Arlington’s Prime Location & Connectivity
- Central Metroplex Location : Arlington sits 20 minutes from both Dallas and Fort Worth, offering easy access to major job hubs and entertainment without bigcity congestion.
- Highway Access : I20, I30, and Highway 360 provide direct routes to DFW International Airport, Love Field, and cultural attractions like the Fort Worth Stockyards and Dallas Arts District.
- Commuter Convenience : Shorter drive times compared to living in Dallas, but rush hour traffic near stadiums can be frustrating, especially during game days and events.
- Limited Public Transit : Via Rideshare offers affordable rides within Arlington but lacks the reach of a full transit system. Car ownership is a must for most residents.
- Parking & Traffic : Parking is plentiful, but traffic congestion increases around hotspots like Six Flags and the Entertainment District.
- Future Transportation Growth : The Arlington Streetcar project aims to expand public transit, hinting at better connectivity and commuting options in the future.
Cost of Living
One of the main reasons Arlington TX is a good place to live is its affordability compared to nearby cities. Compared to nearby Dallas, housing costs here are roughly 15:20% lower, making it a magnet for first time homebuyers and budget conscious families.- Overall Cost : Arlington’s cost of living index is 5% above the national average.
- Housing : Median home price: $311,600 (7.8% below national average). Rent for a two bedroom: $1,630/month (14% above national average).
- Utilities : Utility costs are 14% higher than the national average.
- Transportation : Costs are 2% lower than the national average, but car ownership is a must.
- Groceries & Healthcare : Groceries are 1% cheaper, while healthcare is 6% more expensive than the national average.
- Taxes : No state income tax, but sales tax is 8.25% (state + local).
Job Opportunities in Arlington, TX
- Employment Growth : From December 2024 to December 2025, Texas added 284,200 jobs, reflecting a 2.0% annual nonfarm employment growth rate, outpacing the U.S. average.
- Diverse Industries : Arlington's economy encompasses various sectors, including education, healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment. Major employers include the Arlington Independent School District, Texas Health Resources, General Motors, the University of Texas at Arlington, and Six Flags Over Texas.
- Unemployment Rate : As of November 2024, Arlington's unemployment rate stood at 4.0%, slightly higher than the previous year but below the long term average of 4.86%.
- Professional and Business Services : This sector led job growth in Texas, adding 17,800 positions over a recent month, indicating robust demand for professionals in various fields.
Entertainment and Recreation
If you love an active lifestyle, Arlington TX is a good place to live because of its world class entertainment options. Arlington is a sports and thrillseeker’s paradise, home to AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys), Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), and Six Flags Over Texas. Year Round events include NFL games, major concerts, and festivals. For a more relaxed experience, locals enjoy free concerts at Levitt Pavilion or the Arlington International Film Festival. Beyond the action, River Legacy Parks offers 1,300 acres of trails and a nature center. The Arlington Museum of Art hosts rotating exhibits, while local favorites like Hurtado Barbecue and Dino’s Subs serve up Texas flavors. From high school football games to farmers' markets, Arlington blends energy and small town charm.Schools and Universities
For families, Arlington TX is a good place to live due to its strong educational opportunities. Arlington ISD serves over 56,000 students, with top rated schools like Martin and Lamar High School excelling in STEM and the arts. The Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center offers hands-on training in robotics and healthcare. However, school ratings vary, areas like Pantego and Dalworthington Gardens have higher performing schools. For higher education, UTA enrolls 40,000+ students, known for engineering and nursing. Tarrant County College’s Southeast Campus provides affordable degrees and vocational certifications. Families can also choose charter schools like Arlington Classics Academy or private options like Oakridge School.How Secure Is Arlington?
Safety is a mixed bag here. Arlington’s crime rate is slightly above the national average, primarily due to property crimes like theft and burglary. However, violent crime rates are lower than in many similarly sized cities, and neighborhoods like Viridian and Downtown Arlington are known for their safety and community initiatives.- Overall Crime Rate : Arlington reports 31 crimes per 1,000 residents, higher than the national average.
- Violent Crime : The violent crime rate is 56.9% above the national average, with a 1 in 207 chance of being a victim.
- Property Crime : Property crimes like burglary and theft are 29.2% above the national average, with a 1 in 39 chance of occurrence.
- Crime Trends : Overall crime in Arlington has decreased by 3.2% in the last year.
- Police Presence : Arlington has 2.2 officers per 1,000 residents, below the Texas average of 3.0.
- Resident Safety Perception : 36% of residents feel safe walking alone at night, while 64% do not.
A Welcoming Atmosphere
Arlington’s 400,000+ residents form a diverse community, with over 25% Hispanic and growing Asian and African American populations. Festivals like Fiesta Arlington and the Diwali Festival of Lights celebrate this rich culture. The International District offers global cuisine, and community centers host multilingual events. The city fosters a strong sense of community, with events like the Holiday Lights Parade and Food Truck Festival bringing people together. Local spots like Cartel Taco Bar double as hubs for artists and entrepreneurs, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.Surviving the Texas Heat
Summers in Arlington are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching the mid90s from June to September. Air conditioning is essential, while winters are mild but occasionally disrupted by ice storms. Spring and fall offer great weather for outdoor activities like hiking at River Legacy or Rangers games. Extreme weather, including tornado warnings and flash floods, is part of life here. However, locals adapt with shaded parks, pools, and sprinklers and a cold sweet tea always helps.Access to Quality Care
Arlington provides top tier healthcare, with Texas Health Arlington Memorial specializing in cardiac and maternity care and Medical City Arlington handling trauma cases. Arlington Orthopedic Associates caters to athletes, while telehealth options ensure routine care is convenient. Seniors benefit from Brookdale Pecan Park assisted living and numerous Medicare Approved providers. While urgent care wait times can be long during flu season, Arlington’s healthcare quality rivals larger cities, making it a great choice for families and retirees.What to Consider
While Arlington TX is a good place to live, it’s important to be aware of these challenges:- Hot Summers : Arlington's summers can be brutally hot, especially in areas with little tree cover.
- Lack of Shade : Newer subdivisions have minimal tree cover, making the heat feel even worse.
- Traffic Congestion : Roads around AT&T Stadium and Six Flags get severely clogged during events.
- Higher Property Taxes : Property taxes are above the national average, which can be costly for homeowners.
- Limited Public Transit : Car ownership is almost a necessity, which can be a challenge for students and seniors.
