Arlington, MA was founded over 350 years ago and has grown into a modern community. According to the Town of Arlington's official town website,
"The Town of Arlington was originally settled in 1635 as a village under the name Menotomy. In 1807, the Town and a section of what is now Belmont were set off from Cambridge and incorporated as West Cambridge. In 1867, the name was changed to Arlington in honor of the heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va."
The Town of Arlington is located six miles northwest of Boston. It is located on Route 2 and is a short distance from routes 93 and 95, giving easy commuter access to Boston and western Massachusetts. Bordering towns include Winchester on the north, Medford and Somerville on the east, Cambridge and Belmont on the south, and Lexington on the west.
Arlington is full of history and the town remains proud of it. The town started as a thriving agriculture and mill community. The first mill was built in 1637 by Captain George Cooke and farmers from around the area brought their products there.
On the first day of the American Revolution, April 19, 1975, Arlington (then called Mentomy) served as the meeting location for minutemen from surrounding towns to converge and ambush the British on their retreat from Concord to Lexington. This historical moment later became known as the Battle of Mentomy, or Patriot's Day.
Arlington is also the birthplace of Uncle Sam, who was almost 9 years old when the Battle of Mentomy took place.
The first free public library in Massachusetts was established in Arlington in 1837.
The Arlington Cultural District is a hub for the arts. There are art galleries, museums, two performing centers, and a community arts center. The Cultural District also offers several historical tours including Jason Russell House & Smith Museum, the Old Burying Ground, Uncle Sam Plaza, the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, the Battle Road Byway, and others.
One of Arlington's more popular and unique annual events is Porchfest. Bands take over porches all day long during this grassroots festival filling the streets of Arlington with music. More than 200 acts perform including home-grown to nationally recognized performers. Other annual events include Arlington Open Studios, Arlington Jazz Festival, Arlington Greek Festival, Town Day, and the Arlington International Film Festival.
Take a trip through the Minuteman Bikeway, which travels through Arlington and connects to nearby towns Belmont, Lexington, and Cambridge. The trail passes through the historical area where the American Revolution started in 1775. Arlington's Spy Pond is the perfect location to get out on the water. There is a public boat ramp where residents can launch kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and more. There is a playground, picnic tables, and a path around the pond - something for everyone!
Arlington is a highly desirable community located outside of Boston. There are four different neighborhoods in Arlington: East Arlington, Arlington Heights, Morningside, and Jason Heights.
East Arlington is known for its walkability to shops, restaurants, and transportation and is the most urban of the Arlington neighborhoods.
Arlington Heights runs from Bow St. to Brattle St. along either side of Massachusetts Ave. It has mostly single-family homes, however there is a mix of housing types, including affordable housing, offering something for everyone. There are some great shops and restaurants located in this area.
Morningside homes are characterized by larger plots of land and more affluent neighborhoods. Peaceful and quiet neighborhoods in close distance to the rest of Arlington and surrounding towns.
Jason Heights is full of classic Victorian-style homes, many of them with views of Boston. The neighborhood is in close proximity to the Arlington Center business district and Mentomy Rocks Park. Perfect for those who love the outdoors and a vibrant neighborhood.
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