Asian population in Scarsdale and Edgemont schools (Eastchester, Bedford: houses, neighborhoods)

[LightningMcQueen]

I noticed there is a proportionately large Asian student population in these districts, probably due to the fact that Asians generally have a high standard of education. I was wondering, if this causes any tensions or resentment by the white families who see the large asian population as an "invasion" in their traditionally white neighborhoods. Any Asian families with any sort of experiences related to this?

Or perhaps my question is totally off-base. My apologies if this kind of question isn't politically correct.

[hsw]

Any upper socio-economic setting (home/office/school, etc) has its own overt/covert tensions, jealousies....

Perhaps in more blue-collar settings such tensions are occasionally expressed in violent terms...in more affluent settings, sophisticated, often passive-aggressive, non-violent tactics are more prevalent...

Heterogenous groups compose upper socio-economic echelons of NYC region...WASPs vs Jews; Indians vs East Asians; new Asian immigrants vs US-born parents of Asian origin; centimillionaires/billionaires vs "working" affluent; new money vs old money, etc etc....NYC region is a cosmopolitan place w/many high-achievers from varying backgrounds w/different levels of wealth and IQ, even in allegedly affluent places like Scarsdale/Greenwich/UES....

[bmwguydc]

I do not know upon what facts the poster above is basing their opinion, since it's clear that they have no concept of Westchester and Scarsdale-Edgemont other than words on a paper.

Having lived in Westchester, I can say that there is no real tension or resentment that is noticeable on a larger scale between any group and those of predominantly Asian ethnic origin. Generally, because of the wealth in Scarsdale-Edgemont, in particular, the people do tend to be a little more worldly, having traveled, lived, and worked with people of all origins, so I'd think it would be less of a problem in these districts, since economic factors seem to be more important in Scarsdale, and Edgemont seems to be a little more relaxed and open, overall, for a good school district.

[LightningMcQueen]

bmwguydc, did you attend Scarsdale or Edgemont? So do the students mingle well between the various ethnic backgrounds? What about the economic differences? Are there as much of that "keeping up with the Jones'" going on as I read about?

[bmwguydc]

I didn't attend either, actually. I lived between Northern Westchester (Katonah-Bedford) and Manhattan as a child and actually attended private schools my whole life. I have friends who live and lived in the areas and never mentioned any difficulties between ethnic groups, which I have rarely found to be the case in Westchester as a whole when one is discussing areas that have economic parity, such that it makes little difference if an Asian family or another family purchases a house in the same price bracket.

Scarsdale is a highly competitive district, that's for sure, and it can be difficult for some children who live in the less expensive parts to keep up with the prevailing standards of the other residents of the village. It does have a connotation of "keeping up with the Joneses" to it, and it is true in many respects. Bronxville also has that reputation as well, though there's not much in Bronxville that would qualify as inexpensive (by village standards) where Scarsdale does have some areas that are made up of smaller, less expensive (for Scarsdale) houses. Scarsdale has much to recommend it, but if I were not buying into the community at the middle to upper end of the market with the intention of using the public schools, I'd evaluate a less competitive district since some children might feel excessive peer pressure to compete economically.

[LightningMcQueen]

Thank you for the replies. Scarsdale probably isn't for us from an economic stand point.

[bmwguydc]

In the same area, check out Eastchester and Tuckahoe. The economics of the area are not as competitive, and the schools are good. Also, the economic competitiveness is not going to be as prevalent in Edgemont, by far, so that's an option in the area, even if it has a Scarsdale address. Pelham also has some excellent schools and isn't as competitive. Bronxville and Scarsdale districts are the most competitive. If you want to consider the river side of the county, check out Ardsley and Irvington, which also have great schools.