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Dylan R. best-worst

Arlington is underrated, change my mind

Curious what people think. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $125,909 in Arlington. The median home value here is around $367,700, which seems about average. With a population of 14,989, Arlington is a small town. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to.

Pros:
- Great weather
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events

Cons:
- Rising rent prices
- Boring for young people
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Not enough green space
Thoughts? Any help is appreciated. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
4 upvotes

4 Replies

tulsa_lucas
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Phoenix it's improving.
36 upvotes
Scott P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a data analyst, 39, moved here 12 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.

**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
24 upvotes
Kyle B.
good to know, thanks
15 upvotes
Gabriel Baker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Westside for 12 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
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