestricted courtyard view of the beautifully maintained grounds. A large foyer, featuring very generous closet space, opens up to the bright, oversized living room and dining area. The living room and dining area are adorned with a
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch-style home, perfectly located in the heart of White Plains. Offering 1,218 square feet of comfortable living space, this home combines classic charm with everyday convenience. Step inside to find a spacious layout filled with natural light, featuring a bright and inviting sunroom—perfect for morning coffee or relaxing afternoons. The
AO - Continue to show. Updated 1 bedroom unit located in Tiffany Towers in White Plains. This spacious unit features an open floor plan with updated kitchen, dining room, living room with new carpet and bedroom with new carpet. There is a laundry room located on each floor of the building. The unit also comes with extra storage in the hallway and an assigned parking spot in the garage.
Newly remodeled pre-war co-op located in the heart of White Plains. This enchanting 1,200 sq. ft. unit has beautiful architectural features that include coved ceilings, arched doorways and hardwood floors. The eat-in kitchen is brand new with open shelves, gray cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, pantry cabinet and hardwood floors. The bathroom has been fully renovated as well. This sunny
Welcome to your new home! This beautifully maintained apartment is located in a charming 2-family house and offers everything you need for comfortable living. Just a short walk to Metro-North for a quick 30-minute commute to NYC. Close to buses, parks, and shopping. Enjoy a cozy fireplace, gleaming hardwood floors throughout, and three generously sized bedrooms.Rent comes with one assigned
Situated in the sought-after Highlands neighborhood of White Plains, this charming colonial home is nestled on a quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac. The property spans a beautifully landscaped and level quarter-acre lot.Boasting over 2,800 square feet of living space, the home includes an attached two-car garage plus a driveway with room for additional parking. The main level features a
Elegant 5-Bedroom Home for Lease in a tranquil Cul-de-Sac. Located in the ever-sought-after county of Westchester, this spacious 5-bedroom, 4-bath home sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, offering both privacy and exceptional convenience. Just minutes from top-tier private schools, major highways, and Metro-North. This residence is ideal for those seeking a peaceful setting without sacrificing
Located at the northern edge of the New York City metropolitan area, the city of White Plains is much more than a mere neighbor of the “Big Apple.” This large urban center includes a vibrant downtown area, a highly rated public school district and even a large park commemorating an early Revolutionary War battle, all while serving as Westchester County's commercial and employment hub. Realtor and local expert Giovanni Gonzalez of GioHomes Real Estate says, “People call White Plains ‘Little Manhattan’ because it offers a lot of amenities for its residents. We don’t even have to commute anywhere else, as we can find everything here in White Plains.” With just under 60,000 residents, this county seat of Westchester County is a regional center of its own, with an incredibly diverse and competitive real estate market drawing new residents into a fast-growing metropolis.
White Plains’ modern, urban streets are packed with shops, restaurants and major employers. Gonzalez says of White Plains, “It’s a really nice little city that offers a lot for its residents. There’s a lot of shopping opportunities, and the downtown is full of life, bars, restaurants and young people.” The visually prominent City Center shopping mall, along Mamaroneck Avenue, is home to a ShopRite supermarket and several brand-name eateries and clothing stores within this 600,000 square-foot shopping complex, in business since 2003. Other shopping options include the Westchester Mall and Bloomingdales.
One of White Plains’ most significant features is its proximity to New York City, as commuters can expect an approximately 40-minute drive down Interstate 87, or a 30-minute train ride, to Manhattan. City buses also provide transportation around the city for those who prefer not to drive, connecting locals to major employment centers like Pepsico, Gerber Life Insurance and Jackson Lewis and healthcare centers like the Burke Rehabilitation Center and the White Plains Hospital. The city's downtown area is also incredibly pedestrian-friendly, as its sidewalks are often packed with shoppers on weekends.
White Plains is home to several parks that offer opportunities for both outdoor recreation and historical reflection. Locals can visit the J. Harvey Turnure Memorial Park to walk down its footpaths or Tibbits Park to observe its statues, war memorial, fountains and gazebo. This park, like the Battle of White Plains Park just across the Bronx River from Downtown, also features educational signage commemorating the historical significance of this town during the Revolutionary War.
As the center of life in Westchester County, White Plains is brimming with culture, best expressed through annual events. January sees White Plains’ most popular restaurants host “Restaurant Month” to bring out their most delicious flavors for fixed prices, while each year also sees the city put on Oktoberfest, JazzFest and Holiday Market events in October, September and December to keep residents engaged and entertained every season.
White Plains may have been founded in 1683, but it only became a city in 1916, and much of White Plains’ suburban housing stock dates to the early decades of the 20th century. In White Plains’ southern outskirts, Dutch Colonial, Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival homes dating to the 1920s and 1930s now sell for between $700,000 and $1 million due to extensive remodeling, while condo units in the heart of the city can sell for between $700,000 and $2.8 million, with plenty of variety in between. Gonzalez says, “It’s a city that is growing at a really fast pace; they’re building a lot and modernizing a lot of existing infrastructure.” In contrast to older housing, newer, “luxury living” residences such as the Ritz Carlton Residences Westchester are freshly developed, with less than twenty years behind them. This diversity of housing options explains not just the variation in listing prices from $124,000 to $2 million, but also rising sale prices and longer average days on the market for each home.
Students can attend the schools of the White Plains City School District, rated by Niche as being among the top 25 school districts in the state for quality of teaching and diversity. Local schools include the B-plus-rated Church Street School and the A-minus-rated White Plains Middle and Senior High Schools. White Plains Senior High is not only considered by Niche to be among the top 10% of all public high schools in New York, but has strong student-teacher ratios, test scores and even extracurricular ratings to back up its standout reputation.
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