Arlington Heights - Arlington, MA Area Guide

Colonists founded Arlington Heights in 1635 within the boundaries of Cambridge, Mass. Originally named Menotomy, an Algonquin word meaning “swift running water,” the area was eventually incorporated into a city in 1807. The name Arlington was chosen to honor those buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

The original settlers of this area co-existed with the native Algonquins after a woman named Squaw Sachem sold Indian land to them for 10 pounds, provided that her tribe could remain around Mystic Lake. The town grew because of its milling activities around Mill Brook, a stream that flows through Arlington Heights. The Old Schwamb Mill, which still survives today, brought prosperity to the town.

Perhaps the most notable event associated with Arlington Heights was Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride, which took him through the area to warn its residents that the British were coming. It was also the site of a bloody early battle in the Revolutionary War. The Jason Russell House currently serves as a museum to honor those killed in this conflict.

Arlington Heights continued to grow as a farming village, producing a signature variety of lettuce, which proved popular. It also developed a large ice industry in the 1800s.

Many notable personalities have lived in Arlington Heights including comedian Dane Cook, actor Michael Bowman and author Andrew Chaikin. The first spreadsheet software program, VisiCalc, was developed in the area, and it was also the site of cyclist Nicole Reinhart’s accidental death in 2000 during a bicycle race.

The arts scene is fairly small given the neighborhood’s 5.5 square mile area, but visitors drive to nearby Lexington, Belmont or Boston for theater and crafts. Annual events include an open house at Old Schwamb Mill, and First Lights, where the town lights its holiday tree and awards Best Window Decoration plaques to local businesses.

When you’re in Arlington Heights, seafood may seem the intuitive choice; however, this area has lots of ethnic food choices, among them Szechuan’s Dumpling. Whether eating in, taking out or calling for delivery, this place serves up some of the region’s most popular Chinese fare. From Shanghai fried pork buns to sizzling bean curd hot pot, this restaurant offers lots to choose from. Insiders know to check the specials for traditional takes on Szechuan classics. The Boston Globe raves about their service and dumplings.

Classic Cafe is another hit with locals, who go there for the hearty breakfasts of Belgian waffles, specialty omelets and buttermilk pancakes before local events, or just to read the paper on a lazy Sunday. Located where most area restaurants are clustered, on Massachusetts Avenue, Classic Cafe also caters to area businesses for lunch, serving up a selection of burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads.

Arlington Height’s own Regent Theatre offers live music most nights. Music and concerts trade off with family fun like Mary Poppins sing-alongs and film and comedy nights.

If you’re in the mood for something else, Common Ground provides a pub-like atmosphere and some of the cleverest mixtures of food and drink around. Check out the Guinness braised short ribs and truffle fries, or small plates like corned beef turnovers and disco fries. An extensive draught beer list highlights brews like Clown Shoes Chocolate Sombrero, which beg to be sampled. Friendly bartenders are there to answer any questions you may have.

Other unconventional entertainment options include Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply, which allows you to make creative mosaics out of tiles, and Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunts. You’ll team build while having tons of fun following witty clues and exploring museums and neighborhoods with friends and strangers alike. If you want to bring a larger party, even better.

Most locals and visitors find that getting around Arlington Heights is easiest by car, particularly during the colder months. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority has several bus routes that run through Arlington Heights, and it’s easy to get a cab by calling Arlington Taxi. Uber also serves the Arlington Heights neighborhood.

Parking is readily available and cheap in Arlington Heights. Major thoroughfares Route 2, 2A, 3 and 60 are easily accessible and connect drivers to Boston and points north and south.

Arlington Heights is very walkable since it covers only a few miles. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must. Biking is also easy and encouraged for short trips, though Arlington has so far rejected bike lanes. As long as cyclists are careful, the area is considered safe for biking.

Arlington Heights features more than a dozen local parks and historical sites, such as Menotomy Rocks Park, Robbins Farm Park, Spy Pond Park and the Great Meadow. All are free, with easy parking and accessibility. Fees may be charged to enter the adjoining facility, but not the park itself. All are dog and child friendly, as long as visitors leave no mess behind.

Robbins Farm Park hosts a series of events during summertime, including astronomy nights and a soapbox derby. This park also provides some of the most amazing views of the Boston skyline.

Several of Arlington Heights’ parks hold fitness camps, including McClennen Park, where hills, fields, walking trails and boot camps amp up the pace. A skate park at Olympic Park offers ramps and a half-pipe for skateboarders of all ages.

The typical cost of living in Arlington Heights is slightly higher than in other parts of Arlington. Since incomes also tend to be higher as well, food and entertainment prices are not noticeably affected. Most one-bedroom apartments rent for about $1,495 but can range over $2,000. This makes it higher than most other rental costs in the area. Generally speaking, the cost of living in Arlington Heights is higher than that of other areas of Arlington, but lower than Boston’s average.

Most of Arlington’s shopping destinations are clustered around Arlington Center. There are some places to shop on Massachusetts Ave, like Sports Etc., which caters to activity and fitness needs. There's also Balich 5 & 10, which carries small items you never knew you needed. When visiting you'll discover you’ve forgotten something useful like a shoehorn, gloves, or a deck of cards to pass the time. Local specialty stores like Firefly Moon feature jewelry, accessories, and gifts.

Groceries can be found at chains like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Stop & Shop, as well as smaller local providers like PRIME Butcher, Wilson Farm, and Penzeys Spices.