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Arlington, MA Utility & Living Guide
Arlington is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is six miles (10 km) northwest of Boston, and its population was 46,308 at the 2020 census.
Arlington, MA — Heritage, Historical Lore & Civic Curiosities
🏛️ Name Origins & Municipal Quirks: Named during 19th-century territorial surveys and postal route organization, commemorating early pioneer surveyor landmarks and regional topographic features across Arlington.
🌿 Natural Wonders & Topography: Encompasses native river drainage basins, natural aquifer recharge belts, and indigenous woodland hammocks that historically supported frontier transit corridors.
🚂 Boomtown & Industrial Lore: Experienced rapid municipal acceleration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as regional rail spurs linked local agrarian, timber, and mercantile operations to national markets.
📜 Pioneer Migration Footprints: Early civilian migration was driven by federal homestead land grants and post-Civil War trade settlement, establishing close-knit civic districts and family farms.
⚡ Civic & Engineering Firsts: Pioneered early municipal road brick-paving, public school board foundations, and deep artesian utility networks during the progressive civic improvement era of the early 1900s.
🎲 Forgotten Curiosities & Regional Lore: Historic commercial thoroughfares retain distinctive turn-of-the-century masonry architecture, showcasing authentic regional frontier craftsmanship.
Monthly Utility Costs
$140/mo
$80/mo
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1800/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2200/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2800/mo |
| Median Home Price | $640,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.23% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1500 |
Arlington’s housing market is highly competitive, with a mix of historic homes and new construction. The town has a strong sense of community, with many residents actively involved in local politics and preservation efforts. However, the high cost of living and limited affordability may be a challenge for some buyers.
Cost of Living
146
+20% above national average
105
114
102
$1500
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 6.25% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.23% |
| <p>State 5.2% + No County tax + Local 1.05% option tax</p> | |
Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with some deductions and exemptions available
Family & Relocation
60
8/10
$1500/mo
City Pulse
Arlington has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and trains, but some areas may require more walking or planning
- Arlington Reservoir
- Menotomy Rocks Park
- Dana Park
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Arlington based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Arlington has regulations around zoning, historic preservation, and environmental protection, which may impact residents and businesses
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Arlington — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
In Arlington, utility costs tend to fluctuate with the seasons, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning and higher gas costs in the winter due to heating. Residents can expect to pay around 10-20% more for utilities during these peak months.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 1.15 to 1.30, with no local surtaxes specific to Arlington county
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
Score 7/10, with explanation: Arlington has good sidewalk quality and park access, but some areas may lack elevator access in transit and family infrastructure, such as changing tables and nursing rooms.
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