Where to Live in
Arlington

Arlington's 2026 Shortlist

The city's spine is shifting. For decades, Arlington was just the suburban doughnut between Dallas and Fort Worth. Now, the doughnut is getting filled. UT Arlington is pushing development east, the entertainment district is getting a massive residential injection, and the "Great Wall of Dallas" condos are going up along I-30. The old lines are blurring. You can still find 1970s ranches with half-acre lots, but they're getting surrounded by $400k townhomes. If you're looking for a sleepy bedroom community, you missed it. This is a city building up, not out.

The 2026 Neighborhood Shortlist

Northeast Arlington

• The Vibe: Old Money
• Rent Check: High. You're paying a premium for the zip code and the trees. A 1BR here starts at $1600, but most people are renting the 3/2s for $2200+.
• The Good: This is the gold standard. We're talking about the Walnut Creek and Mansfield corridor. The schools (Burgin Elementary, Ousley Jr. High) are consistently top-tier. It's quiet, the streets are wide, and you can actually see the stars at night. Easy access to River Legacy Parks for weekend trail runs is a major flex. It’s the place you move to when you’re done with the noise.
• The Bad: The age of the housing stock. You're dealing with 1980s plumbing and single-pane windows unless the place has been gutted. Property taxes are brutal. And if you think you're walking to a bar, think again. You drive everywhere.
• Best For: Established families who want space and top-tier schools and don't mind a 20-minute drive to get anywhere interesting.
• Insider Tip: Grab a coffee at Sip & Savor on Collins, then take a drive down Turner Warnell Rd to see the mansions hidden in the trees.

The Entertainment District (West Arlington)

• The Vibe: High-Energy Transient
• Rent Check: Mid-High. For a 1BR in a new build like The Grove or Six06, you're looking at $1650-$1900. Older complexes are cheaper but come with the noise.
• The Good: You are central to everything. Walk to Choctaw Stadium, Globe Life Field, or AT&T Stadium on game day. The new Texas Live! is your backyard. The Arlington Highlands and The Parks have all the chain and local dining you need. If your life revolves around the Cowboys, Rangers, or Six Flags, this is your spot.
• The Bad: Tourist traffic is a nightmare, especially on event nights. Expect your car to get boxed in by F-150s from Texas sheets. The crime rate bumps up here because of the transient population. You'll hear sirens and stadium fireworks constantly.
• Best For: Young professionals who work in Dallas or Fort Worth but want to be close to the action. Also, die-hard sports fans.
• Insider Tip: Skip the chains at The Highlands. Go to Legal Draft Beer Company on Collins for a solid pint and a quiet patio away from the stadium chaos.

South Arlington

• The Vibe: Working-Class Heart
• Rent Check: Low-Mid. This is where you find deals. 1BR apartments can still be found around $1200-$1400. Older 3/2 houses are renting for $1600-$1800.
• The Good: This is the true center of Arlington. You're 10 minutes from everything. The Lake Arlington area is a hidden gem for fishing and walking. You get more square footage for your money here than anywhere else. The food scene is legit; the strip malls along Green Oaks and Matlock hold Arlington's best tacos and pho.
• The Bad: It's dense. Traffic on Matlock Rd and Green Oaks Blvd is stop-and-go all day. The housing is a mix of 1970s brick ranches and 1990s starter homes, so curb appeal is hit-or-miss. Some pockets closer to Cooper St have higher property crime.
• Best For: Commuters who need easy access to I-20 and I-30. Anyone who wants to own a home with a yard without moving to the far suburbs.
• Insider Tip: The best tacos in the city are at Tacos y Burritos El Torito on the corner of Arkansas & Collins. Don't let the gas station location fool you.

East Arlington / Vandergriff

• The Vibe: Up-and-Coming
• Rent Check: Low. This is the value play. Rents are still close to the city average, with 1BRs around $1250-$1400.
• The Good: This area is transforming. The UT Arlington influence is pushing east, bringing new life. You can find charming 1950s bungalows for sale that are ripe for renovation. The Vandergriff Town Center area is getting revitalized. You're right off I-30, making a commute to Dallas surprisingly easy (20-25 mins with no traffic).
• The Bad: It's a work in progress. You'll see both revitalized homes and neglected properties on the same block. There are fewer amenities right now; you'll be driving to The Highlands or South Arlington for grocery runs. The schools here are a step down from the NE side.
• Best For: First-time homebuyers and investors looking to get in before the UT Arlington boom fully hits. Young people who don't mind a little grit.
• Insider Tip: Check out the properties within walking distance of Maverick Stadium. That whole grid of streets is the next frontier for renovation money.

Strategic Recommendations

• For Families: Northeast Arlington is the only real answer. The schools ( Burgin, Gunstream ) are the draw, and the yards are massive. The crime is lower, and the parks are better. Yes, you'll pay for it, but it's the most stable investment in the city.
• For Wall St / Tech: If you're commuting to DFW Airport or the Dallas corridor, South Arlington is your winner. You're a straight shot up I-30 or I-20. You can get a decent place for under the average and save your sanity on the commute. Avoid the NE side; the drive through the city will add 15-20 minutes each way.
• The Value Play: East Arlington. The gentrification wave from UT Arlington is slow but inevitable. Buy a fixer-upper near W. Division St and N. Collins St now. In 5 years, the university's expansion and the new developments will have pushed property values up significantly. You're getting in on the ground floor.