ArlingtonNeighborhoodGuide
About Arlington
Arlington residents just have to look out their windows to find one of the ?Top Places to Live? , according to Boston Magazine "No longer a sleepy suburb, this town gets trendier by the day," the magazine wrote last year in an article touting Greater Boston?s top twelve suburbs Now, it is a destination for adventurous diners, outdoorsy types, and an influx of artists and young families thanks to its international eateries, top-rated school system, and plethora of revamped parks, bike trails, lakes and ponds Arlington has been transformed into a lively, dynamic locale? and more and more people are noticing
Start your day in Arlington with a coffee from Kickstand Café? a coffee shop and pit stop for those riding the Minuteman Bikeway? followed by some time curled up with a book at the historic Robbins Library, the country's first public library for children
In the evening, catch a flick at the old-time Capitol Theatre or mosey over to The Scoop N Scootery for one of their signature sundaes History buffs will love exploring Arlington?s well-preserved historic buildings, many of which date back to over 350 years ago And with a population of over 45,000, it?s not hard to find good company with which to enjoy Arlington's cherished celebrations of community? from Porchfest's concert series to the annual tradition of Town Day to the Feast of the East, which come alive every summer with a brass band blowout and authentic ethnic cuisine from local restaurants Perhaps best of all, most residents can leave their homes and be in the town center within a few blocks of their doorsteps An artisanal ice cream shop, a gift store stocked with handmade wares, and a place to kayak, fish, and paddle board are all within walking distance of one another
When it does come time to head into Boston, Arlington is one of the most connected spots around Merge onto one of the major highways or cruise down the Minuteman Bikeway all the way to Alewife to catch the Tdowntown
NeighborhoodGuide
With several distinct neighborhoods, Arlington is the perfect blend of city and suburban lifestyles. Its picturesque communities offer something for everyone, and while commuting to Cambridge or Boston is as easy as catching the T, Arlington feels worlds away from the urban tumult The town is brimming with endless recreation options? from public parks and fishing ponds to children's playgrounds and community centers Read on to discover what makes each neighborhood unique
EAST ARLINGTON
East Arlington was established between 1915-1935 and was built to accommodate multi-generation living The lots are compact, along tree-lined streets, and filled with mostly double and triple-decker multi-family homes East Arlington has grown in popularity due the incredible walkability to many amenities; including its proximity to ?restaurant row? , Capital Square, Cambridge,Somerville,and Minuteman Bikeway to Alewife
Culinary highlights include: Menotomy Grill & Tavern, Sugo Cucina Italiana, Otto Pizza, Arlington Diner, Thrive Juice Bar, Za Arlington, Scoop N Scootery, Quebrada Bakery, Thailand Café, Zhu Vegan, Town Tavern, Little Q Hotpot, Sabzi Restaurant,and Dunkin Donuts
KELWYN MANOR
Kelwyn Manor was developed in the 30s and 40s on the location of the Wyman farm, and is conveniently located just off of Route 2. This 192 single-family home subdivision on 34 acres is a picturesque community with attractive homes on flat lots Kelwyn Manor borders Spy Pond and has a neighborhood association that maintains the beach, park, and boat launch for its residents
ARLINGTON CENTER
Arlington Center is the hub of the town There is a diverse housing stock, including grand single family homes,multi-family homes,mixed-use buildings, and rental apartment buildings. The ?Center?was first developed at the turn of the century, and building continued into the start of WWII This is Arlington?s most vibrant area with restaurants, shops, theaters, houses of worship, schools, town buildings, Robbin?s Library, and access to many public transportation routes
Culinary highlights include: Brickstone Café, Bubble Nation, La Victoria Taqueria, Noodle Market, Mamadou's Artisan Bakery, Punjab Indian, Mr Sushi, Butternut Bakehouse, Arlington House of Pizza, Magic Bites Mediterranean, Pasha Turkish Cuisine, Tryst Restaurant, Blue Ribbon BBQ, Kickstand Café,Caffé Nero,Starbucks Coffee,and Whole Foods Market
JASON HEIGHTS
Jason Heights and the Pleasant Street Historic District were originally developed in the 1800s for merchants from Boston who built many large, grand mansions to use as their summer homes Building continued into the 1930s along the area?s rolling hills and produced some of Arlington?s most stunning homes,many with spectacular views of the Boston skyline in the distance At its summit you will find Menotomy Rocks Park and Hills Pond? the site of community-sponsored ?Spooky Walk? held each Halloween and ice-skaters all winter long
MORNINGSIDE
Morningside is bordered by Arlington?s only designated ?scenic? road, Hutchinson Road, and overlooks one of the country?s most beautiful golf courses,the Winchester County Club, and the Mystic Lakes The area was first developed in the 30s and 40s, with a larger development in the 50s and 60s. Homes are on beautiful winding streets with extra large lots Architecture includes Ranches, Expanded Capes, Split-Level homes, and some Colonials.
