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Arlington Center

Arlington Center

$1,260,461 Average Value
$263 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes For Sale

Arlington Center combines a suburb with an urban town center

In just a short jaunt through Arlington Center, residents can go from a quaint residential block with a suburban tenor to a vibrant town thoroughfare with a city feel. Arlington Center offers a true blend of urban and suburban, says area Realtor Julie Gibson — it’s a coveted mix. The heartbeat of Arlington Center resides within the inner orbit around Massachusetts Avenue, the foremost artery through the area. Here residents can peruse “a lot of eclectic stores and different restaurants,” says Gibson, a Realtor with Julie Gibson Homes, who’s been selling properties in the area for over a decade. “Every sort of cuisine you would want is accessible and walkable.”

A row of homes on large lots in Arlington Center.
A row of homes on large lots in Arlington Center.
The Arlington Center neighborhood overview with the downtown Boston skyline in the distance.
The Arlington Center neighborhood overview with the downtown Boston skyline in the distance.
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Mid-20th century home styles

The neighborhood’s outer orbit is populated by stately classic homes, many built in the early to mid-20th century. The Arlington Center area's homes have mainly colonial, Victorian or craftsman styling. Lots tend to be a bit larger than in surrounding areas, like Cambridge and Somerville, and these lawns are usually manicured with care. The residential corridors of Arlington Center are generally lined with both sidewalks and mature deciduous trees, too. There are mostly single-family homes in Arlington Center, but there are also some multifamily layouts that have been converted into condominiums, with two units apiece, Gibson says. The average sale price for homes in the neighborhood is just over $1 million, and these homes tend to stay on the market for about two weeks. “If they’re priced and marketed right, they sell very quickly,” Gibson says.

A Victorian style home on Gray St in Arlington Center.
A Victorian style home on Gray St in Arlington Center.
A Craftsman style homes in Arlington Center.
A Craftsman style homes in Arlington Center.
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Arlington Public Schools earn top marks

Arlington’s schools add to the area’s appeal, each earning an A grade from Niche. Gibson says that people love Arlington schools for their well-rounded focus — Arlington curricula fosters not just critical thinking development, but also the advancement of social-emotional and relationship skills. Kids may start at John A. Bishop Elementary School before transitioning to Ottoson Middle School. Arlington High School, in the middle of Arlington Center, recently underwent a $291 million rebuilding project, adding enhancements like larger classrooms, a larger gym and a 900-seat auditorium.

The Arlington High School entrance in Arlington Center.
The Arlington High School entrance in Arlington Center.
The Arlington High School football field in Arlington Center.
The Arlington High School football field in Arlington Center.
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Spy Pond Park and Menotomy Rocks Park highlight the area’s many outdoor attractions

Time pursuing one of the multiple parks around Arlington Center is another option. Spy Pond Park, named for its 100-acre Spy Pond, includes a boat ramp, playground and walking path. It’s also connected to the Minuteman Bikeway and abuts the Arlington Boys & Girls Club. The Boys & Girls Club sits between Spy Pond Park and Spy Pond Field, which contains a baseball diamond, tennis courts and a multipurpose field. Skyline Park, on the west side of Arlington Center, is popular, too, known in part for the scintillating views of Boston it offers. But when it comes to parks in Arlington Center, Menotomy Rocks Park is the big draw, Gibson says, featuring 35 acres of woodland area and the 3-acre Hills Pond filled with bass. Menotomy Rocks Park also has a playground and walking paths. The facility is filled with wildlife, including a parliament of owls.

