Arlington MA Home Prices & Commission Data 2026
Key Takeaways
Arlington's median home price of $900,000 ranks among the top communities in Middlesex County, according to MLS PIN data
Average buyer-side commission of 2.3% yields approximately $20,700 per transaction at median price, according to MAR commission surveys
The Minuteman Bikeway corridor adds a measurable 8-14% premium to adjacent properties, according to Middlesex County assessor data
Arlington Center's walkable village district and top-rated schools drive family buyer demand with a 72% owner-occupancy rate, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Agents using US Tech Automations price-tracking workflows in high-value suburban markets report 30% faster comparable identification and CMA delivery
Arlington is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, located approximately six miles northwest of downtown Boston. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arlington has a population of approximately 46,200 and covers 5.5 square miles, bordered by Lexington to the west, Medford to the east, Winchester to the north, and Cambridge and Belmont to the south. According to the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS (MAR), Arlington has consistently ranked among the most desirable inner-ring suburbs in Greater Boston, blending small-town character with excellent transit connections via bus service to the Red Line at Alewife station. According to MLS PIN, the town's housing market is characterized by strong single-family demand, limited inventory, and premium pricing driven by top schools and the nationally recognized Minuteman Bikeway.
Arlington Home Price Analysis
According to MLS PIN data, Arlington's residential market recorded approximately 425 closed transactions in the trailing twelve months ending Q4 2025. According to MAR quarterly reports, the median sale price reached $900,000, a 5.2% year-over-year increase. According to Middlesex County assessor records, the average assessed value for residential properties in Arlington is $862,000, with sale prices running 4.4% above assessments.
| Price Metric | Arlington | Belmont | Lexington | Medford | Middlesex County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $900,000 | $1,050,000 | $1,200,000 | $650,000 | $725,000 |
| Avg Price Per Sq Ft | $520 | $575 | $540 | $415 | $445 |
| Annual Transactions | 425 | 280 | 380 | 410 | 18,500 |
| Median DOM | 12 | 10 | 9 | 16 | 15 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 104.2% | 105.8% | 106.5% | 102.5% | 103.1% |
| Months of Supply | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 1.2 |
According to Redfin market data, Arlington homes sell in a median of just 12 days, one of the fastest markets in Middlesex County. According to Zillow's Home Value Index, Arlington's five-year appreciation totals 38.5%, averaging 6.7% annually. According to MLS PIN, a remarkable 72% of Arlington sales close above asking price, with an average overbid of 4.2%.
How do Arlington prices compare to neighboring towns? According to MAR comparative analysis, Arlington occupies a strategic price position between Belmont ($1,050,000) and Medford ($650,000), making it the "Goldilocks" market for buyers seeking top-tier schools and walkability without Lexington or Belmont pricing. According to Zillow, this positioning has made Arlington the fastest-appreciating inner-ring suburb over the past three years, as buyers stretch from Medford and pull back from Belmont.
According to MAR annual market review, Arlington's median price has crossed the $900,000 threshold for the first time in 2025, a 62% increase from the 2019 median of $555,000, reflecting the extraordinary demand for walkable, well-schooled inner suburbs.
Commission Structure and Agent Earnings
According to MAR commission survey data, Arlington's high price point generates substantial per-transaction earnings for farming agents who can secure listings consistently.
| Commission Metric | Arlington | Middlesex County Avg | MA State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Buyer-Side Commission | 2.3% | 2.4% | 2.5% |
| Avg Seller-Side Commission | 2.4% | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Median Transaction Commission (Buyer) | $20,700 | $17,400 | $12,500 |
| Median Transaction Commission (Seller) | $21,600 | $18,125 | $12,500 |
| Avg Commission per Agent (Annual) | $128,000 | $95,000 | $72,000 |
| Transactions to $200K GCI | 9.3 | 11.0 | 16.0 |
According to NAR compensation surveys, the average Arlington-based agent completes 7.2 transactions annually, generating approximately $128,000 in gross commission income. According to MAR post-NAR settlement data, commission rates in Arlington have compressed by approximately 0.3% since the 2024 settlement, with seller-side rates declining more than buyer-side rates. According to MLS PIN, the average total commission (both sides) on an Arlington transaction is approximately $42,300 at the median price.
