Living in Arlington TX: Complete Neighborhood Guide 2026

Living in Arlington TX offers the perfect balance of suburban comfort, urban convenience, and affordability—making it one of the most attractive communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a growing family, or an investor seeking strong appreciation potential, Arlington has the ideal neighborhood for you. This comprehensive guide covers the best neighborhoods in Arlington, what makes each unique, schools, cost of living, and how to find your perfect home in this thriving Texas city.

Why Move to Arlington?
Best Neighborhoods in Arlington TX
Arlington Schools & Education
Cost of Living in Arlington
Arlington Lifestyle & Attractions
Arlington Real Estate Market
First-Time Buyers Guide
Luxury Homes in Arlington
Investment Opportunities
Moving to Arlington Checklist
Ready to Find Your Perfect Home?

Why Move to Arlington?

Living in Arlington TX has become increasingly popular among homebuyers seeking a strategic location between Dallas and Fort Worth. With a median home price around $325,000, Arlington offers exceptional value compared to other major DFW markets. Notably, the city boasts excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and strong economic growth driven by major employers and entertainment venues.

Additionally, Arlington is experiencing significant population growth, with new businesses relocating to the area and young professionals choosing it as their home. This growth translates to strong real estate appreciation, making it an excellent choice for both homeowners and investors seeking long-term wealth building.

Best Neighborhoods for Living in Arlington TX

Highlands at Arlington

Highlands at Arlington is a master-planned community featuring modern homes, excellent schools, and family-friendly amenities. This neighborhood attracts young families and first-time buyers seeking new construction with builder warranties. Homes range from $300,000 to $600,000, offering contemporary designs and energy-efficient features.

What makes it special: New construction, excellent schools, modern amenities, strong community.

Home prices: $300K-$600K

Best for: First-time buyers, young families, new construction seekers.

Meadowbrook

Meadowbrook combines established charm with convenient location, attracting buyers seeking character homes with modern updates. Located near shopping and dining, this neighborhood features tree-lined streets and diverse architecture. Importantly, home prices range from $280,000 to $550,000, making it accessible for various buyer profiles.

What makes it special: Established neighborhood, convenient location, walkable streets, good schools.

Home prices: $280K-$550K

Best for: Families, young professionals, buyers seeking established communities.

Vandergriff

Vandergriff is Arlington’s premier luxury neighborhood, known for stunning estates, golf course proximity, and upscale amenities. This exclusive community features custom homes with sprawling lots and architectural diversity. Consequently, home prices range from $600,000 to $1,500,000+, attracting luxury buyers and executives.

What makes it special: Luxury living, golf course access, privacy, excellent schools.

Home prices: $600K-$1.5M+

Best for: Luxury buyers, established professionals, golf enthusiasts.

Downtown Arlington

Downtown Arlington offers urban living with trendy lofts, walkable streets, and vibrant entertainment. This revitalized district features restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. As a result, prices range from $250,000 to $700,000, with strong appreciation potential for investors.

What makes it special: Urban lifestyle, walkable community, entertainment, investment potential.

Home prices: $250K-$700K

Best for: Young professionals, investors, urban lifestyle seekers.

Parks at Arlington

Parks at Arlington is a family-friendly neighborhood featuring excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. This established community offers a strong sense of community and suburban feel. Moreover, home prices range from $300,000 to $650,000, attracting families seeking peaceful neighborhoods.

What makes it special: Family-friendly, excellent schools, parks and recreation, quiet streets.

Home prices: $300K-$650K

Best for: Families, retirees, buyers seeking peaceful neighborhoods.

Arlington Schools & Education

Furthermore, Arlington Independent School District (AISD) is one of the largest and highest-performing school districts in Texas, serving over 62,000 students across 80+ schools. AISD consistently ranks among the top districts in the state, with strong test scores and college preparedness programs. Importantly, school ratings vary significantly by neighborhood, so research your specific elementary, middle, and high school before committing.

For example, Top-Rated AISD Schools:

Arlington High School
Lamar High School
Martin High School
Shackelford Elementary
Bowie Elementary

Pro Tip: Use GreatSchools.org and Arlington ISD’s official website for detailed ratings, test scores, and campus information before choosing your neighborhood.

Cost of Living in Arlington

Living in Arlington TX offers excellent value compared to other major DFW cities. Here’s what you can expect:

Specifically, the median home price is $325,000

Property Taxes: Approximately 1.75% annually (varies by neighborhood)

Average Utility Costs: $140-$190/month (varies seasonally)

Groceries: 3-8% below Texas average

Transportation: Car-dependent; budget $200-$300/month for gas and maintenance

Overall Cost of Living: 10-15% below Dallas average

Therefore, Arlington’s affordability makes it attractive for first-time buyers and families seeking more home for their money compared to Southlake, Colleyville, or Grapevine.

Ready to Explore Arlington Neighborhoods?

Finding the perfect Arlington neighborhood starts with expert local guidance. I specialize in helping buyers navigate Arlington’s diverse real estate market—from luxury estates in Vandergriff to family-friendly homes in Parks at Arlington and investment properties in Downtown Arlington.

