White Plains

White Plains is a city in the U.S. state of New York. It is the county seat and commercial hub of Westchester County, an affluent suburban county just north of New York City that is home to almost one million people. White Plains is located in south-central Westchester, with its downtown about 7 miles (11 km) east of the Hudson River and 7 miles (11 km) northwest of the Long Island Sound. It is bordered to the north by the town of North Castle, to the north and east by the town/village of Harrison, to the south by the town/village of Scarsdale, and to the west by the town of Greenburgh.

History

White Plains was first settled by the Weckquaeskeck tribe, a branch of the Mohican tribe of the Algonquin people. The first non-native settlement was established by a group of New England colonists in 1683. The city was incorporated in 1916 following the merger of the villages of White Plains and North White Plains.

Economy

White Plains is a major economic and employment center, with a diverse economy featuring companies in a wide range of industries. Major employers include the IBM Corporation, PepsiCo, and the New York Power Authority. The city is also a significant retail destination, with a large downtown shopping district and several major malls.

Education

The city is served by the White Plains Public Schools district, which operates several elementary schools, two middle schools, and White Plains High School. The city is also home to a number of private schools and colleges, including Pace University and Berkeley College.

Transportation

White Plains is a major transportation hub, with the White Plains Metro-North station offering direct rail service to Grand Central Terminal in New York City. The city is also served by several major highways, including Interstate 287, State Route 22, and the Bronx River Parkway.

Culture

White Plains has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous arts and entertainment venues, including the White Plains Performing Arts Center and the Westchester County Center. The city also hosts several annual events, such as the White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival and the White Plains Jazz Fest.