TURKEY HILL
Turkey Hill is one of Arlington?s highest points on the Winchester/ Lexington/Arlington line A water tower sits on the summit,and provides a starting point for a myriad of walking trails through the woods. Housing stock is somewhat diverse, with mostly smaller Capes, Ranches, and Split-Level homes built in the 50s and 60s Turkey Hill has seen many pick-up stick ball, hockey, or soccer games in the middle of the street? beware of someone yelling ?CAR!?as you approach
MOUNT GILBOA
Mount Gilboa is a charming area, with a large historic district filled with many incredibly detailed and whimsically painted homes built in the early 1900s as ?worker?s cottages? for mill workers during Arlington?s Industrial Age Mount Gilboa borders Lexington and its major amenity is the Arlington Reservoir and Reservoir Beach? which is open to the public and is located at the start of a lovely walking trail
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
At the base of Arlington Heights is the town's second hub? the "Heights" shopping district (don? t miss D?Agostino?s Deli or world-famous Cookie Time Bakery!). The neighborhood extends up to the Park Avenue water tower, Arlington?s highest point Housing stock varies tremendously as development continued from the turn of the century, through the 20s, 30s, and 40s Homes are well-built, well-designed, and the area is very well connected to public transportation routes to Lexington, Bedford,and buses to Alewife
Culinary highlights include: Jimmy's Steer House, Penzey's Spices, D'Agostino's Deli, Classic Café, The Heights Pub, Yassou Restaurant, Northender Italian, Roasted Granola Café, Szechuan's Dumpling, Cookie Time Bakery, Thai E-Sarn Cuisine, Maruichi Japanese, Trattoria Nina, Trader Joe's, Starbucks Coffee, and Dunkin Donuts
ROBBINS FARM
Robbins Farm and Skyline Park, although arguably part of Arlington Heights, has recently developed into its own neighborhood. The area consists of mostly smaller Colonial homes on small lots? many with phenomenal Boston skyline views Skyline Park is well-maintained and hosts many community events in the summer, including movie nights on a huge outdoor screen, and has one of the town?s best sledding hills in the winter
LITTLE SCOTLAND AND POET'S CORNER
Little Scotland and Poet's Corner are neighborhoods developed in the 30s and 40s, with many streets named after famous poets and Scottish gentlemen and locales Housing stock consists of Bungalows and other charming styles of smaller homes These neighborhoods are at Arlington?s most western point and are a quick ride down Route 2 to Routes 128/ 95
ArlingtonPublicTransportation
TheMinutemanBikeway
One of the most successful rail-trails in the United States, the Minuteman Bikeway travels throughout Arlington? serving as a form of healthy recreation and transportation for residents. Posing as a "main street", the Minuteman Bikeway is a treasured place where locals come together while riding, walking, or skating along the path Connecting to the Alewife MBTA Station in Cambridge, the bikeway provides an easy way for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel to and from subway and bus lines? helping reduce automobile traffic in the area. In 2008, the Minuteman Bikeway was inducted into the national Rail-Trail Hall of Fame by the Rail-to-Trails Conservancy
ArlingtonSchools
Voted 2020 Best Schools by Niche com
Niche com ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents. In 2020, Arlington Schools received an A+ Rating Arlington was voted #46 Best School District in Massachusetts as well as the #12 Best Suburb to Live in Massachusetts.
AWARD WINNING ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
John A Bishop Elementary
Overall Niche Grade: A Students: 420
Student : Teacher Ratio 18:1
John Q.A. Brackett Elementary
Overall Niche Grade: A Students: 488
Student : Teacher Ratio 16:1
Hardy Elementary
Overall Niche Grade: A
Students: 458
Student : Teacher Ratio 14:1
Cyrus E. Dallin Elementary
Overall Niche Grade: AStudents: 481
Student : Teacher Ratio 14:1
Thompson Elementary
Overall Niche Grade: AStudents: 489
Student : Teacher Ratio 14:1
Peirce Elementary
Overall Niche Grade: A-
Students: 305
Student : Teacher Ratio 17:1
M Norcross Stratton Elementary
Overall Niche Grade: AStudents: 402
Student : Teacher Ratio 14:1
ArlingtonHighSchool
Expected Completion 2022
Arlington High School will welcome students to a new school in January 2022. The building process is set to have minimal anticipated disruption to the school (modular classrooms will not be needed)
The new facility will include:
- 21st Century Learning: upgraded science labs, improved classroom layouts,new discourse lab
- Collaborative Hands-On Learning: enlarged makerspaces,central library/media center
- Award-Winning Arts Program: updated auditorium, larger art,band & chorus rooms,upgraded theater
- Health & Well-Being: larger gym with walking track, enhanced outdoor learning areas and athletic fields
