7.5 out of 10

South Salem

Ranked 1st best neighborhood in Lewisboro
41.2654659928471 -73.5602090439832
Great for
  • Clean & Green
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Schools
  • Safe & Sound
  • Peace & Quiet
Not great for
  • Nightlife
  • Public Transport
  • Shopping Options
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Eating Out
Who lives here?
  • Country Lovers
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists

Reviews

5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
2yrs+

"Perhaps a best kept secret of Westchester"

We moved here last year after realizing how beautiful it was, and how we could get so much more house for our $. Along with a beautiful Lake that is beloved by many residents for walking, biking, running (as well as seasonal swimming, canoeing, should your property have some type of Lake rights: great for little ones. ) Also a great Park & Rec Department, town pool (gigantic) and several town parks, one with lighted basketball courts. A weekday shuttle bus from Spring St. (free parking) gets you to Katonah train in roughly 20 mins, then 50 mins to NYC on the Harlem Line, a very nice line! This hamlet of Lewisboro, though small, has a rich history and a vibrant local, historic Tavern, a useful deli, several churches, wonderful Library (due to be remodeled & expanded) and Post Office, where nearby horses graze and slyly watch you do your daily thing. We can be in northern Manhattan by car in 45 mins; it really works for us. Katonah hamlet is 10 mins away as is Ridgefield Ct., center, and the Saw Mill gets one to more shopping dining, movie options in Mt. Kisco or Bedford Hills, on a route I find very scenic & easy. The fabulous local elementary school, LES is nurturing and award winning & the wildlife and nature are so lush and interesting, it's the best of several worlds for our family.
Pros
  • Beautiful, scenic, peaceful hamlet town
  • vintage vistas, preserved open space
  • near Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
  • Charming
  • beautiful
  • Excellent schools
Recommended for
  • Country Lovers
deborahk2
deborahk2 TERES, do you live in Vista or South Salem?
2yrs+
Add a comment...
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 1/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Quiet Town, with very little amenities"

South Salem is a large and long town. The most desirable section of South Salem is Vista, which is less than 2 minutes from New Cannan. People love Vista, because your not in the middle of no where, you have many neighbors with plenty of room also, you have Oakridge Commons just a little bit up RT 123. The part of South Salem that is along route 35 is very remote. Now that the town has become much more populated and there is more traffic, there has been trouble with route 123 1) being way too tight 2) very dark at night 3) arrogant drivers. They need street lights along 123, so we can see where we are going at night! You can feel very isolated around here. There isn't many shopping options around town, you usually have to go to Norwalk or Stamford or Danbury for your shopping. School District is excellent.
Cons
  • Can feel quiet and isolated
  • lacking diversity
  • no night life
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Excellent Schools but Lacks Diversity and Night Life"

South Salem is very rural, secluded hamlet located in the town of Lewisboro, NY, part of a predominantly white community. It’s one of the most expensive places to live in Westchester County, where homes will cost generally around 700,000+ or up (average listing price is $756,605, and renting will cost you over $2,000 a month). South Salem kids go to the prestigious Katonah-Lewisboro School District, serving towns like nearby Katonah and Goldens Bridge. The district’s stats are way above average in all fields across the board.

Kids will love visiting the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem (call ahead for a reservation), where you’ll see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, even wolf cubs if you’re lucky! You’ve also got Onatru Farm Town Park and Preserve, which offers fields for bird watching, soccer, basketball and lacrosse playing. You can camp here too. There’s also a short 1.5 mile trail (perfect for young kids) that will take you into beautifully dense Scotch pine forests. The town of Lewisboro has a Nature Museum, where a guide will take you on a long 6-mile hike, which is worth it because you will learn about all the different ecosystems here (like woodland and marshlands).

