We all love our own little cozy corners of Westchester. There are many things to do and see, places to eat, and parks to visit. Who doesn’t love exploring the county and “finding” the kid-friendly gems! We are spotlighting some of those awesome places so that other moms can take advantage and get a glimpse into the awesomeness that is Westchester! Read all posts in our Spotlight on Westchester Series.
Living in Yorktown Heights, New York, offers a blend of suburban charm and convenient access to nature, making it an appealing spot for families and individuals seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle. Located in northern Westchester County, this community is known for its quiet neighborhoods, well-rated schools, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Yorktown Heights has a small-town feel with local shops, eateries, and farmer’s markets, but it also provides convenient access to New York City, which is only about an hour away by train or car. This balance of suburban tranquility and proximity to urban amenities makes Yorktown Heights an attractive place to call home.
Recreation
Yorktown has many beautiful parks where families can picnic, play, or hike. Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park (or FDR Park, as it is known to locals) is an often frequented place for events and day-long jaunts. It has plenty of places for little ones to bike or play freely and is bucolic enough that one hardly realizes that the Taconic State Parkway is just down the road. Downing Park is a popular place for ball sports and winter sledding, and Jack DeVito Park hosts most of the town’s biggest activities (besides bordering the Yorktown Stage, where excellent youth and adult performances are showcased).
For those wanting a pretty, local day hike, Turkey Mountain has gorgeous scenic views that even offer a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline when the weather is clear enough. Bike paths crisscross Yorktown and stretch through some of its loveliest spots. Be sure to walk or bike the Croton Reservoir walking trail (bordering the Kitchawan Preserve), as it affords a gorgeous meander with breathtaking river views and piney wooded trails. There are paved paths for road bikers and more challenging trails for mountain bikers.
Yorktown has a skate park by Town Hall, perfect for kids while their parents shop at nearby Meadows farm stand for local produce or get pampered at Angel Face Day Spa. Nearby, Sparkle Lake is also a great spot for children to have a mini beach experience, as there is sand on the shore and shallow waters for wading. People love to fish along the shoreline, and those wanting to try deeper waters take their rowboats onto the lake for a peaceful day of trawling for carp and bluegill. Sparkle Lake is multi-seasonal, as you can ice skate on it in the winter and fish or swim in it throughout the rest of the year.
If being lakeside is not in the cards, being poolside is just as splendid. Yorktown offers two beautiful pools for residential use: the Junior Lake Pool at Memorial Park and the Brian J. Slavin Aquatic Facility. Both have clean, large pools with water slides and picnic areas and are a favorite gathering place for children to see their friends.
Eats and Treats
Yorktown is growing in its gastronomic offerings. New restaurants are constantly appearing amidst the old tried-and-true staples. The area has blossomed with specialty cafes and markets over the last few years. One go-to store in town is G&G Euro Café, where traditional food items from fifteen-plus countries worldwide are available for your table at home. The store has a warm, friendly vibe, and a café area serves aromatic Turkish coffee and burek stuffed with various savory fillings. Oscar’s is my typical go-to for amazing pizza, as their homemade pizza sauce is a phenomenal standout. Their restaurant offers excellent pasta dishes, and their truffle fries are addicting, particularly when paired with mussels or clams.
A little gem off the beaten track in Yorktown is Our Place Kitchen and Bar, where you can get an amazing Brussels sprout salad and a hearty burger paired with a specialty cocktail. For those with a palate for the exotic, the Jewel of Himalaya restaurant offers wonderfully spiced dishes such as Himalayan Aloo (a potato and vegetable curry) or Himalayan Makhini (beef and chicken in a tomato-based sauce). The Yorktown Diner is a great stand-in for nights when you don’t feel like cooking, and its casual, homey atmosphere makes it the perfect place to bring children.
Pappous Greek Kitchen in Yorktown Heights is a cozy and inviting spot that brings the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine to the community. Known for its authentic dishes and warm, family-friendly atmosphere, Pappous offers a menu filled with classic Greek staples like gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, and spanakopita. Fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes make each dish flavorful and satisfying, appealing to locals and visitors looking for a taste of Greece. The restaurant’s ambiance is casual yet charming, with a welcoming staff that makes guests feel like part of the family. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, Pappous Greek Kitchen provides a delightful culinary experience that celebrates Greek culture and comfort food.
