$1,260,099Average Value$260Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
Sam Adams
Video By
EB Fox
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Lester Savage
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate
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
Lester Savage,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cooke's Hollow Millbrook Conservation Area
Picnic Area
Trails
Spy Pond Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Picnic Area
Dugger Park
Menotomy Rocks Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Amsell A. Colebrook Play Structure
Lake
Playground
Buzzell Field Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
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
On average, homes in Arlington Center, Arlington sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Arlington Center, Arlington over the last 12 months is $490,000, up 117% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Exceptional Waterfront Opportunity on Lower Mystic Lake. Discover a rare chance to own one, or both, of two homes on an expansive lot with direct frontage on Lower Mystic Lake. Whether you envision creating a private family compound or exploring a unique development opportunity, this offering is truly one of a kind. The original residence is a gracious 17-room home spanning approximately 3,900
Steve McKennaGibson Sotheby's International Realty
Blank Canvas on the Water – A rare opportunity on Lower Mystic Lake. Bring your vision to life with this exceptional waterfront property. Set in one of the area's most scenic locations, this nearly 1,000-square-foot home has been fully gutted, offering a rare opportunity to design your ideal lakeside retreat from the ground up. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy getaway, a modern minimalist
Steve McKennaGibson Sotheby's International Realty
Your Dream Home on Lower Mystic Lake! An awe-inspiring waterfront retreat offering breathtaking views and an unmatched lifestyle. From the moment you enter, you'll be captivated by the views visible from nearly every room, such as the elegant dining room with 3 picture windows. The living room boasts a charming bow window and fireplace, while the family room provides another space to take in the
Steve McKennaGibson Sotheby's International Realty
Calling all investors, hobbyists, car enthusiasts and artists. The standout feature of this property is a two-car garage that can be used as a workshop, studio, hangout or ADU. It already contains its own bathroom and a mini-split for heating and cooling. Just 0.3mi to vibrant Arlington Center, less than a mile to the West Medford commuter rail and close to the Bike Path, Spy Pond, and Mystic
Steve McKennaGibson Sotheby's International Realty
This classic Cape offers charm, flexibility and a prime location in the Arlington Center neighborhood. Located just minutes from the new Arlington High School, Bishop Elementary, Whole Foods, Minuteman Bike Path and the T, it’s ideally situated for daily convenience and community living. Set on a generous lot, the property offers exciting expansion potential—perfect for buyers eager to create a
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
Brigham Square offers luxury apartments located steps away from the shops and conveniences of Mass Ave. and Arlington Center and the serenity and accessibility of the Minuteman Bikeway. Come live in a true, small-town community, neighboring all the offerings of the city while enjoying an array of amenities to include a rooftop deck, outdoor lounge with community grilling stations, fitness center,
Fantastic Opportunity to Rent in Arlington Center!Don't miss this ideal one-bedroom apartment - easily convertible into a two-bedroom- featuring brand new wood floors and new furniture. Located in the heart of Arlington Center, this unit offers convenient access to shopping, restaurants, public transportation, the library and the bike path. Enjoy a spacious balcony overlooking a serene courtyard.
Enter The Legacy at Arlington Center and discover a life of comfort, convenience and community. Located in the heart of Arlington The Legacy is an authentic community that offers the perfect balance of an urban and suburban lifestyle. Relax in our beautifully landscaped grounds with benches throughout, enjoy private access to Minute Man Bike Path and proximity to Spy Pond for recreation. Right
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lester Savage,
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.
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.