Let’s schedule a neighborhood tour and find your ideal Arlington home today.

Collin Seaton

Real Estate Agent | Century 21 Judge Fite

📞 (817) 970-9240

📧 collinseaton@judgefite.com

🌐 collinseatonhomes.com

Arlington Lifestyle & Attractions

Entertainment & Sports

Arlington is home to major entertainment venues including AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys), Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), and the Arlington Convention Center. Indeed, these world-class facilities attract visitors and residents alike, creating a vibrant entertainment culture. The city also features the Arlington Entertainment District with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

Parks & Recreation

Living in Arlington TX includes access to 200+ parks featuring hiking trails, sports facilities, and family-friendly activities. Trinity Park, River Legacy Parks, and Mayfield Park offer outdoor recreation for all ages and skill levels.

Shopping & Dining

Arlington offers diverse shopping and dining options, from upscale malls to trendy restaurants. In particular, the Levee District features outdoor shopping and dining, while downtown offers farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries.

Arts & Culture

Additionally, the Arlington Museum of Art and Levitt Pavilion offer cultural experiences, live performances, and community events throughout the year.

Living in Arlington TX: Real Estate Market Trends

The Arlington real estate market is experiencing strong growth, driven by population increases, major employer relocations, and affordable pricing compared to other major DFW cities. Here’s what you need to know:

Currently, market trends show:

Median home prices appreciating 4-6% annually
Strong demand from first-time buyers and families
Inventory levels remain balanced
Days on market: 30-45 days average

Specifically, Arlington is appreciating due to:

Population growth exceeding 2% annually
Major employers (AT&T, General Motors, Amazon)
Excellent schools and family amenities
Strategic DFW location
Limited new construction in established neighborhoods

Best Time to Buy: Year-round, but spring and early summer see more inventory.

First-Time Buyers Guide

Getting Pre-Approved

First and foremost, before house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This shows sellers you’re serious and helps you understand your budget. Most lenders offer pre-approval within 24-48 hours.

Specifically, you’ll need:

Recent pay stubs
Tax returns (last 2 years)
Bank statements
Valid ID

Budget Considerations

Arlington’s median home price of $325,000 means:

20% down payment: $65,000
10% down payment: $32,500
Monthly mortgage (20% down): $1,300-$1,500
Property taxes + insurance: $350-$450/month

Choosing Your Neighborhood

As a first-time buyer, you should consider:

School quality and ratings
Commute to work
Neighborhood amenities
Future appreciation potential
HOA fees and restrictions

Making an Offer

In Arlington’s balanced market, offers typically include:

Earnest money deposit (1-3% of purchase price)
Pre-approval letter
Inspection contingency (7-10 days)
Appraisal contingency
Closing timeline (30-45 days)

Pro Tip: Work with an experienced Arlington real estate agent who knows the market and can help you make a competitive offer.

Luxury Homes in Arlington

Living in Arlington TX offers exceptional luxury real estate, particularly in Vandergriff and established neighborhoods near downtown. Typically, luxury homes ($600K+) feature:

Custom designs and architectural significance
Gated communities and privacy
Golf course access and resort-style amenities
Smart home technology
Premium finishes and high-end appliances

Currently, luxury market trends include:

Strong demand from executives and established professionals
Average luxury home appreciation: 5-7% annually
Vandergriff leading luxury market segment
International buyer interest increasing

Investment Opportunities

Living in Arlington TX offers multiple investment strategies for real estate investors seeking strong returns.

Buy-and-Hold Rentals

Arlington’s growing population and affordable prices make it ideal for rental investments. For instance, target neighborhoods with strong appreciation potential and good rental demand, such as Downtown Arlington, Meadowbrook, and emerging neighborhoods.

Expected returns: 6-8% annual appreciation + 4-6% rental yield

Fix-and-Flip

Neighborhoods undergoing revitalization (Downtown Arlington, emerging areas) offer fix-and-flip opportunities. Essentially, purchase undervalued properties, renovate, and sell for profit.

Expected returns: 15-25% profit on successful flips

New Construction

Living in Arlington TX includes numerous new master-planned communities offering modern homes with builder warranties and financing incentives.

Moving to Arlington Checklist

Research neighborhoods and school ratings
Get pre-approved for mortgage
Schedule neighborhood tours
Attend open houses
Make competitive offer
Complete home inspection
Finalize mortgage approval
Schedule final walkthrough
Close on your new Arlington home
Update address with utilities and services

Ready to Find Your Perfect Home in Arlington?

Living in Arlington TX offers something for everyone—from first-time buyers to luxury investors. Whether you’re drawn to the entertainment venues, excellent schools, vibrant neighborhoods, or strong real estate market, Arlington is an excellent choice for your next home.

I’m here to help you navigate the Arlington real estate market and find the perfect neighborhood for your lifestyle and budget. With my expertise in Arlington neighborhoods, schools, and market trends, I’ll guide you through every step of the buying or selling process.

Contact me today for a free consultation and discover why Arlington is the perfect place to call home.