Great restaurants are the quaint Horse and Hound Inn, which is an old-fashioned Inn and Restaurant with fine dining quizine. Once a stagecoach resting point, a schoolhouse and gin and rum mill, the Inn now hosts celebrations out on the patio for people who want a gourmet meal and excellent services. Also, for fine French quizine, La Chateau is the place to be.

South Salem is very quiet and very safe. You’ll find groceries at Greenwhich Produce, Vista Market and the Spring Street Country Market right in town. For other amenities like coffee and specialty items, you’ll have to drive to nearby Ridgefield CT for shopping expeditions (there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts and Nature’s Temptations, a health food store). It’s one of New York’s prettiest places to live in and there’s plenty to do outdoors. People who want a good nightlife will be disappointed, but people who appreciate peace and quiet will be in Heaven. Teens, visit the nearby Danbury Mall for a great hangout with friends.
Pros
  • Charming
  • beautiful
  • Excellent schools
  • quiet
Cons
  • Can feel quiet and isolated
  • lacking diversity
  • no night life
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 1/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"Lived Here 6 Months And....."

My family and I moved to a Part of South Salem called Vista, which is literally touching New Canaan CT. It's been about 6 months now, once we first moved here from Long Island, it was very tough, we weren't used to no street lights, sidewalks, and close by shopping. Soundview Loop is the best block in all of Lewisboro, I'm still not used to how quiet it is, and do miss Long Island, but I will say, Vista is the best part of South Salem, If your from more of an urban area and moving here, like me, I suggest to try and find a house on a decently populated block, Don't go to East Street! There are many people from Southern Westchester here also. If you do decide to move here, it will be tough at the very beginning, I'm still getting used to it and would love to to back to Long Island, but we're giving it a chance. VISTA, is where you wanna be :)
Pros
  • Excellent schools
  • Charming
  • beautiful
  • quiet
  • Beautiful, scenic, peaceful hamlet town
Cons
  • Can feel quiet and isolated
  • lacking diversity
  • no night life
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
Nikki D. McMann
Nikki D. McMann PRO If you are looking for a fast paced-lifestyle with a lot of nightlife and abundant shopping within walking distance from your house then, yes, this may not be the area for you. It is a rural community for those that enjoy the beauty of the countryside and nature. The commute into the city is only a 50 minute train ride...well worth it to those that live here who want access to NYC yet the comforts of a quiet country setting. There is a grocery store in the town of Cross River in Lewisboro called Deciccio's. There are also a few restaurants, nail salons, pharmacy, bank, dentist, tutoring, gym, etc. If you like hiking there is a 4700 acre park with 35 miles of hiking trails right off of 121 in Cross River. As long as you are willing to hop in your car, you will find pretty much anything you would like to do beyond that within a 15 minute drive. Happy to share some suggestions if you are looking for something in particular.
2yrs+
franklinsquare
franklinsquare Yeah that's true, I'm just a person from long island that is used to the suburban semi fast paced lifestyle. my family and I r possibly moving up to south Salem in a year or two
2yrs+
Nikki D. McMann
Nikki D. McMann PRO If you decide to move here, let me know and I'll help find you the right home. If you are ever in the area and want me to show you and your family around, just let me know. I've lived here 12 years and love it! Happy Summer!
2yrs+
JenM
JenM franklinsquare- how do you like living in Vista? My family and I are also from Long Island and are house hunting in South Salem. I am just worried how remote it is and if it would be tiresome driving our kids to their activities/shopping ect. Are you used to it now or do you still miss Long Island?
2yrs+
cc5
cc5 I live in South Salem area and have also lived on Long Island. To be honest, I would not recommend moving to northern Westchester from the Franklin Square or the majority of Long Island. The people and culture are different. I am not referring to racial differences, more behavior and collective mentality, way of life, etc. (and I'm not talking about traffic). Personally, I am happy here but l was never a fan of southern Nassau County during my time there and knew that was not at all the right fit for me based on my interests, etc. Without diving too deep into this, I would say, if you can understand or relate to what I've said, then my comment might not apply but if you feel at home on Long Island or it's the only area you've ever lived, I'd say northern Westchester would most likely not be a good fit.
2yrs+
cc5
cc5 I live in South Salem area and have also lived on Long Island. To be honest, I would not recommend moving to northern Westchester from the Franklin Square or the majority of Long Island. The people and culture are different. I am not referring to racial differences, more behavior and collective mentality, way of life, etc. (and I'm not talking about traffic). Personally, I am happy here but l was never a fan of southern Nassau County during my time there and knew that was not at all the right fit for me based on my interests, etc. Without diving too deep into this, I would say, if you can understand or relate to what I've said, then my comment might not apply but if you feel at home on Long Island or it's the only area you've ever lived, I'd say northern Westchester would most likely not be a good fit.
2yrs+
Add a comment...
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Another option in the Katonah-Lewisboro School Distict"

