Neighborhood profile: Scarsdale, Arlington Heights

A mosaic of homes, mature trees and meandering streets give Scarsdale an irresistible character and charm.

Situated southeast of Arlington Heights' downtown business district and east of Arlington Heights Road, Scarsdale is a sought after neighborhood, especially for families with children.

Residents value the excellent public and private schools including Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School and St. Viator High School. And many children are within walking distance of Dryden Elementary School.

“This area is unique to Arlington Heights,” said Sue Duchek, broker with Picket Fence Realty in Arlington Heights. Homes include a blend of Georgians, Colonials, Tudors and some sprawling ranches on the south end with no two homes alike. A few homes were built in the 1920s, but most were constructed in the 1940s and early '50s. Newer homes are comprised of those built on land where homes were razed and custom homes built on remaining lots, Duchek said.

“Although some homes have a one-car garage, people overlook that for the character of Scarsdale and its location close to downtown,” she said.

Diane and Ron Crawford purchased their two-story home 26 years ago when the real estate market was quite different from today.

The couple loved the area and found a house for sale they liked from the outside. But houses were moving so quickly at the time that they needed to put in an offer in order to see the interior. “We put in a full offer, and it got us into the house,” Ron Crawford said.

“It's really a wonderful area close to downtown. We know a lot of people who are on their second or third house here because they like the area so much.

“There is little traffic in the neighborhood, and it's renowned for not having sidewalks. It really does have a different feel,” he said.

“We have wonderful neighbors, and homes are very well maintained. Two years ago we put in new windows and siding. We want to make sure we keep up the value of the house.”

A nice aspect of the neighborhood, Duchek said, is when people put on additions, they're always mindful of the architectural flair of the home so that the addition blends seamlessly into the neighborhood.

Some residents say planned events are part of what makes Scarsdale such a great place to live. The voluntary homeowners association organizes such activities as an Easter Egg Hunt and mom's group, while a welcome committee makes new residents feel at home.

Ron and Diane like walking to the downtown, where amenities galore await. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants sure to please any palate. After dinner residents can take in a movie, a live theater performance or an outdoor concert. And there's shopping at boutiques, specialty shops and galleries.

Other attractions in the village include Arlington Park racetrack, a beautiful facility that offers fun for the whole family; a strong park district that is a vital part of the community with facilities and activities for all ages; and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, which has one of the largest collections in the state.

Scarsdale residents are within walking distance to the downtown Metra station, where the train can get them to the Loop in 35 minutes via the express. They can also drive to I-90 in less than 10 minutes and get quickly to O'Hare International Airport.

Listing sheet

<b>Price range: </b>$300,000 to $1 million

<b>Age of homes:</b> 55 to 65 years old

<b>Schools: </b>Dryden Elementary and South Middle schools in Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 and Prospect High School in Northwest Suburban High School District 214

<b>Parks: </b>Arlington Heights Park District