Thinking about moving to Arlington and wondering which part fits you best? You’re not alone. With three distinct town centers along Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington offers different daily rhythms, commute options, and housing types within a compact footprint. In this guide, you’ll learn how Arlington Center, East Arlington, and Arlington Heights compare for lifestyle, parks, transit, and price signals, so you can focus your search with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Arlington at a glance
Arlington sits just northwest of Cambridge, about eight miles from downtown Boston, with a vibrant main corridor that connects its three commercial districts. According to U.S. Census QuickFacts, the town’s estimated population is about 47,112 and the median household income is $141,440, with a mean commute of roughly 32 minutes. The ACS median owner-occupied home value is $885,000, while recent market snapshots show a more current townwide median sale price around $1.07M. You can explore the town’s business districts on the municipal overview of neighborhood centers.
- Population and incomes: See the latest figures in U.S. Census QuickFacts for Arlington.
- Current pricing: Recent sale medians reflect live market conditions and can differ from ACS estimates.
- Three main districts: Arlington Center, East Arlington, and Arlington Heights line up along Massachusetts Avenue and function as distinct living options for newcomers.
Helpful sources:
- Read the town’s overview of its neighborhood business districts on the Arlington Economic Development page.
- For statistical context like population and commute times, review U.S. Census QuickFacts for Arlington.
How the centers differ
Arlington’s three hubs offer unique day-to-day experiences:
- Arlington Center: The civic and cultural heart with Town Hall, Robbins Library, and frequent arts programming along the Cultural District.
- East Arlington: A lively dining-and-arts stretch with strong bike and bus access to Alewife and Cambridge.
- Arlington Heights: A quieter, hillier area with more single-family homes and standout parks like Robbins Farm Park and the Reservoir.
The Minuteman Bikeway links all three to Alewife, making cycling a realistic commute choice for many.
Arlington Center
Walkability and transit
Arlington Center is one of the town’s most walkable nodes, with everyday errands, cafes, and services clustered along Mass. Ave. The Minuteman Bikeway runs through the Center, offering a direct, low-stress route to Alewife and into Cambridge.
- Learn more about the Bikeway’s route and Alewife connection on the Minuteman Bikeway site.
Parks and open space
You’ll find small civic greens right in the Center and easy access to larger open spaces. Menotomy Rocks Park and Spy Pond are a short walk or bike ride away.
- See park details on the Town of Arlington parks inventory.
Dining, shopping, and culture
The Center hosts a concentrated mix of restaurants and independent shops, plus cultural anchors like the Regent Theatre and Cyrus Dallin Museum. It is a key part of the Arlington Cultural District.
- Explore the Cultural District’s venues and programs on the town’s Cultural District page.
Housing and price signals
Expect a mix of small multifamily buildings, condos, and single-family homes on side streets. Recent neighborhood snapshots have shown medians in the low-to-mid seven figures, and properties here often see strong demand and relatively short days on market.
Best for
If you want a compact main-street lifestyle with cultural programming, coffee shops, and errands on foot, Arlington Center tends to fit well.
East Arlington
Walkability and transit
East Arlington is among the town’s most walkable and bikeable areas. The Minuteman Bikeway provides direct access to Alewife, and multiple MBTA bus lines run to Alewife, Harvard, and Lechmere.
- Check the Minuteman Bikeway map and Alewife connection for route planning.
Parks and water access
Spy Pond and Spy Pond Park offer immediate water access for picnics and paddling. Alewife Brook Reservation adds more green corridors nearby.
- For Spy Pond and nearby areas, the Arlington Land Trust offers a practical overview.
Dining, shopping, and arts
You’ll find the historic Capitol Theatre and a dense run of restaurants, cafes, and small galleries. East Arlington is also part of the town’s designated Cultural District.
- Browse the Cultural District page for arts programming and venues.
Housing and price signals
Inventory includes condos, two and three-family homes, and older single-family houses. Recent snapshots have shown neighborhood medians around the low seven-figure mark, with condos and smaller units often at lower absolute price points.
Best for
If you want the easiest bike or short-bus ride to Alewife and Cambridge, plus a lively dining-and-arts strip, East Arlington is a strong match.
Arlington Heights
Walkability and transit
The Heights is generally less walkable than the Center or East Arlington, though MBTA buses serve the Arlington Heights busway and the Minuteman Bikeway skirts parts of the area. Many residents balance biking, buses, and driving depending on the trip.