South Salem is a hamlet in the town of Lewisboro. It is home to the town’s only library, drawing residents from the other hamlets. The hamlet is located within just a few miles of Connecticut’s border; the entire town of Lewisboro was once involved in a lengthy battle over which state would claim the land; New York ultimately won.

Like Lewisboro as a whole, South Salem is peaceful, with little development. The area is characterized by natural beauty, rural roads, and open space. South Salem is home to the library, which all Lewisboro residents may use, and the town offices. Golden's Bridge and Katonah have Metro-North stations, but both are a good ride from South Salem.

The Katonah-Lewisboro School District enrolls children who live in South Salem. There are four elementary schools; South Salem is served primarily by Meadow Pond Elementary School. John Jay Middle School and John Jay High School are located in nearby Cross River. Many house hunters are drawn to South Salem primarily because of the quality of the schools, whose results are consistently excellent. There is also a broad selection of athletic and artistic opportunities.

South Salem is home to Lake Truesdale, an 83 acre man-made lake. Created in 1927, there are two private beaches available to members of the respective homeowners’ associations. There are also four town parks, run by the Lewisboro Recreation Department.
Potential homebuyers will find options for many budgets in South Salem, including condominiums and single family homes. However, those with more money to spend will find a greater variety of inventory; choices are fewer at the $300-$400k range.

Like its neighboring Lewisboro hamlets, South Salem has a great deal to offer, including seclusion, great schools and proximity to nature.
Pros
  • Excellent schools
  • Charming
  • beautiful
Cons
  • Can feel quiet and isolated
  • no night life
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Wolf Country"

Wind your way along one of the main roads in South Salem, a lovely wooded hamlet in Lewisboro, and you will eventually find a small, hidden road. Only after you’ve made reservations will you be given directions, and the only sign is a small one proclaiming the name of the road. Drive up the hill, park in front of the gate, and you’ll be at the Wolf Conservation Center.

Descriptions of South Salem have already been written on this site, so instead I’ll tell you about WCC, a must-see non-profit organization that is absolutely NOT just for kids. WCC is one of the most successful facilities in the East for captive breeding endangered wolf species, and they promote an understanding and appreciation of all wolves through tours, education, and outreach programs.

Walk up the steep hill, and you’ll come to their education building, decorated with all manner of wolf paintings, statues, photos, etc. Their education people give power point presentations and are funny, entertaining, yet provide you with important information – from the natural history of the wolf, through the damage done by Little Red Riding Hood, to the insanity of federally funded eradication programs – which will outrage you on behalf of this incredibly beautiful, misunderstood and persecuted predator.

The last time I was there our group leader finished his presentation, then led us outside. He threw back his head, and let out a howl. There was silence. He did it again. Silence. The group began looking sideways at each other, eyebrows raised. Then, in the distance, there was an answering howl. And another, and another. All in different pitches, all beautiful music that sent shivers down our spines. Every person in my group - from small children to senior citizens – gasped, then grinned in delight.

And they hadn’t even laid eyes on the wolves yet.