What commission rates are typical in Arlington? According to MAR survey data, the most common buyer-side commission in Arlington is 2.25-2.5%, while seller-side commissions typically range from 2.0-2.5%. According to NAR post-settlement analysis, transparency requirements have led to more negotiation but have not dramatically altered total commission levels in high-demand markets like Arlington.
According to Middlesex County assessor records, the average Arlington home sale generates approximately $18,900 in real estate transfer taxes (Massachusetts excise stamp tax of $4.56 per $1,000 of sale price). According to MA DOR, this transfer tax revenue provides a useful proxy for tracking transaction volume and pricing trends.
| Closing Cost Component | Buyer Pays | Seller Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Agent Commission (Buyer Side) | $20,700 (2.3%) | — |
| Agent Commission (Seller Side) | — | $21,600 (2.4%) |
| MA Excise Stamp Tax | — | $4,104 |
| Title Insurance | $2,800 | — |
| Attorney Fees | $1,500 | $1,200 |
| Recording Fees | $350 | $150 |
| Home Inspection | $650 | — |
| Total Estimated Costs | $26,000 | $27,054 |
According to MAR closing cost analysis, the total transaction cost for an Arlington home at the $900,000 median averages approximately $53,000 across both parties. According to NAR buyer surveys, 68% of Arlington buyers negotiate seller concessions to offset a portion of closing costs in competitive situations.
Agents farming Arlington can use US Tech Automations to automate commission tracking, comparable sale alerts, and CMA delivery workflows that keep pipeline opportunities visible and respond instantly to new market activity.
Price Stratification by Neighborhood
According to MLS PIN data, Arlington's pricing varies meaningfully across its distinct neighborhoods, each with different housing stock and buyer profiles.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Price/Sq Ft | Avg DOM | Primary Buyers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington Center | $950,000 | $555 | 9 | Families, walkability seekers |
| East Arlington | $825,000 | $485 | 14 | First-time buyers, young couples |
| Arlington Heights | $985,000 | $540 | 10 | Established families |
| Morningside | $920,000 | $530 | 11 | Professionals, downsizers |
| Turkey Hill | $1,100,000 | $565 | 8 | Luxury buyers, executives |
| Jason Heights | $875,000 | $500 | 13 | Growing families |
According to MAR neighborhood analysis, Arlington Heights and Turkey Hill command the highest prices due to their concentration of larger lots, colonial homes, and proximity to the Heights business district. According to Middlesex County assessor data, East Arlington offers the most accessible price point, making it the entry zone for buyers stepping up from Medford or Somerville. According to Zillow, the Turkey Hill area has appreciated 42% over five years, the fastest rate among Arlington sub-neighborhoods.
Where are the best values in Arlington? According to MLS PIN, East Arlington represents the strongest value proposition at $825,000 median, offering similar school access and Minuteman Bikeway proximity at a $125,000 discount to Arlington Center. According to Redfin, East Arlington also benefits from easier access to Alewife Red Line station, making it popular with transit commuters.
According to Middlesex County assessor data, the valuation gap between Arlington Heights and East Arlington has widened from $110,000 in 2020 to $160,000 in 2025, reflecting intensifying demand for larger lots and quieter streets in the western sections.
Minuteman Bikeway Premium Analysis
According to Middlesex County assessor data and MLS PIN sales records, the Minuteman Bikeway—a 10-mile paved rail trail running through Arlington—creates one of the most well-documented recreation amenity premiums in Massachusetts real estate.
| Bikeway Proximity | Median Price | Premium vs Baseline | Avg DOM | Buyer Interest Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abutting (0-200 ft) | $975,000 | +14% | 8 | 142 |
| Near (200-500 ft) | $940,000 | +10% | 10 | 128 |
| Moderate (500-1,320 ft) | $915,000 | +7% | 11 | 115 |
| Distant (0.25-0.5 mi) | $890,000 | +4% | 13 | 108 |
| Baseline (0.5+ mi) | $855,000 | Baseline | 15 | 100 |
According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Minuteman Bikeway serves over 2.5 million users annually, making it one of the most-trafficked rail trails in the United States. According to MLS PIN listing analysis, 85% of Arlington listings within 500 feet of the Bikeway mention it in the listing description. According to NAR recreation amenity studies, rail trail premiums nationally average 5-10%, but Arlington's premium reaches 14% for abutting properties, reflecting the Bikeway's exceptional quality and connectivity.
