Yonkers, NY, United States

With a population of 211,569, Yonkers is the third-largest city in New York, but it's no New York City. The manufacturing jobs that once fueled the economy have declined, leaving the city struggling with high unemployment - nearly 1 in 5 residents were out of work during the pandemic. And while Yonkers has worked to revitalize its downtown, bureaucracy remains a persistent headache, as evidenced by the long legal battle over racial segregation in housing and schools. For those seeking an urban environment with a shorter commute and lower costs than Manhattan, Yonkers may be an option, but the city's challenges make it a better fit for those who prize practicality over prestige.