WCC is home to grey wolves, including their famous traveling embassador wolf Atka; and both Mexican gray and red wolves, both among the rarest mammals in North America. Wolves are shy and elusive, and, unless they are brought up in captivity, frightened of people. However, at one point Atka, waiting behind a tall chain link fence and impatient with the slow delivery of his chicken hunk, let out a frustrated growl – a deep, bass snarl, not aggressive (as he is fond of our group leader), but an awe-inspiring reminder that these are as far from pet dogs as it is possible for a canid to be.

What kind of people live in South Salem? The neighbors of WCC thrill to the sound of full-moon wolf howls, and become concerned if sirens go off without a wolf chorus. I can’t think of a better recommendation.

http://www.nywolf.org
Pros
  • beautiful
  • quiet
  • Charming
Cons
  • no night life
  • Can feel quiet and isolated
  • lacking diversity
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Secluded and Serene"

South Salem is one of the four hamlets of the Town of Lewisboro. It offers the natural beauty with the rolling hills and great views that are expected in this part of Westchester County. It is sometimes hard to believe that it is only an hour away from a bustling metropolis!

South Salem has some interesting dining options. Le Chateau has earned justifiably rave reviews and there are also more casual places. Erika’s Pasta & Pizza is a popular local eatery. If you can’t find what you want in South Salem, it is not far from Ridgefield, Danbury or Katonah and all those places have a wide variety of shopping and eating options. It is worth noting that there is an interesting antiques shop in South Salem.

South Salem residents fall under the Katonah-Lewisboro Public School District and this is a highly regarded school system. It is one of main elements in many a home-buyer’s checklist. Given the largely white collar profile of South Salem, many of the resident families have adults with college education. There is emphasis on academics and academic achievement in this community.

South Salem offers houses from the small and simple to the stunning and spacious. There is something to suit a range of budgets. When South Salem is called a relatively affordable community, it is not to be forgotten that once Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards owned property here. It is after all not far from the tony Town of Bedford.

Families with kids will find much to appreciate in the lush landscape of this area. The many lakes and nature preserves in the near vicinity make it an ideal place for nature lovers.
Pros
  • Charming
Cons
  • Can feel quiet and isolated
  • lacking diversity
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Sleepy but pleasant hamlet"

South Salem is a placid little hamlet located within the greater town of Lewisboro, NY. It has an attractive array of medium to large Colonial homes as well as some more modern constructions. Real estate here is definitely more affordable and the area isn't pretentious. However, there are not a whole lot of ameneties here and most folks have to go elswhere although all those options are within reasonable driving ranges. Many go to the Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury, CT to satiate their retail needs. In South Salem's town center and surrounding area itself is a post office, the town hall, a recycling center, a wine and spirit shop, two gas stations and a dry cleaners.

South Salem does have one culinary boasting right in the exquisite Le Chateau restaurant which serves excellent French fare, brunch and even has a children's menu. The restaurant also boasts a fireplace, a wine bar, many drink specials and live music and dancing. Another two very good dining options are Bacio Trattoria and The Horse and Hound Inn.

There is a grocery store in town called Vista Market, but most shoppers head on over to D'agostinos in Cross River, Shop Rite in Bedford Hills and Stop n' Shop in Ridgefield, CT.

There are an abundance of gorgeous parks and nature preserves in greater Lewisboro with a plethora of walking trails. There is even a helpful and detailed trail guide that can be gotten for a small donation called, "Walking Wild Lewisboro."

South Salem is quite safe and the crime rate is pretty low.

South Salem students are a part of the Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School district. The system is considered to be very good and the median SAT score is 1742.

The median household income is $84,995. The median home value is $436,798 and the median rental rate is $1,279.

South Salem is 97% White, 1% Black and 1% Asian.

The population of South Salem is approximately 7,201 and the median age is 38.
Pros
  • Charming
Cons
  • Can feel quiet and isolated
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers

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