Arlington, MA Real Estate Market Guide
A fully built-out town that can't add new supply. A-rated schools. Listings down 50% year-over-year. The structural case for Arlington holds regardless of interest rates.
$863K–$1.1M
Median Price
17 days
Days on Market
−50%
Inventory YoY
1.07%
Tax Rate
A / #14 County
Schools
~8 mi
Miles to Boston
Neighborhood Overview
Arlington sits 8 miles northwest of Boston, wedged between Cambridge, Belmont, and Lexington. The town's identity is anchored by three things: excellent schools, the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway (a 10-mile off-road trail connecting to Cambridge), and the fact that it is essentially out of land. There is no meaningful new single-family construction in Arlington's pipeline. Every house in this market is competing against a finite and dwindling supply.
Arlington Center, Arlington Heights, and East Arlington each have a distinct character — from the Main Street village feel of Arlington Center to the more residential, family-focused streets of the Heights. East Arlington, bordering Cambridge, attracts a younger demographic and has seen the most price appreciation as Cambridge buyers look for entry points that remain under $1M.
2026 Market Snapshot
Arlington, MA — Key Market Metrics (2026)
$863K–$1.1M
Median Sale Price Range
17 days
Average Days on Market
−50%
Listings vs. Prior Year
$3,139
Average Monthly Rent (+1.25% YoY)
1.07%
Residential Tax Rate (FY2026)
+3.8%
Single-Family Price Forecast (2026)
Seventeen days on market is fast. It's even more significant when you consider that listings are down 50% year-over-year — meaning fewer homes are available AND the ones that are available are being absorbed quickly. This is not a market with room to negotiate. Buyers who hesitate lose deals.
The price range is wide ($863K–$1.1M) because it spans a significant spectrum from condos and smaller single-families in East Arlington to larger colonials in Arlington Heights. Understanding which sub-market you're targeting is critical to setting accurate expectations and making competitive offers.
Why Supply Will Stay Tight
Arlington is geographically constrained and effectively built out. The town is surrounded by other municipalities, has no industrial land to redevelop at scale, and faces significant community resistance to density changes. This is a feature for owners, not a bug.
The Structural Supply Argument
- No vacant land available for new single-family construction
- Listings down 50% YoY — sellers are not choosing to sell at current rates
- Zoning and community character preservation limit multifamily additions
- Bordering Cambridge keeps demand persistent as Cambridge prices rise
- School district quality sustains demand from families regardless of rate environment
Who Buys in Arlington
Families & School-Focused Buyers
Arlington's A-rated schools and #26 high school ranking in Massachusetts make it a primary destination for families. All 7 public elementary schools rate 7+ on GreatSchools.
Cambridge Overflow Buyers
Buyers who love Cambridge but need more space or can't justify Cambridge prices. East Arlington in particular absorbs this demand — same vibe, lower price.
Outdoor & Lifestyle Buyers
The Minuteman Commuter Bikeway is a genuine lifestyle amenity. Buyers who commute by bike to Cambridge or Alewife (Red Line) are a real segment of the market.
Living in Arlington
Commute
- ~8 miles from downtown Boston
- Route 87 bus: 27 min to Boston via Lechmere
- Minuteman Bikeway to Alewife (Red Line)
- Car-dependent for most non-bike commutes
- 20–30 min drive at off-peak times
Schools
- Overall grade: A (Niche 2026)
- #14 Best District in Middlesex County
- Arlington High: #26 in Massachusetts
- Math proficiency: 69% (state avg: 43%)
- All 7 elementaries rated 7+ on GreatSchools
Sub-Neighborhoods
- Arlington Center: Main Street village, most walkable
- Arlington Heights: Quieter, larger lots, family-focused
- East Arlington: Cambridge adjacency, younger buyers, more condos
Property Tax Reality
- Rate: $10.67 per $1,000 (FY2026)
- Middle of the range vs. comparable suburbs
- Lower than Belmont, slightly higher than Waltham
- Lower than Boston city rate (1.16%)
Broker's Take
Christian Fernandez — Broker/Owner, Zenith Residential Properties
[Christian's personal perspective on Arlington — which sub-neighborhoods he'd target, what buyers consistently underestimate about this market, specific deal experience, and any nuances in the current market that the data doesn't fully capture.]
Related Resources
Buyer's Guide
Step-by-step process for buying in MA
Belmont Market Guide
#6 schools, price down from 2025 peak
Watertown Market Guide
Most affordable Boston-adjacent market
Last Updated: April 2026 · Sources: Redfin, Zillow, Niche, MLS PIN, Town of Arlington Assessor
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