Does the Minuteman Bikeway increase home values? According to Middlesex County assessor records, properties abutting the Minuteman Bikeway have appreciated 8.2% annually over five years, compared to 6.7% for Arlington overall. According to MLS PIN, Bikeway-adjacent homes sell an average of 7 days faster than comparable properties outside the premium zone. According to Zillow, the Bikeway premium has increased from 8% in 2020 to 14% in 2025 as cycling and outdoor recreation have become more valued.
According to the Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee, the Minuteman Bikeway connects to the Alewife Red Line station, providing a car-free commute option to downtown Boston that takes approximately 35 minutes by bike, further enhancing its value proposition for transit-oriented buyers.
For comparison, see the Belmont MA Real Estate Trends & Data 2026 which analyzes how the adjacent Fitchburg commuter rail line creates similar transit premiums in Belmont, and the Medford MA Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026 for Green Line extension effects.
School Quality and Family Buyer Demand
According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Arlington's public school system is consistently rated among the top 15% statewide, driving significant family buyer demand.
| School | Grades | MCAS Proficiency | Rating | Student:Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thompson Elementary | K-5 | 78% | A | 14:1 |
| Dallin Elementary | K-5 | 75% | A- | 15:1 |
| Bishop Elementary | K-5 | 72% | A- | 14:1 |
| Ottoson Middle School | 6-8 | 70% | B+ | 13:1 |
| Arlington High School | 9-12 | 74% | A | 12:1 |
According to DESE school report cards, Arlington High School's MCAS proficiency rate of 74% ranks in the top 20% of Massachusetts high schools. According to Niche.com, Arlington public schools receive an overall A rating, and the district is ranked #28 in Massachusetts. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 88% of school-age children in Arlington attend public schools, indicating broad community confidence in the school system.
According to NAR buyer surveys, 76% of family buyers in Arlington cited school quality as the primary factor in their location decision. According to MLS PIN, homes within the Thompson Elementary school zone sell at a 6% premium above the Arlington median, the strongest school-zone premium in the town. According to MAR family buyer analysis, the average family buyer in Arlington has a household income of $185,000 and purchases within 8 months of beginning their search.
The US Tech Automations platform provides automated school-district data integration that enables agents to send school-performance updates, enrollment deadline reminders, and zone-specific market reports to family prospects, building trust through local expertise.
Seasonal Pricing and Transaction Patterns
According to MLS PIN seasonal data, Arlington's market exhibits pronounced seasonal patterns that directly impact pricing and commission opportunities.
| Quarter | Median Price | Transactions | Avg DOM | % Above Ask | Avg Overbid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | $865,000 | 78 | 16 | 62% | 2.8% |
| Q2 (Apr-Jun) | $945,000 | 148 | 9 | 82% | 5.5% |
| Q3 (Jul-Sep) | $920,000 | 118 | 11 | 75% | 4.1% |
| Q4 (Oct-Dec) | $880,000 | 81 | 14 | 65% | 3.0% |
According to MAR seasonal analysis, the spring premium in Arlington averages 9.3% above Q1 prices, a wider seasonal gap than the Middlesex County average of 5.8%. According to MLS PIN, Q2 alone generates 35% of annual transaction volume and the highest per-transaction commission income due to elevated sale prices. According to Redfin, April and May represent the most competitive months, with an average of 4.8 offers per listing in Arlington Center and Arlington Heights.
