Best Neighborhoods in Arlington MA

Arlington sits just northwest of Boston, the kind of town that balances a suburban feel with quick access to the city. Tree-lined streets meet small commercial strips, old brick sidewalks lead to new cafes, and public parks like Robbins Farm Park and Spy Pond give outdoor space without a long drive. 

If you plan to buy a home in Arlington or move to Arlington, you’ll find a range of neighborhoods that mix historic homes, compact condo blocks, and quiet residential side streets; all within the greater Boston area.

Arlington offers suburban living and urban convenience in close measure. The town has a strong collection of parks and recreational facilities such as Menotomy Rocks Park and Spy Pond, arts programming through the Arlington Center for the Arts, and regular community events like the Arlington farmers market in Arlington Center. 

These amenities create the community spirit many residents mention when they talk about Arlington’s neighbourhoods.

Transport links are a practical draw. East Arlington is known for relatively easy access to Alewife and the Red Line, which shortens commutes into Cambridge and Boston. The Minuteman Bikeway and nearby commuter bus routes further connect parts of town to the immediate region, which helps explain why Arlington is often described as offering the “best of both worlds.”

The housing market has seen notable movement in 2025. As of October 2025, the median sale price in Arlington was about $1.2 million according to one market tracker; other trackers show a slightly different median depending on data cut and date. Date-stamped figures like these are part of why buyers and sellers keep a close eye on timing and inventory when they consider a move to Arlington.

Below are five neighbourhoods frequently referenced by residents and local agents. I describe the character of each, typical housing styles, general price positioning, and lifestyle highlights so you can picture what living there feels like.

Arlington Center is the heart of Arlington, the town’s busy main street with small shops, eateries, the Robbins Library and regular community events. The center mixes low-rise condos, apartment blocks, and older single-family homes; it’s where the Arlington farmers market operates in season and where local live performances and arts events often concentrate. The area is walkable and lively, with more bustle than many other parts of town.

Housing in Arlington Center includes historic Victorian and Colonial houses as well as renovated flats above storefronts; prices tend to be mid-to-high relative to town because of convenience and local amenities. Streets around the center are a short walk to Robbins Farm Park and Spy Pond, which matters if you value easy access to outdoor activities.

East Arlington is a residential area known for tree-lined streets, a quieter pace, and straightforward access to Alewife and Route 2 for commuters. It contains a mix of ranches, split-levels and classic New England colonials; some pockets are more compact and practical while others feel more tranquil and residential. East Arlington is often chosen by people who want a suburban feel while keeping the option to access the Red Line.

Parks and small local businesses anchor community life here, and the area’s walkability to shops and services varies block by block. East Arlington is known for its steady residential character and proximity to the Minuteman Bikeway for recreational rides and commuting by bike.

Arlington Heights sits in the western high ground and is known for its hilly terrain, historic homes, and long, leafy streets. This neighborhood includes some of the town’s more affluent neighborhoods with larger lots and older, well-preserved houses; views of the Boston skyline are possible from higher elevations on clear days. The area has a quieter, suburban feel and strong sense of community among long-term residents.

Homes here tend to be single-family houses with traditional New England architecture. Expect a mixture of well-maintained historic homes and thoughtful renovations; price points are generally at or above the town median because of lot sizes and neighborhood character.

Jason Heights is a compact residential neighborhood known for convenient local schools, tree-lined blocks, and a mix of modest single-family homes and duplexes. It’s within easy reach of Arlington High School and community services, which makes it popular for people who prioritise proximity to local schools and parks like Menotomy Rocks Park. 

Turkey Hill and nearby pockets are known for a quieter, tucked-away atmosphere and access to green spaces. The neighborhood is scenic in spots, with pockets of both older and newer construction; streets often feel sheltered and residential, making them attractive for people looking for a tranquil place in town. 

Turkey Hill’s precise boundaries are local in nature, but residents emphasize proximity to parks and small commercial nodes of Arlington.

Areas around Alewife and the Route 2 corridor are viewed as up-and-coming thanks to transit and development interest. The Alewife station is a major Red Line and bus hub, and planned redevelopment of the station and nearby parcels could shift rental and for-sale dynamics in East Arlington, so keep an eye on this part of Arlington neighborhoods:

Alewife station area, where transit-oriented development and regional planning can influence housing and retail options.

Route 2 corridor, where parcels and older commercial strips occasionally attract redevelopment interest.

Blocks adjacent to the Minuteman Bikeway, which can see renewed commercial activity and infill housing over time.

Small pockets beside the Minuteman Bikeway and underused commercial strips sometimes attract infill projects or new local businesses, which can make nearby Arlington neighborhoods feel more animated. These shifts are usually gradual; the day-to-day character of most residential streets in Arlington remains stable.

Start by clearly setting your key priorities: transportation, style of housing, and local amenities. Knowing which of those matters most narrows your search quickly and helps you make practical comparisons between neighborhoods in Arlington rather than on vague impressions.

Transportation: If access to the Red Line or faster commutes to Cambridge and Boston is important, concentrate on east-side neighborhoods with proximity to Alewife and along major bus routes.

Housing style: For historic homes and larger lots, prioritize Arlington Heights and surrounding elevated blocks; for compact, walkable streets, look closer to Arlington Center.

Local amenities: If walkability, local cafes, and the farmers market are important, focus on Arlington Center and proximate streets where shops and events are within easy reach.

Schools and services: consider the proximity to Arlington High School, Dallin, libraries, and medical services as tangible lifestyle factors affecting daily routines.

Parks and outdoor options: Match nearby green spaces such as Menotomy Rocks Park, Spy Pond, and Robbins Farm Park to the recreational activities you use most.

Finally, consider these factors as checkboxes, not labels of desirability. Touring shortlists at different times of the day will show how each neighborhood works in practice and whether it serves your needs.

In Arlington you’ll run into a lot of older New England houses first: Victorians, Colonials, and capes on side streets. Mixed in are mid-century ranches, duplexes, and plenty of condo conversions from larger homes or small buildings. Many streets have a mix of single-family and small multi-family places, which creates a real range of prices and layouts.

It depends on what part of town you’re in. Around Arlington Center and East Arlington, plenty of people walk to shops, restaurants, the Robbins Library, and the farmers market. Farther out, things feel more residential and most people drive for bigger errands, but you’ll still find sidewalks, parks, and cut-throughs that make walking and biking part of daily life.

Yes, for a lot of commuters it works pretty smoothly. Bus routes run along Mass. Ave. into the Red Line at Alewife, and Route 2 gives you a direct route toward Cambridge and the highway system. Many locals also use the Minuteman Bikeway or commuter shuttles, so car, bike, and transit are all realistic options.

Arlington has more outdoor spots than most people expect. Spy Pond, the Minuteman Bikeway, Menotomy Rocks Park, and the Arlington Reservoir all get regular use for walking, running, and time outside. Smaller neighborhood parks and playgrounds fill in the gaps, so most residents have green space a short walk or drive away.

Arlington has an active arts scene anchored by the Arlington Center for the Arts and by volunteer groups and festivals that program live performances, murals and classes. Local galleries, seasonal concerts and community theatre add regular cultural activity to town life.

Yes. The Arlington farmers market runs seasonally in Arlington Center, and the town calendar contains frequent community events, library programs and arts offerings that reflect a steady community engagement across neighborhoods.