Arlington, MA
Charming, Walkable & Perfectly Positioned
Charming, Walkable & Perfectly Positioned Between Boston and Lexington
Discover Arlington, MA
Arlington is one of Greater Boston’s most coveted residential towns — a walkable, historic community that sits at the sweet spot between urban energy and suburban tranquility. Bordering Cambridge, Somerville, Lexington, and Belmont, Arlington gives residents effortless access to the best of all worlds: world-class universities and restaurants just minutes away, and quiet, tree-lined streets to come home to. Its excellent public schools, beautiful parks, and strong sense of community make it a perennial top pick for families relocating to the Greater Boston area.
Arlington’s neighborhoods each have a distinct appeal. Arlington Center is a walkable village with a thriving restaurant and café scene, the beloved Robbins Library, and beautifully preserved Victorian and Craftsman homes. Arlington Heights, further west, offers more space and a neighborhood-y feel with its own cluster of shops and restaurants. East Arlington, bordering Somerville and Cambridge, attracts buyers who want a foot in both worlds — suburban quiet with immediate access to Davis Square and Inman Square. The Morningside neighborhood, with its panoramic views from Spy Pond, is a hidden gem for nature lovers.
Arlington’s real estate market is fiercely competitive. Homes regularly sell within two weeks, with multiple offers well above asking price. Inventory is consistently tight — single-family homes in particular are snapped up quickly by buyers who recognize the town’s enduring value. Buyers who come prepared with financing and a clear sense of their target neighborhood are best positioned to succeed here.
Arlington Real Estate Market Statistics
Current market data • Updated monthly
Median Home Price
$950,000
+4.8% YoY
Price per Sq Ft
$620
+3.9% YoY
Days on Market
14 days
‑5 days YoY
Active Listings
~40
Very tight inventory
List to Sale Price
105%
Consistently above asking
Market Trend
Strong Seller’s Market
Multiple offers the norm
Statistics are estimates based on MLS data and may vary by neighborhood and property type. Contact me for the most current market analysis specific to your needs.
Arlington Schools & Education
Arlington Public Schools consistently ranks among the top school districts in Massachusetts, and is widely regarded as one of the primary reasons families choose this town. The district is known for rigorous academics, exceptional arts and athletics programs, high AP participation, and strong college outcomes. With a deeply engaged parent community and experienced teaching staff, Arlington schools are a genuine draw for buyers across all price ranges.
High School
Arlington High School
Public High School • Grades 9–12
Arlington High serves approximately 1,600 students with one of the most comprehensive academic programs in the region. Extensive AP and honors offerings, a nationally recognized music and theater program, and strong athletic teams make it a well-rounded and highly regarded institution. The school consistently posts high graduation rates and college acceptance outcomes.
Middle School
Ottoson Middle School
Public Middle School • Grades 6–8
Arlington’s primary middle school, Ottoson is known for its project-based learning model, strong STEM and arts integration, and a supportive culture that bridges elementary and high school. Students regularly praise the school’s dedicated teachers and the wide range of extracurricular options available.
Elementary Schools
Stratton Elementary School
Public Elementary • Grades K–5 • Arlington Center
Located near Arlington Center, Stratton is known for strong academics, a tight-knit parent community, and a welcoming environment for all learners.
Dallin Elementary School
Public Elementary • Grades K–5 • East Arlington
Dallin serves East Arlington with a diverse student body and an emphasis on language programs and community partnerships.
Hardy Elementary School
Public Elementary • Grades K–5 • Arlington Heights
Hardy emphasizes STEM integration and outdoor learning. Its location in Arlington Heights makes it a natural draw for families in that part of town.
Brackett Elementary School
Public Elementary • Grades K–5 • Morningside
Serving the Morningside neighborhood and areas near Spy Pond, Brackett is beloved for its strong family engagement and nurturing classroom environment.
Arlington Amenities & Lifestyle
What makes Arlington special
Parks & Open Space
- Spy Pond Park & Spy Pond Beach
- Menotomy Rocks Park (hiking & picnicking)
- Arlington Reservoir (swimming, summer)
- Town Forest (Foot of the Rocks trails)
- Minuteman Bikeway (10.5-mile paved path)
Dining & Cafés
- Capitol Bar and Grille (Arlington Center)
- Aceituna Grill (Mediterranean, Heights)
- Local 149 & neighborhood bistros
- Regent Theatre area dining scene
- Peet’s Coffee, local cafés throughout
Shopping
- Arlington Center boutiques & specialty shops
- Arlington Heights local retail
- Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s nearby
- Davis Square shops (5 min away)
- Farmers Market (seasonal, Arlington Center)
History & Culture
- Jason Russell House (1692 — site of bloodiest April 19 battle)
- Arlington Historical Society Museum
- Cyrus Dallin Art Museum
- Regent Theatre (historic movie & event venue)
- Robbins Farm panoramic overlook
Sports & Fitness
- Spy Pond sailing & ice skating
- Arlington Reservoir swimming
- Minuteman Bikeway cycling & running
- Youth soccer, lacrosse & baseball leagues
- CrossFit, yoga & fitness studios citywide
Community & Family Life
- Robbins Library (Arlington Center branch)
- Arlington Center for the Arts
- Arlington Farmers Market
- Youth sports leagues & rec programs
- Active neighborhood civic associations
Transportation & Commuting
Connecting Arlington to Boston and beyond
🚌 Public Transit
Arlington is served by MBTA Bus Route 77, which runs from Arlington Center directly to Harvard Square (Red Line) in 20–25 minutes. Buses 62 and 76 connect Arlington Heights to Alewife Station (Red Line terminus). Alewife is also a convenient 10–15 minute bike ride for residents along the Minuteman Bikeway. There is no direct MBTA subway station in Arlington, but the bus connections to the Red Line are reliable and frequent.
