Arlington Heights vs Belmont
Two popular MA suburbs of Boston, side by side. Here's how they compare on the metrics that matter most to families.
Summary: Belmont leads in 3 of 6 metrics. It edges out on school rating, commute to boston, walk score. The best choice depends on your family's priorities.
Character & vibe
Arlington Heights
The upper heights neighborhoods of Arlington with the Minuteman Bikeway and Russell Common. Arlington SD is excellent, Massachusetts Avenue is walkable, and this is one of the few towns where you can walk to Cambridge without getting on a train.
Belmont
An established inner suburb with top-rated schools. Belmont PS rates 10/10 in our dataset. Quiet hill streets, mature trees, and a community that values schools above all else.
Who should pick which?
Pick Arlington Heights if you...
- ·Need to keep your home budget in check
- ·Want lower annual property taxes
- ·Prefer a more urban, vibrant feel
Pick Belmont if you...
- ·Prioritize top-rated schools above all else
- ·Want the shortest commute to Boston
- ·Value walkability and a pedestrian-friendly downtown
Still deciding?
Burbia scores both Arlington Heights and Belmont — and every other town in the Boston Area — based on your specific commute, budget, and priorities. Not a generic list.
Talk to Burbia →