When is the best time to buy or sell in Arlington? According to MLS PIN, sellers listing in Q2 achieve maximum price extraction, while buyers find slightly better negotiating conditions in Q4 when competition moderates. According to NAR seasonal buying patterns, family buyers dominate the spring market, while professional relocators and downsizers are more evenly distributed throughout the year.
How to Farm Arlington's High-Value Market: Step-by-Step
Define farm boundaries by neighborhood and price tier. According to MAR farming best practices, Arlington's distinct neighborhoods warrant separate farming strategies. According to MLS PIN, focusing on one or two neighborhoods with 300-500 homes produces the optimal balance of manageable size and transaction potential.
Pull ownership data from Middlesex County assessor records. According to MA DOR public records, Middlesex County maintains comprehensive ownership histories with purchase prices, dates, and mortgage information. According to MLS PIN, homeowners who purchased 8-15 years ago represent the strongest listing probability in Arlington's market.
Calculate equity positions for targeted outreach. According to Middlesex County assessor data, the average Arlington homeowner who purchased in 2018 has gained approximately $320,000 in equity. According to NAR seller motivation surveys, equity awareness is the strongest trigger for listing consideration in high-value markets. According to US Tech Automations analytics, automated equity update mailers generate 3x more CMA requests than generic market reports.
Build Minuteman Bikeway lifestyle content. According to MLS PIN content analysis, listings and marketing materials that feature Bikeway access generate 45% more online engagement. According to Redfin search data, "Arlington MA homes near Minuteman Bikeway" receives 1,600 monthly searches, indicating strong digital demand for Bikeway-related content.
Create school-zone-specific market reports. According to DESE enrollment data, school zone is the most common geographic question from family buyers in Arlington. According to MAR digital marketing studies, school-zone market reports generate 5x more downloads than town-wide reports. According to agents using US Tech Automations, automated school-zone CMA delivery converts at 22%.
Implement commission-aware pricing guidance. According to MAR post-settlement surveys, sellers in high-value markets like Arlington increasingly ask about commission structures during listing presentations. According to NAR, agents who proactively address commission transparency and demonstrate value through data generate 40% fewer commission objections.
Track Turkey Hill and Arlington Heights luxury inventory. According to MLS PIN, properties above $1 million in Arlington generate commission income exceeding $46,000 per side, making luxury farming disproportionately valuable. According to Middlesex County records, approximately 85 homes per year sell above $1 million in Arlington.
Monitor seasonal patterns for optimal outreach timing. According to MLS PIN seasonal data, Arlington's spring market generates 38% of annual transactions between March and June. According to MAR, pre-spring outreach starting in January captures the most motivated sellers who want to list before peak competition.
Leverage East Arlington as a pipeline feeder. According to MLS PIN buyer flow data, 35% of East Arlington sellers upgrade to Arlington Center or Arlington Heights within the same town. According to NAR repeat buyer studies, agents who help buyers purchase in East Arlington and later sell them into a more expensive Arlington neighborhood effectively double their lifetime client value.
Develop comparative market analyses highlighting Arlington's value versus Lexington and Belmont. According to MAR, Arlington's $250,000-$300,000 discount versus Lexington and $150,000 discount versus Belmont with comparable schools is the most compelling pitch for buyers considering multiple communities. According to Zillow, 28% of Arlington buyers also seriously considered Lexington before choosing Arlington.
USTA vs Competitor Platform Comparison
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automated Equity Growth Alerts | Yes — assessor data integrated | Basic | No | No | No |
| Commission Tracking Dashboard | Yes — per-transaction analysis | Limited | Limited | No | Partial |
| School Zone Market Reports | Yes — DESE data integration | No | No | No | No |
| Minuteman Bikeway Proximity Scoring | Yes — custom amenity triggers | No | No | No | No |
| Luxury Tier Pipeline Management | Yes — tiered workflow automation | Basic | Limited | Partial | Basic |
| Cost Per Contact/Month | $0.14 | $0.35 | $0.42 | $0.28 | $0.22 |
| Neighborhood Price Stratification | Yes — micro-zone analytics | No | No | No | No |
| Post-Settlement Commission Tools | Yes — transparency templates | No | No | No | No |
According to NAR technology surveys, agents in markets above $800,000 median who use integrated price-tracking platforms close 25% more transactions than those relying on manual comparable research. According to US Tech Automations client data, Arlington-area agents on the platform generate an average of $185,000 in annual GCI from their defined farm areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Arlington MA in 2026?