🚗 Major Highways
- Route 2 (direct access to Boston & Lexington)
- Alewife Brook Parkway (to Cambridge)
- I-95/Route 128 (via Lexington, ~15 min)
- Storrow Drive (via Cambridge, ~15 min)
⏱️ Commute Times
- To Downtown Boston: 30–40 min by bus + T
- To Harvard Square: 20–25 min (Bus 77)
- To Cambridge: 15–20 min by bus or bike
- To Lexington: 10 min by car
- By car to Boston: 20–30 min off-peak
🚶 Walkability & Bikeability
Arlington Center earns a Walk Score of 85+, with most daily errands easily accomplished on foot. The 10.5-mile Minuteman Bikeway is a dedicated paved path connecting Arlington to Cambridge (Alewife), Lexington, and Bedford — making car-free cycling commutes to Cambridge genuinely practical. Arlington is one of the most bikeable suburbs in Greater Boston.
Arlington Location & Amenities Map
Explore Arlington’s neighborhoods and key locations
Key Locations
- 🔴 Historic Sites & Landmarks
- 🟢 Parks, Trails & Open Space
- 🔵 Shopping, Dining & Community
- 🟡 Schools
Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington, MA
What is Arlington, MA known for?
Arlington is known for its outstanding public schools, charming town center, the Minuteman Bikeway, and beautiful parks including Spy Pond and Menotomy Rocks. It’s also famous for its Revolutionary War history — the bloodiest battle of April 19, 1775 was fought here at the Jason Russell House. Arlington has a strong sense of civic pride and community engagement that makes it a uniquely welcoming town.
How is the Arlington real estate market?
Arlington’s market is one of the most competitive in Greater Boston. Homes typically sell within two weeks and routinely exceed asking price by 5–15%. Inventory is very tight — particularly for single-family homes — and multiple-offer situations are the norm rather than the exception. Buyers need to be pre-approved and decisive to succeed here.
What neighborhoods are in Arlington?
Arlington has several distinct neighborhoods: Arlington Center (walkable village with shops, restaurants, and Victorian homes), Arlington Heights (more suburban, slightly more affordable, with its own retail cluster), East Arlington (borders Somerville/Cambridge, great for urban-suburban blend), and Morningside (quiet, leafy, close to Spy Pond). Each has its own character and price range.
What are Arlington’s schools like?
Arlington Public Schools consistently ranks among the top 10–15% of Massachusetts districts. Arlington High School is particularly well-regarded for its breadth of AP offerings, arts programs, and athletics. The district’s strong performance is one of the primary reasons families choose Arlington, and it significantly supports home values throughout the town.
How does Arlington compare to Lexington?
Both towns offer excellent schools and a suburban character, but Arlington is generally more walkable and has better bus transit connections to Cambridge and Boston. Lexington tends to have larger lots and slightly more prestigious school rankings, while Arlington offers more neighborhood variety and entry points at lower price points. Many families consider both and ultimately choose based on commute, school preference, and budget.
Is Arlington good for families?
Absolutely. Arlington is consistently rated one of the best towns in Massachusetts for families. Top schools, excellent parks, strong youth sports programs, the Minuteman Bikeway, and Spy Pond Beach all contribute to an exceptional quality of life for children and parents alike. The town’s community spirit — evident in its active PTAs, neighborhood associations, and local events — makes it a genuinely wonderful place to raise a family.
How do people commute from Arlington to Boston?
Most Arlington commuters use MBTA Bus 77 to Harvard Square (Red Line) for a 20–25 minute bus ride plus Red Line to downtown. The Minuteman Bikeway to Alewife is a popular alternative for cyclists in good weather. By car, Route 2 provides direct access to Cambridge and Boston. Many residents also bike or take the bus to Davis Square for the Red Line there.
How do I start my Arlington home search?
Given Arlington’s fast-moving market, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is the critical first step. Then work with a local expert — like Erica Yang — who can help you identify your target neighborhood, set up real-time listing alerts, and craft a competitive offer strategy. In a market where homes sell in days, having an experienced agent in your corner makes a significant difference.
Ready to Find Your Dream Home in Arlington?
Hi, I’m Erica Yang, your dedicated Arlington real estate expert. I’ve helped families find their perfect home across Arlington’s distinct neighborhoods — from Victorian beauties in Arlington Center to Craftsman bungalows in the Heights and quiet colonials near Spy Pond.
Arlington’s market rewards buyers who are prepared and move fast. I’ll help you understand exactly what to expect in each neighborhood, identify properties before they hit the wider market, and put together an offer that wins. Let’s talk about your Arlington search.
📞 Phone: 617-401-7398
📧 Email: erica.yang@cbrealty.com
Send Me a Message
Interested in Arlington homes? I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
