← Best suburbs near Boston

Arlington Heights vs Watertown

Two popular MA suburbs of Boston, side by side. Here's how they compare on the metrics that matter most to families.

School rating
9/10
8/10
Commute to Boston
40 min
32 min
Median home price
$820K
$809K
Annual property tax
$9K
$10K
Walk score
68
78
Density
urban
urban

Summary: Watertown leads in 3 of 6 metrics. It edges out on commute to boston, median home price, 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.

walkablecommunityartsy

Watertown

The best-kept secret in inner Boston suburbs. Armenian community, walkable Main Street, Charles River access, and prices lower than Brookline and Newton with very similar school quality.

walkablecommunity

Who should pick which?

Pick Arlington Heights if you...

  • ·Prioritize top-rated schools above all else
  • ·Want lower annual property taxes

Pick Watertown if you...

  • ·Want the shortest commute to Boston
  • ·Need to keep your home budget in check
  • ·Value walkability and a pedestrian-friendly downtown

Still deciding?

Burbia scores both Arlington Heights and Watertown — and every other town in the Boston Area — based on your specific commute, budget, and priorities. Not a generic list.

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