Located just six miles northwest of the city center of Boston, Arlington, Massachusetts, is a quaint and thriving inner-suburban town that balances beautifully rich history with current-day charm. Praised for its fine schools, lively neighborhoods, and strong community spirit, Arlington provides residents with a special blend of small-town friendliness and big-city accessibility.
First settled in 1635 as part of Cambridge, the town was originally called Menotomy, a Native American name for “swift running water,” from the nearby streams which lead into the Mystic River. In 1807, it became the separate town of West Cambridge, and in 1867, Arlington, in honor of Arlington National Cemetery. Throughout the centuries, Arlington grew from a rural community to a thriving suburban town heavily intertwined with Boston’s development and progress. Don’t forget to check out Belmont, MA too.
Arlington is a distinguished part of American history. On the first day of the Revolutionary War in 1775, the Battle of Menotomy, one of the most violent battles of the war, was fought on its grounds as colonial militiamen engaged British soldiers withdrawing from Lexington and Concord. Today, a number of historic places honor this heritage, such as the Jason Russell House, where intense battle took place, and the Old Schwamb Mill, one of the nation’s oldest continuously running mills.
Aside from its history, Arlington is renowned for having a strong community that balances its preservation of its character with its embrace of progress. Population approximately 46,000, the town boasts tree-lined streets, historic residences, and a thriving civic life. Arlington Center is the cultural and commercial hub of the town, housing locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and cafés that lend the town a warm, small-town flavor. Throughout the year, residents gather for festivities like Town Day, summer concerts at Robbins Farm Park, and the popular Feast of the East, celebrating the city’s richly diverse food offerings.
A cornerstone of Arlington’s popularity is education. The Arlington Public Schools district is esteemed, with up-to-date facilities and rigorous academic achievements that establish the town as a family-friendly favorite. The recently built Arlington High School is a reflection of the town’s commitment to education and its future.
Nature and recreation also have an important part to play in everyday life. The Minuteman Bikeway, a 10-mile multi-use path that goes from Cambridge to Bedford, passes right through Arlington, providing residents and visitors with scenic access for biking, walking, and jogging. Popular green areas like Spy Pond Park, Menotomy Rocks Park, and Robbins Farm Park have magnificent views, picnic areas, and playgrounds where people meet and socialize throughout the year.
Arlington has also become known for its thriving arts and culture community. The Regent Theatre, an historic performing arts theater, features concerts, plays, and movie screenings, while the Arlington Center for the Arts provides classes, exhibits, and community programs that foster creativity and expression.
In spite of its proximity to Boston, Arlington has been able to maintain its unique identity — a compact town with respect for its heritage and with an eye to the future. With its outstanding schools, rich cultural activities, lovely parks, and historic character, Arlington, Massachusetts, remains one of the most sought-after and livable neighborhoods in the Greater Boston region — a town where history and contemporary life come together in perfect harmony to provide a very special hometown experience. If you are looking for a window treatment store, click here.
