Arlington 80 Exceptional
Arlington Livability #96 ranked city in Washington#1,873 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Arlington

PROS
  • Commute 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.

  • Employment 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.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety 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.

  • Schools Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

What's it like Living in Arlington?

Located in the state of Washington, Arlington is a medium-sized city with a population of 20,435 people. At 81%, the majority of the Arlington population is White; this is followed by 5% Asian and 2% Black. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Arlington your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 29 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Living in Arlington can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Washington, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like commute, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Arlington and in the areas around Arlington is a much easier task.

Arlington has a livability score of 80 out of 100 and is ranked #82 in Washington and #1,514 in the USA. Compared to the national average, Arlington ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Arlington has received high marks for education (B+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Arlington ranks poorly for, including: cost of living (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Arlington, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.9% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Arlington apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Arlington is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Arlington come in at $606,976, which is 23.4% higher than the Washington 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 5.3, which is 1.9% lower than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Arlington

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Compare Arlington, WA Livability

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      Arlington transportation information

      Statistic Arlington Washington National
      Average one way commute29min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.3%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.9%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.9%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home6.8%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Arlington, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.