Waltham sits 10–12 miles west-northwest of downtown Boston, straddling the Charles River and Route 128. Two commuter-rail stops and direct highway ramps make it a favorite for Route 128 professionals.
Arlington lies just northwest of Cambridge. MBTA buses funnel riders to Alewife Station on the Red Line, and quick surface routes drop drivers into Cambridge or downtown Boston within minutes. Village centers such as Arlington Center and Arlington Heights sit only a few blocks apart, so daily errands rarely require a highway hop.
Housing Market Snapshot
Waltham
- Median sale price (Aug 2025): about $858 K
- Mix of mill-conversion condos, two- and three-family houses, older single-family streets, and new infill townhomes
- Highest price per square foot along Moody Street and riverfront lofts
Arlington
- Median sale price (Aug 2025): roughly $975 K
- Inventory heavy on single-family Colonials plus small clusters of condos near transit corridors
- Premium driven by proximity to Cambridge and Boston job hubs
In short: Waltham offers more multifamily and condo options at a lower entry price, while Arlington commands a higher budget for mostly single-family homes. Start by looking at homes for sale in Waltham.
Lifestyle & Community Feel
Waltham pairs an urban-style downtown on Moody Street with suburban blocks farther out. Students from Brandeis and Bentley keep cafés lively, and Charles River parks draw joggers year-round.
Arlington’s identity rests on its villages. Each offers independent shops, pocket parks, and neighborhood restaurants that encourage short walking loops rather than one central hangout. Daily life feels a shade quieter and more residential.
Cost of Living Check
Both communities sit well above the national average, but Arlington edges higher—mainly because of housing. Everyday goods and services track Greater Boston prices in either town. Property-tax bills rise with assessed value, so even though Waltham’s FY 2025 rate is $9.82 per $1,000 and Arlington’s is $10.77, the larger Arlington home values push final bills higher.
School Districts Compared
- Waltham Public Schools: multiple elementaries, two middle schools, Waltham High, plus dual-language and specialty tracks.
- Arlington Public Schools: village-based elementary network, a single middle school, and Arlington High; consistently high state metrics.
Families often compare individual DESE profiles, specific programs, and feeder patterns before deciding.
Which Town Fits You?
A quick cheat sheet:
Choose Waltham if you want
- A lively downtown dining scene
- Mixed housing types, including condos and multifamily options
- Straight shots to Route 128 employers
Pick Arlington if you prefer
- Predominantly single-family homes and village charm
- Faster bus-to-subway links into Cambridge and Boston
- Willingness to pay a premium for proximity and yard space
Commute & Transit at a Glance
Choosing the best town to live in often comes down to distance and commute time. Data from MBTA schedules and local planners show a clear difference between Waltham and Arlington.
Waltham gives riders a direct rail option: the Fitchburg Line trains roll straight into Boston’s North Station, so a commuter can ride one line with no change. Arlington riders may need a mix of bus and Red Line travel; catch the 77 or 79 bus to Alewife, then hop the subway the rest of the way. That extra leg can add minutes, but the route stays affordable and keeps you closer to Cambridge work hubs.
Price plays a role too. Parking near a downtown station in Waltham may cost less than a monthly Alewife garage pass, yet fuel for a drive up Route 2 can erase that base saving. Much will depend on where you work, the amenities you need, and how far you feel comfortable traveling each day.
Compare both options, run the numbers on transit passes versus local parking, and plan your routine around the choice that helps you get to the office, or remote café, on time without losing half your paycheck to the commute.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waltham vs. Arlington
How long is the commute to Boston?
Fitchburg Line trains from Waltham reach North Station in roughly 20–30 minutes. Arlington riders typically bus to Alewife, then ride the Red Line—plan on an extra transfer, but sometimes a quicker overall trip depending on traffic.
Which town has lower property taxes?
Headline tax rates in Waltham and Arlington are often similar, but Arlington’s higher median home values typically produce larger annual tax checks at the same rate. For a true comparison, look at recent tax bills for comparable homes and calculate tax as a percentage of household income to see the effective burden. Also check each town’s recent revaluations, overrides/debt exclusions, and available exemptions (senior, veteran, CPA) since those can change year to year.
Is parking easier in one town?
Both downtown Waltham and Arlington village centers can be tight. Peripheral Waltham streets offer more driveways; Arlington’s side streets fill quickly near business blocks.
Which location is closer to Route 128 jobs?
Waltham sits directly on the corridor and wins for highway access. Arlington aligns better for Cambridge and inner-Boston offices.
Where can I stretch my housing budget further?
Condo and multifamily buyers often find lower price points in Waltham. Arlington’s single-family focus places most listings in a higher band.
