Arlington is located just 8 miles from downtown Boston and is easily accessible by car, bike, and public transportation. Situated along the nationally designated Battle Road Scenic By-Way between the well known tourist destinations of Cambridge and Lexington/Concord, Arlington should be included in any visit to explore the area.
The town, originally known as Menotomy, was settled in 1635 as a village of Cambridge. Menotomy gained notoriety as the site of the bloodiest battle of April 19, 1775, the first day of the American Revolution. Paul Revere and William Dawes rode through Menotomy on their way to Lexington and Concord, and the Redcoats marched and battled through Menotomy on their retreat to Boston.
In 1867, the town’s name was changed to Arlington in honor of the heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
Today, Arlington is a lively suburb with a flourishing local arts scene, beautiful parks and open spaces, and business districts that boast unique local retailers, two theaters, and several museums and historic sites.
Arlington has tremendous infrastructure for people who wish to commute to work by bike or cycle for leisure. The Minuteman Bikeway, a member of the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, starts in Arlington and is one of the most popular and successful rail-trails in the United States.
With quick access to neighboring communities via public transit, Arlington is an attractive community for people who work in the universities, hospitals, and tech-related start-ups of nearby Boston and Cambridge.
