Yonkers, the third largest city in New York with a once sleepy downtown, has been attracting new businesses, rental projects and creative spaces, with more planned.

Developers and businesses are increasingly drawn to the city, which covers 18 square miles and lies directly north of the Bronx in Westchester County. Lionsgate recently opened a large film studio there. The Saw Mill River, once paved over downtown, now flows near the Yonkers Train Station. And there’s a distillery that makes mahia, a Moroccan spirit made from dried figs.

“Yonkers has been revitalizing beautifully in a fun, hip way, which is not always easy to do,” said Ari Susswein, an agent with Douglas Elliman who grew up in Yonkers.

Part of that revitalization is a repurposed carpet mill, 222 Mills, that houses businesses, work spaces, activities and events. Ladys Guerrero Williams, a co-owner of Simple Motive Brewing Company, which operates there, said the hub is “like, a destination where people can go and hang out for a few hours.”

And as New York City housing costs increase, some residents are choosing Yonkers for its convenience and affordability. The downtown is a 30-minute Metro-North ride on the Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal. Once there, large residential buildings on the banks of the Hudson River give way to single-family homes in other areas. New high-rises have popped up, with more under construction.