Arlington 88 Exceptional
Arlington Livability #6 ranked city in Massachusetts#126 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Arlington

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

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What's it like Living in Arlington?

Located in the state of Massachusetts, Arlington is a medium-sized city with a population of 45,379 residents. With a population density of 8,823 people per square mile, Arlington is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 78% of Arlington residents are White, 13% Asian and 3% Black. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Arlington entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 34 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Arlington is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Massachusetts, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Arlington and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.

Arlington, MA receives 88 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #5 in Massachusetts and #105 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Arlington could be a great choice! Arlington has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Arlington has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A+), crime (A+) and education (A+). There are some categories that Arlington ranks poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

If you're considering living in Arlington, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Arlington provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Arlington Friends of the Drama, Old Schwamb Mill, and The Russell House.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 60 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Arlington boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Arlington, the unemployment rate stands at 2.47%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Arlington, the average school test scores reached an impressive 70%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Arlington an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Arlington is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Arlington come in at $687,600, which is 101.6% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Arlington, the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 25% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Arlington

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Compare Arlington, MA Livability

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      Arlington transportation information

      Statistic Arlington Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute34min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work54.7%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.1%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit18.0%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle3.7%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home15.0%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Arlington, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).