Arlington
"Not quite Cambridge prices, almost Cambridge schools"
Editorial median as of February 3, 2025. 78 closed single-family sales in 2026, through October 30, 2026.
Home Values in Arlington, MA
The median home price in Arlington, MA is $1,040,000, with homes trading at $604/sqft. Home values in Arlington have appreciated at roughly 4.1% per year, reflecting strong ongoing demand from buyers prioritizing schools and commute access.
Census estimated median home value: $839K (ACS 2022 5-year). Current market prices typically run higher due to post-2022 appreciation.
Financing Considerations
Properties in Arlington typically may qualify for high-balance conforming loans, though jumbo financing might be needed depending on exact property price.
Learn about loan thresholds, property condition impact, flood/wind insurance, and how vintage homes (common in many MA towns) affect mortgage approval.
The Vibe
Balanced suburban life without the stuffiness
What It's Really Like — Moving to Arlington, MA
Moving to Arlington, MA (ZIP 02476)? You're getting one of the best value propositions in Greater Boston — school ratings on par with Lexington, bus access to Cambridge, and a median price about 30% lower than its neighbors. Balanced suburban community with good schools, reasonable prices, and a genuinely family-friendly atmosphere.
Best For
- ✓Budget-conscious families
- ✓First-time buyers
- ✓Balanced lifestyle
- ✓Value seekers
Avoid If
- ✗You want luxury
- ✗You need quick Boston access
- ✗You hate middle-of-the-road
Highlights
Insider Tips
- Arlington Heights has best walkability
- East Arlington closer to Cambridge
- Town meeting still matters here
Demographics
Source: Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates
Is Arlington Safe?
Arlington is safer than 78% of Massachusetts communities. Violent crime is well below the state average (1.2 vs. ~3.4 per 1,000). Property crime is moderate — lower than urban neighbors Cambridge and Somerville. A genuinely safe suburban community.
Economic Profile
Religious Community
Housing Stock Age
High Insurance Risk
Arlington has a high concentration of pre-1940 homes (47.1%). Insurance premiums may be significantly higher ($2,800-$4,000+/year) and some carriers may decline coverage. Budget for potential remediation costs (knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos, lead paint).
Insurance Cost Calculator
Estimate your annual homeowners insurance premium
Leave blank to use town median (1945)
30-Year Mortgage Impact
Total insurance cost over 30-year mortgage (equivalent to 0.3% of home value)
Age Penalty
This home costs $1,189 more per year to insure than a newly built home. Over 30 years, that's $35,670 in additional insurance costs.
Ways to Lower Your Premium
- Bundle home + auto insurance with same carrier (10-25% discount)
- Increase deductible from $500 to $2,500 (save 15-30%)
- Install monitored security system (5-20% discount)
- Update electrical panel and remove knob-and-tube wiring
- Replace roof with impact-resistant materials (save 5-15%)
- Upgrade plumbing to PEX or copper
- Complete full home inspection and address major issues
- Consider MAPFRE or Chubb for historic home coverage
- Shop quotes from 5-6 carriers (rates vary significantly)
- Ask about claims-free discount (5-year history)
* Estimates based on Massachusetts state averages and typical underwriting criteria. Actual premiums vary by carrier, coverage limits, deductible, claims history, and credit score. For accurate quotes, contact a licensed insurance agent.
Construction Era Distribution
Resources & Research
School Information
Compare 48 high schools by SAT scores, MCAS proficiency & college enrollment
Market Analysis
Recent sales data, price drivers, and market trends for Arlington
Vote on what live Arlington listings will actually close for — shareable price checkpoints
Break-even math, SALT cap impacts & decision framework for Boston buyers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Property in Arlington?
Compare this town with others, or look through homes that have already sold here.
Property report for an address in Arlington
Enter a street address in Arlington. The free preview shows closed-sales coverage for that town; the full printable report adds comps, a town summary, risk flags, and an AI write-up.