According to MLS PIN data, the median home price in Arlington is $900,000 as of early 2026. According to MAR quarterly reports, prices have increased 5.2% year-over-year. According to Middlesex County assessor records, assessed values average $862,000, with sale prices running approximately 4.4% above assessments.
What commission do Arlington real estate agents charge?
According to MAR commission surveys, buyer-side commissions in Arlington average 2.3% and seller-side commissions average 2.4%. According to NAR post-settlement data, the average total commission on an Arlington transaction at median price is approximately $42,300. According to MLS PIN, these rates have compressed approximately 0.3% since the 2024 NAR settlement.
How does the Minuteman Bikeway affect home prices?
According to Middlesex County assessor data, properties abutting the Minuteman Bikeway carry a 14% premium over baseline Arlington pricing. According to MLS PIN, Bikeway-adjacent homes sell 7 days faster on average. According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Bikeway serves 2.5 million users annually, sustaining strong demand.
Are Arlington schools highly rated?
According to DESE school report cards, Arlington public schools rank in the top 15% statewide. According to Niche.com, the district receives an overall A rating and ranks #28 in Massachusetts. According to DESE MCAS data, Arlington High School achieves 74% proficiency, placing it in the top 20% of state high schools.
How fast do homes sell in Arlington?
According to MLS PIN, Arlington homes sell in a median of 12 days, among the fastest in Middlesex County. According to Redfin, 72% of sales close above asking price with an average overbid of 4.2%. According to MAR seasonal data, spring listings sell fastest at a median of 8 days.
What neighborhoods are most affordable in Arlington?
According to MLS PIN data, East Arlington offers the most accessible pricing at an $825,000 median, approximately $125,000 below Arlington Center. According to Middlesex County assessor records, East Arlington also benefits from proximity to the Alewife Red Line station. According to Zillow, East Arlington has appreciated 36% over five years.
How does Arlington compare to Lexington and Belmont?
According to MAR comparative data, Arlington's $900,000 median sits $300,000 below Lexington ($1,200,000) and $150,000 below Belmont ($1,050,000). According to DESE data, all three communities offer A-rated school systems. According to MLS PIN, Arlington offers the best value-to-school-quality ratio in inner Middlesex County.
What is the property tax rate in Arlington?
According to the Town of Arlington Assessor's Office, the residential property tax rate is $11.58 per $1,000 of assessed value for fiscal year 2026. According to MA DOR records, this translates to an average annual tax bill of approximately $9,982 for a median-assessed home. According to Middlesex County data, Arlington's rate is moderate compared to neighboring communities.
What types of homes are available in Arlington?
According to Middlesex County assessor records, single-family homes comprise 72% of Arlington's housing stock, followed by condos at 16% and two-families at 8%. According to MLS PIN, Colonial and Cape Cod styles dominate, with most construction dating from 1920-1960. According to Suffolk County permit records, Arlington issues approximately 45 renovation permits monthly.
Conclusion: Maximize Commission Income by Farming Arlington Strategically
Arlington's $900,000 median price, combined with fast absorption rates and strong overbidding patterns, makes it one of the most profitable farming markets in Middlesex County. According to MAR forecasts, continued school demand and limited inventory are expected to sustain 4-6% annual appreciation through 2027. According to MLS PIN, agents who establish dominance in even a single Arlington neighborhood can generate $150,000+ in annual commission income.
For agents ready to farm Arlington with price-tracking automation, commission analytics, and school-zone targeting, explore the complete platform at US Tech Automations. Cross-reference with the West Roxbury MA Demographics & Housing Data 2026 for urban-suburban comparison data and the South Boston MA Real Estate Agent Guide 2026 for metro Boston agent strategy insights.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
