Hi all, I work in legal and With a population of 18,005, Scarsdale is a small town. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Ariana Parker
I work in hospitality here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Kayden Wright
Moved here from Nashville about 6 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to walkability but Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Mia K.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor recreation is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
cool_valentina90
Used to live on the North side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
27 upvotes
Luna
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The school system is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Jack M.
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great craft beer places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
19 upvotes
Sebastian M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
16 upvotes
stlmama2024
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
11 upvotes
Addison D.
hmm interesting perspective
10 upvotes
Delilah King
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
5 upvotes
Nolan Morris
not my experience at all
4 upvotes
Chloe Martinez
Bought a house here in 2023 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
2 upvotes
Aria Martinez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 10 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Emily R.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Cedar Grove area are decent. Kids love it here.