Residents enjoy walking around Menotomy Rocks Park in Arlington Center year round.
Residents enjoy walking around Menotomy Rocks Park in Arlington Center year round.
A group of children play in the field at the Arlington Boys and Girls Club near Spy Pond.
A group of children play in the field at the Arlington Boys and Girls Club near Spy Pond.
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Town center has plenty of local businesses

The high demand in Arlington Center isn’t much of a surprise considering what is available right at residents’ fingertips. Most of the dining options line Massachusetts Avenue. Among the places to choose from is Caffè Nero, a coffee spot that’s part of an award-winning area chain. Caffè Nero’s espresso is a popular pick, and patrons enjoy their pastries, too. Donut Villa is a new arrival next door to Caffè Nero, which opened in early 2023 and already seems to be doing well in terms of business, Gibson says. Donut Villa features much more than just doughnuts. It’s a full-fledged restaurant with cocktails, wine, beer, and a full complement of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, from Nutella and banana-stuffed French toast to jumbo crab cakes.

Pick out the perfect pastry from Butternut Bake House in Arlington Center.
Pick out the perfect pastry from Butternut Bake House in Arlington Center.
Donut Villa in Arlington Center serves up breakfast and lunch options all day.
Donut Villa in Arlington Center serves up breakfast and lunch options all day.
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Town Day is a major event in the city

Arlington Center is where one of the Town of Arlington’s major events takes place each September: Town Day. For Town Day, a portion of Massachusetts Avenue is closed, and neighbors come together to enjoy a variety of vendors and performers, before fireworks cap the day at dusk. Town Day is representative of what Gibson describes as Arlington’s welcoming nature. It’s a neighborhood that combines the comfort of a suburb with the accessibility and amenities of a municipality.

Logan Soter-Reardon
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
Sam Adams
EB Fox
Video By
EB Fox

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Selina Yin MacDonald, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

19 min drive

Bus

West Service Rd & Highland Ave

Bus

West Service Rd & Venner Rd

Bus

West Service Rd & Pedestrian Bridge

Bus

Medford St Opp Warren St

Bus

Mystic St & Russell St

Bus

Broadway & Allen St

Bus

Medford St & Massachusetts Ave

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Arlington Center US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Arlington Center Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$589,000
Median Sale Price
$490,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$547,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$764,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$925,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
42
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
117%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$263

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,609
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Median Year Built
1928
Months of Supply
3.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,246
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,648
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,249
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
702
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
477
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    12:30 - 2pm

    23 Oak Knolls, Arlington, MA 02476

    $1,100,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,548 Sq Ft
    • 23 Oak Knolls
    • New 22 days ago

    Welcome to 23 Oak Knoll, a distinctive Italianate Victorian located in a designated historic district, just steps from the heart of Arlington Center. This elegant first-floor residence blends period craftsmanship with refined updates, including marble fireplaces in both the living and dining rooms, and a hand-blown Murano glass chandelier that highlights the curved walls and arched windows of the

    Surabhi Rathi Redfin Corp.

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    10:30am - 12pm

    12 Highland Ave Unit A, Arlington, MA 02476

    $699,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,150 Sq Ft
    • 12 Highland Ave
    • Unit A

    Perfect for the owner occupant or investor a like. Easy to show!! come see this spectacular 2-bed, 1-bath condo with tons of natural light and beautiful hardwood floors throughout! This home consists of a very spacious entryway with separate living and dining areas perfect for both relaxing or entertaining. The eat-in kitchen has a breakfast (or home office) nook, beadboard wainscotting detail,

    Angela Guo Red Tree Real Estate

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11am - 12:30pm

    47 Mystic St Unit 4E, Arlington, MA 02474

    $449,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 850 Sq Ft
    • 47 Mystic St
    • Unit 4E

    Beautifully updated 2BR/1BA condo in desirable Arlington location! This top-floor unit features vinyl flooring throughout, an upgraded kitchen with new cabinets, new countertops, and fresh paint. Open-concept living/dining area filled with natural light. Generous bedrooms with ample closet space. Professionally managed, pet-friendly building with laundry facilities and deeded parking. Fantastic

    Timothy Scalisi CJL Rentals & Property Management Co., Inc.

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Selina Yin MacDonald, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
12,922
Median Age
45
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$143,933
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$168,613

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98%
College Graduates
75.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
45%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
75.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
20''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

68 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

85 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

46 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Arlington Center