Thinking about moving your business to White Plains? There are some things to know, beginning with census data.

White Plains is the 11th largest city in New York State with just under 60,000 inhabitants as of 2020. This total is about 6,400 higher than the 2010 census. White Plains is the government and business center of Westchester County. As a result, its daytime population swells to 250,000.

So, what contributes to White Plains’ vibrancy? How can its population quadruple during the daytime?

For starters, the city features an extensive transportation system which includes:

  • The Bee Line
  • Two Metro North Railroad stations, (a 30-minute express commute to Grand Central, NYC)
  • I-287 connecting to I-87, I-95, and the Mario Cuomo Bridge
  • The Westchester County Airport

BEWARE OF PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS

To help order the hustle and bustle, there are various permit requirements, parking restrictions, and city ordinances. This resource provides phone numbers for the Departments of Building and Public Works and the types of permits required. Crane work, change in occupancy, mechanical systems, and exterior changes, including signage require paperwork or inspection. Work with your office movers in Westchester to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

There is street sweeping in the Downtown Business area between midnight and 8 a.m. on alternate days. When it snows, there are business and residential requirements for clearing snow and parking restrictions. Since 2014, a crime prevention ordinance requires modest camera systems near exits or entrances to businesses or buildings. Read The Business Resource Guide or contact the relevant department to ask additional, specific questions.

As of mid-summer 2023, the unemployment rate is 3.8%. The median household income of $105K is about $36K higher than the national average. The workforce includes over 90% high school graduates and the (relatively) easy ingress to White Plains further bolsters the labor pool from surrounding areas.

REDEVELOPMENT ABOUNDS

In terms of development, some notable events include:

  • White Plains becoming the county seat in 1758
  • The arrival of the New York Central Railroad in 1844
  • Post World War II shopping district branches of retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, etc.
  • 1950s office presence by General Foods, Heineken, PepsiCo, and other large corporations
  • 1970s construction of the Westchester County Courthouse and the Galleria
  • 2003 The Source featuring Morton’s of Chicago and Whole Foods replaces Saks
  • 2003 City Center opened

What’s old has become new again. The $650 million project featuring 860 rental apartments and co-working spaces has broken ground, replacing the former White Plains Mall. Sustainable design features will incorporate smart-home technologies and emphasize energy efficiency.

Recently, New York Life and Danone signed 100,000+ square foot leases at two White Plains locations. These transactions were cited as indicating “a move away from suburban corporate campuses to transit-oriented cities where amenities are within arm’s reach.”

Large corporations tend to draw the press attention. However, there are numerous law firms, healthcare concerns, marketing agencies and diverse businesses serving as a supportive ecosystem. There are plenty of arts and entertainment options and restaurants abound.

In recent years, e-commerce and COVID have impacted the demand for retail and office space. Still, White Plains has many features propping its commercial attractiveness. It continues to draw new tenants and spurs development replacing facilities built a half-century ago.

PLANNING A MOVE?

If you are considering a move to White Plains, be sure to select a reputable office mover in Westchester with years of experience. McAvey Moving’s trained crew, specialized equipment, and local expertise will execute your move to minimize downtime. Your dedicated planner is accountable for your smooth move-in, including planning, storage services, decluttering, providing boxes or labeling if needed.

We offer flexible moving times, including working with your landlord around their house rules or restrictions. Contact us to request your free office moving quote.