Parks and recreation
Parks are a major draw. Robbins Farm Park features sweeping views toward Boston, the Arlington Reservoir offers a beach and walking paths, and Menotomy Rocks Park provides wooded trails.
- See the town’s full parks list, including Robbins Farm Park, Reservoir Beach, and Menotomy Rocks Park.
Everyday conveniences
The Heights has a quieter commercial node with cafes, family-owned restaurants, and everyday services. It feels neighborhood-focused and relaxed compared to the busier Center and East Arlington.
Housing and price signals
You’ll see a higher share of single-family homes and larger lots, plus some condos and multifamily options. Neighborhood medians can sit below or near the townwide median depending on what is trading, with a range that includes both moderate and higher-end single-family segments.
Best for
If you’re seeking more space, yard potential, and easy access to parks, and you are comfortable using buses or driving to Route 2 or Alewife, the Heights delivers a calm, residential feel.
Getting around Arlington
Subway and bikeway reality
Arlington does not have an MBTA subway station within town limits. Most residents use the Red Line at Alewife by biking the Minuteman Bikeway or taking MBTA buses.
- Learn how the Minuteman connects Arlington to Alewife on the official Bikeway site.
Bus routes to know
Multiple MBTA routes run along Massachusetts Avenue and through the Heights busway, connecting residents to Alewife, Harvard, and other destinations. Service patterns can change, so it’s smart to confirm current routes and frequencies on the town’s transportation and business district page.
- Review Arlington’s transportation notes and business districts on the Economic Development page.
Driving and parking
Route 2 borders Arlington’s southern edge and provides direct access east toward Cambridge and Boston and west toward 128. Parking is more limited in Arlington Center, where you’ll rely on on-street and municipal lots, while many single-family neighborhoods offer driveways and garages.
Quick pick: which center fits you
- Bike-first or car-light living: Choose East Arlington or Arlington Center for the fastest Bikeway access to Alewife and a dense mix of daily conveniences.
- Food, coffee, and arts at your door: East Arlington is the most restaurant- and arts-forward strip, with the Center close behind and anchored by cultural venues.
- More space and parks: Arlington Heights stands out for single-family homes, larger lots, and top local parks like Robbins Farm Park and the Reservoir.
- Mixed options and central convenience: Arlington Center offers a balanced blend of housing types with strong walkability.
Market context and timing
Townwide, recent sales data places the median sale price around $1.07M, with neighborhood medians ranging from the high six figures to the low-to-mid seven figures depending on housing mix and seasonality. As a rule of thumb, condos and smaller multifamily units in East Arlington and the Center can provide lower price entry points, while the Heights offers a wider spread of single-family options. For a statistical backdrop, ACS data shows a median owner-occupied value of $885,000, while live sale medians better reflect current conditions.
Ready to zero in on the right block, budget, and timeline? Connect with the advisors at The Agency Boston for a tailored neighborhood strategy and on-the-ground pricing guidance.
FAQs
How far are Arlington’s town centers from downtown Boston by car?
- Drive times vary widely by time of day, but Route 2 provides a direct corridor toward Cambridge and Boston, and many errands within Arlington are short thanks to the town’s compact size.
What public transit options serve Arlington without a subway station in town?
- Residents commonly bike the Minuteman Bikeway to the Red Line at Alewife or use MBTA buses along Massachusetts Avenue to reach Alewife, Harvard, and other hubs.
How does East Arlington compare on housing types and prices?
- East Arlington offers a mix of condos, two and three-family homes, and older single-family homes, with recent neighborhood medians around the low seven-figure mark and lower entry points for smaller units.
Is Arlington walkable and bike friendly?
- Yes. Arlington Center and East Arlington are the most walkable areas for day-to-day errands, and the Minuteman Bikeway creates a popular, paved spine for commuting and recreation.
Where can I find parks and water access near Arlington Heights?
- Robbins Farm Park, the Arlington Reservoir (Reservoir Beach), and Menotomy Rocks Park are nearby, and the town’s parks list offers details on amenities and locations.
Sources mentioned: Minuteman Bikeway; Town of Arlington Economic Development; Town of Arlington Parks; Arlington Cultural District; U.S. Census QuickFacts.
