Yonkers is the fourth largest city in the U.S. state of New York (behind New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester) and the largest city in Westchester County, with a population of 196,086 (according to the 2000 census). A July 1, 2002 estimate showed the city's population to be 197,234. The population fell to 197,126 according to the 2004 estimate. Yonkers borders the New York City borough of the Bronx and is just 2 miles (3 km) north of Manhattan.

The city's best-known attraction is Yonkers Raceway, a harness racing track that plans to boost revenue by renovating the grounds and clubhouse and adding legalized video slot gambling in the late 2000s. There is also a large shopping area along Central Park Avenue (New York State Route 100). Central Park Avenue is informally referred to as "Central Avenue" by area residents. In fact, a few miles north in White Plains, New York, the street is officially designated as "Central Avenue."