Yonkers, New York is gaining recognition as one of the nation’s leading destinations for pre-retirees, according to a new ranking of the top 25 U.S. cities with the highest concentration of residents between the ages of 55 and 64.
The study ranked cities based on the percentage of the population approaching retirement age, highlighting communities where older professionals, longtime homeowners, and affluent households are increasingly shaping local housing and economic trends.
Yonkers stood out for its strong concentration of high-income pre-retirees and its growing appeal as an alternative to Manhattan for residents seeking suburban comfort with direct access to New York City.
Yonkers Pre-Retiree Population by the Numbers
According to the latest data:
- Pre-retirees as a percentage of total population: 13.42%
- Residents ages 55 to 64: 28,320
- Median pre-retiree household income: $101,440
- Pre-retirees earning more than $200,000 annually: 20%
The numbers suggest Yonkers continues attracting financially established households preparing for retirement while remaining active in the workforce.
Why Pre-Retirees Are Choosing Yonkers
Located just north of New York City in Westchester County, Yonkers offers many of the lifestyle advantages older professionals and near-retirees increasingly prioritize, including:
- Proximity to Manhattan
- Access to commuter rail transportation
- Waterfront living opportunities
- Larger homes and condominiums
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Expanding healthcare access
- Lower-density living compared to NYC boroughs
For many residents, Yonkers provides a balance between urban accessibility and suburban quality of life.
The city has also benefited from continued redevelopment efforts along its downtown waterfront, attracting new residential investment, restaurants, retail, and mixed-use housing projects.
High-Income Households Driving Housing Demand
One of the study’s most notable findings was the earning power of Yonkers’ pre-retiree population.
With a median household income exceeding $101,000 and 20% of pre-retirees earning more than $200,000 annually, the city is seeing strong demand for:
- Luxury condominiums
- Downsized maintenance-free housing
- Waterfront apartments
- Transit-oriented developments
- Age-friendly communities
Real estate professionals say affluent empty nesters and longtime homeowners are increasingly seeking homes that offer convenience, accessibility, and lower maintenance without leaving the New York metro area entirely.
Westchester County Continues Attracting Older Professionals
Yonkers reflects a broader trend taking shape across Westchester County and the greater New York region, where aging professionals are reevaluating housing needs while remaining connected to career opportunities, healthcare systems, and family networks.
Many residents between ages 55 and 64 are delaying full retirement while seeking communities that support flexible lifestyles, hybrid work arrangements, and long-term financial stability.
The rise in high-income pre-retirees also supports local businesses, healthcare services, restaurants, and cultural amenities throughout the region.
What This Means for People Moving to New York
For individuals and families considering relocation to the New York area, Yonkers is increasingly emerging as an attractive option for older adults seeking access to both suburban living and metropolitan opportunities.
Its location, transportation access, and growing residential development pipeline continue positioning the city as one of the most desirable communities for pre-retirement living in the Northeast.
As demographic trends continue evolving, cities like Yonkers are expected to play an even larger role in shaping New York’s future housing and economic landscape.
For more New York housing trends, neighborhood insights, and relocation news, follow the Live in New York section of Let’s Move to New York News.