Arlington or Lexington?

[elisemarie]

Originally Posted by elijahwilliams

ask a little question and see what happens, yikes.

I feel badly that your op was hi-jacked !

The towns are different. Wealthy people live in both towns but average median income (and home price) is much higher in Lexington. Arlington is more socio-economically diverse (which I personally think is a wonderful thing!)

I just asked someone the other day who raised both of her children in the Arlington schools what she thought of Arlington. Her answer was that she loved the town (lots of restaurants and a bustling town center, great location, etc) but she wished she could have afforded more educational options as her kids went through middle and high school. That said, Arlington schools churn out great, smart, successful students who go on to do wonderful things.

We would love to buy in Arlington but we feel like Lexington schools will serve the needs of our children better.

I think the towns are different but amazing in their own ways. My advice - walk through both town centers and that may help you to begin to get a feel for both towns.

[j1a]

It all depends on what you're looking for. Both towns have mediocre school systems (despite what the residents of each town will tell you, but that's to be expected). Both are urban cities really (Arlington more developed at this point, but Lexington is building everywhere), with nice parks and with superb commuting locations for different destinations. Arlington has better public transport towards Cambridge/Boston, and it takes 10 minutes to bike to Alewife station. Both have well-developed centers with interesting restaurants and shops, much like Cambridge, which they both seem to emulate.
Real estate in Arlington generally sells much quicker than Lexington properties, but Lexington properties more often have higher prices. (Although both have affluent and middle income residents in similar proportions)