Living in Arlington, MA: prices, taxes and commute
A close-in suburb on the Minuteman Bikeway, next to Cambridge and the Red Line at Alewife.
Arlington's single-family median was $1,518,000 in September 2026, and $1,305,000 over the past 12 months, +6.1% from a year earlier. The FY2026 tax rate is $10.67 per $1,000. Arlington has no subway or commuter rail station of its own.
Arlington by the numbers
Source: The Context Report No. 5 (October 2026), MLS PIN closed single-family sales for September 2026; Massachusetts DOR FY2026 tax rates. Carrying cost assumes 20% down on a 30-year fixed loan and excludes insurance, HOA and maintenance. Annual tax on the September median at the FY2026 rate is about $16,197 before any exemption.
Every issue of The Context Report for Arlington
| Issue | Median | Sales | Carrying cost / mo | 12-mo median | 12-mo change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1, June 2026 | $1,228,555 | 19 | $7,434 | $1,237,000 | +2.2% |
| No. 2, July 2026 (June 2026 sales) | $1,318,500 | 30 | $8,033 | $1,275,000 | +5.4% |
| No. 3, August 2026 (July 2026 sales) | $1,370,000 | 27 | $8,427 | $1,283,000 | +5.2% |
| No. 4, September 2026 (August 2026 sales) | $1,235,000 | 24 | $7,655 | $1,275,000 | +4.0% |
| No. 5, October 2026 (September 2026 sales) | $1,518,000 | 11 | $9,937 | $1,305,000 | +6.1% |
Homes in Arlington
Arlington's September single-family median of $1,518,000 ranked 6 of 26 Greater Boston towns with sales that month, above the regional middle of $950,000. The 12-month median of $1,305,000 is the steadier number. These figures cover single-family homes only; condos and multi-families are not included. Price depends heavily on the street and the house, so the town median is only a starting point. Ask us for recent sales of homes like yours.
Taxes and monthly cost
Arlington's FY2026 residential rate is $10.67 per $1,000 of assessed value, down from $10.77 in FY2025. A home assessed at $1,518,000 would pay about $16,197 a year in property tax. Arlington does not offer a residential exemption. See how that compares on our property tax rates by town page.
Getting around
- Bus: MBTA bus routes along Massachusetts Avenue and Broadway connect to the Red Line at Alewife and Harvard.
- Bike: The Minuteman Bikeway runs through Arlington Center to Alewife.
- By car: Route 2 and Route 16. Travel times vary a lot with traffic; test your own commute at rush hour.
Schedules change. Check mbta.com for current service before you count on a commute.
Schools, safety, water and flood data
We do not rate towns. These are the official sources, so you can look at the data yourself.
- Schools: Massachusetts DESE school and district profiles. Search for Arlington to see enrollment, staffing, assessment results and more.
- Crime data: Massachusetts crime statistics, the state's public crime reporting site. The Arlington police department also publishes local reports.
- Drinking water: MWRA drinking water quality reports (Arlington is an MWRA water community).
- Flood zones: FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Enter the address. If a home is in a high-risk flood zone, lenders will require flood insurance, so check before you make an offer.
Sources
- The Context Report No. 5 (October 2026)
- Massachusetts DOR FY2026 tax rates
- MBTA bus schedules
- MBTA Red Line
Questions this page answers
What is the median home price in Arlington, MA?
The single-family median in Arlington was $1,518,000 in September 2026 on 11 sales. Over the last 12 months it was $1,305,000, +6.1% from a year earlier.
What is the property tax rate in Arlington?
Arlington's FY2026 residential rate is $10.67 per $1,000 of assessed value, down from $10.77 in FY2025. The commercial rate is $10.67.
How do you get from Arlington to Boston?
Arlington has no subway or commuter rail station of its own. MBTA buses run to the Red Line at Alewife and Harvard, and the Minuteman Bikeway runs through town to Alewife.
Is Arlington a good place to live?
That depends on what you need. This page lays out prices, taxes, commute options and links to public school, crime, water and flood data so you can decide for yourself.
How much does it cost per month to own a home in Arlington?
About $9,937 a month in principal, interest and property tax on the September median, with 20% down on a 30-year fixed loan. Insurance and maintenance are extra.