Finally, my favorite local spot is Primal Bowls in Yorktown Heights. It is a popular spot for health-conscious diners seeking nutritious, flavorful meals. Specializing in acai bowls, smoothie bowls, and fresh salads, Primal Bowls uses wholesome, natural ingredients that make healthy eating delicious and satisfying. The vibrant, colorful bowls are packed with fresh fruits, superfoods, and customizable toppings like granola, chia seeds, and almond butter, allowing customers to tailor their meals to their tastes and dietary needs. The casual, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality ingredients have made Primal Bowls a favorite among locals looking for a quick, energizing bite.
Shopping
One of the biggest benefits of living in Yorktown is the proximity of the Jefferson Valley Mall, which has many stores to appeal to every age and is a lifesaver when you need something but don’t want to run down to White Plains for it. However, for excellent shopping at local storefronts, Wishes is an elegant boutique with artsy sparklers for jewelry and tastefully exquisite gifts.
When I want a truly special gift, I head to my absolute favorite shop, Celtic Aer. This shop sells imported Irish food, clothing, jewelry, and unique and authentic gift items. Their imported Irish sweaters and capes knit in traditional Aran designs are both beautiful and affordable. They also sell seasonal plants, flowers, sheds, and gazebos.
When shopping for daily life, Yorktown boasts the convenience of having stores that supply every need, from a BJ’s Gas & Grocery to a Party City, Staples, Trader Joe’s, and Lowe’s to add to the landscape of banks, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
One major upgrade to the area over the years is Uncle Giuseppe’s. It is a beloved local grocery store known for its high-quality Italian specialties, fresh produce, and extensive selection of prepared foods. Stepping into Uncle Giuseppe’s feels like entering an Italian market, with aisles filled with imported goods, an impressive deli counter, and a bakery that fills the air with the smell of fresh bread and pastries. The store is well-known for its gourmet offerings, including cheeses, cured meats, handmade pasta, and a seafood section stocked with fresh catches. The friendly staff provides excellent service, and the store’s inviting atmosphere makes shopping there pleasurable. Whether picking up ingredients for a family meal or stopping by for a quick bite from their hot bar, Uncle Giuseppe’s offers an experience that brings a taste of Italy to the Yorktown community.
Uncle Giuseppe recently got a new neighbor: TJ Maxx. TJ Maxx recently expanded its footprint in Yorktown and moved into the old KMart building. The store is now larger and houses even more of your favorite items. TJ Maxx is your one-stop shopping for all your needs! Next time you’re in the area, make sure to check out this new location!
Seasonal Events
Part of what makes Yorktown such a wonderful place to live is the variety of special events in the heart of town. You don’t have to travel to further locales for a day of family fun. Yorktown has its own ball drop and fireworks display to ring in the New Year; the benefit is your proximity to home once the fireworks are over and everyone wants to be in bed.
A Christmas tree lighting ceremony follows the town’s Parade of Lights in December, and a sweet train show at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. In the spring, the annual Yorktown Heights Fireman’s Carnival, the House & Garden Tour, the Antique Car Show, Yorktown’s Community Day, and Yorktown’s Relay for Life are favorites to attend after a long winter.
Summer heralds the best of Yorktown’s outdoor recreational life. Still, when folks are not kayaking, swimming, boating, hiking, or barbecuing, there are Sunday concerts at Jack DeVito Park and movies under the stars at the exact location. Once fall hits, the town has its local grange fair and hosts its own Feast of San Gennaro, where an original statue of San Gennaro is featured, on loan from the Most Precious Blood Church in Manhattan. Sprinkle in many parades to commemorate holidays like Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, and Yorktown has something for every family to enjoy year-round.
There are many places around beautiful Westchester to live and raise a family, but Yorktown has to be one of its jewels. With a strong school system, a dedicated Board of Education, an incredible police department (perusing their FaceBook posts is akin to reading the Sunday funnies), a responsive fire department and EMT squad, a Parks & Rec Department that offers a variety of classes, a vibrant senior community, and childcare options spread throughout the town, Yorktown is a place that is rich in resources and community. It is a lovely place to put down roots, but even if you are only here for the day, immerse yourself in all it has to offer!
Great article!!!
How about houses in Yorktown? Are they usually big or small in size? What about public school district? Thank you for the great article!