The area was largely rural until urban encroachment in more recent decades. It is now a mainly residential area, composed of medium-density housing, with small rural properties on the fringes. There is also a substantial amount of industrial activity around the railway line and station.
Educational facilities in the suburb include Lisarow High School, Lisarow Public School and Narara Public School.
The Test cricketer, Alan Davidson, hails from the town. Lisarow shares the largest cricket club on the Central Coast with Ourimbah, their club mascot is the magpie.