If you’re considering calling White Plains home, the Highlands neighborhood deserves your attention. Bordered by Old Mamaroneck Road, Ridgeway, and Mamaroneck Avenue, the Highlands offers a unique blend of suburban charm, walkable convenience, and vibrant community life—making it an appealing destination for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a welcoming place to settle down.
Community Vibe: Friendly and Neighborly
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Highlands is the genuine sense of community. Residents greet each other by name, kids play together on front lawns, and yearly block parties (especially around Stratford Road and Gedney Esplanade) foster tight-knit relationships. While the area is primarily residential, you’ll find people from all walks of life. The Highlands’ diverse, inclusive character draws couples just starting out, retirees who’ve been here for decades, and, increasingly, young families seeking a little more space without leaving the city behind.
Types of Housing: Classic Suburban Mix
The housing stock in the Highlands is one of its defining charms. Most homes were built in the early- to mid-20th century, lending the neighborhood a classic, established feel. You'll find:
- Single-family Colonials and Tudors — Stately and well-maintained homes with deep lots and mature trees, particularly along Ridgeway Avenue, Grandview Avenue, and Woodland Avenue.
- Cape Cods and Split-levels — Cozy, practical layouts are abundant on side streets like Hazelton Avenue and Sterling Avenue.
- Co-op Apartments and Condos — A few low-rise buildings are scattered near the neighborhood’s northern edge, ideal for those who want less maintenance.
- Rental Options — While the majority of homes are owner-occupied, certain pockets offer rental houses and apartment units.
The combination of architectural character and leafy, pedestrian-friendly streets creates a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere.
Walkability: Everyday Convenience
Highlands is among the most walkable residential neighborhoods in White Plains outside the city’s immediate downtown. Sidewalks line every street, and traffic-calming bumpouts make intersections safer for pedestrians.
- Short strolls to shopping: Mamaroneck Avenue is the neighborhood’s vibrant commercial spine, with bakeries, cafes like Hastings Tea & Coffee Lounge, and small local stores within easy reach.
- Errands are simple: Walk to CVS, banks, or the farmer’s market during summer weekends.
- Walks for pleasure: Many enjoy morning walks along Ridgeway, passing the Highlands Middle School’s athletic fields or venturing over to the tranquil Gedney Park.
Whether you need groceries, a coffee, or just a pleasant walk with the dog, it’s all at your doorstep.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Families flock to the Highlands, thanks in large part to well-regarded public schools and countless kid-friendly amenities. The neighborhood is zoned for the White Plains City School District, known for its diversity, robust programming, and strong sense of community.
- Highlands Middle School (128 Grandview Ave.) sits at the heart of the neighborhood. Its sports fields and playground are after-school hubs for families.
- Mamaroneck Avenue School is a short walk for those on the north end, making drop-offs a breeze.
- Safe, short walks to school are standard—the vast majority of students can walk or ride bikes with friends, giving kids a rare sense of independence.
Block parties, Halloween parades, and annual sidewalk chalk days make the Highlands lively for young families year-round.
Parks and Green Spaces
Access to green space is a major perk in the Highlands. The neighborhood is dotted with parks and leafy, tree-lined blocks.
- Gedney Park (across from Highlands Middle School) is an under-the-radar gem, offering expansive lawns for picnics, a playground, basketball courts, and shaded walking paths.
- Turnure Park is a little farther but walkable for those closer to the neighborhood’s northern edge—featuring tennis courts and summer music festivals.
- Front lawns and gardens — Many Highlands homes have generous yards, and residents take pride in their landscaping, filling the streets with spring blooms and autumn color.
Dog-walkers, runners, and stroller-pushers all find their happy place here.
Safety: Peace of Mind
Safety is one of the Highlands’ key attractions. The area enjoys a reputation as one of White Plains’ safest residential pockets, with residents frequently mentioning how comfortable they feel walking home at night or letting their kids play outside.
- The White Plains Police Department regularly patrols the area, and the local neighborhood association keeps lines of communication open with law enforcement.
- Nearly every street has a local watch, and neighbors look out for each other, contributing to a collective sense of security.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
One of the hidden advantages of living in the Highlands is being close to everything, while still enjoying peace and quiet.
- Downtown White Plains: The restaurants, shops, and Metro-North station are just over a mile away—an easy walk, quick bus, or a 5-minute drive.
- I-287 and Hutchinson River Parkway: Fast access for commuters to White Plains Hospital, Westchester County offices, or travel to NYC.
- White Plains Hospital and major employers are within a 5–10 minute drive, making the Highlands especially appealing to healthcare professionals and corporate employees.
You truly get the best of both worlds: suburbia and city at your doorstep.
What Residents Love Most
Ask anyone living in the Highlands what they value and you’ll hear a few themes repeated:
- “Everyone looks out for each other. I never worry if my kids are walking to the park or a friend’s house.”
- “We’re close to everything but it feels like a small town. That’s rare around here.”
- “I love the architecture and the old-growth trees. Our home has character you just don’t get in new construction.”
- “The annual block party is the best. I’ve met some of my closest friends in this neighborhood.”
- “I walk everywhere—coffee, gym, school drop-off, even the train if I need to.”
In short, the Highlands combines the best of Westchester suburban life—community, charm, safety, walkability, and access—with a distinctive White Plains vibe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re drawn to neighborhoods where neighbors become friends, schools are highly valued, green spaces abound, and daily amenities are right outside your door, the Highlands in White Plains is hard to beat. Whether you’re starting a family or just looking for a more connected, walkable way of life, this neighborhood truly delivers.