Arlington Heights is one of the most established communities in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs. It is about 25 miles from downtown Chicago, with a Metra station at the center of town, mature neighborhoods, a busy park district, and a walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and year-round events.
The 2025 median home price was approximately $520,000, with homes commonly selling within 25 to 40 days. Prices and market times vary by neighborhood, home style, condition, and time of year.
Key Takeaways
- Arlington Heights has a population of approximately 77,000 and covers about 16 square miles in Cook County.
- The Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line connects downtown Arlington Heights with Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center in approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
- Arlington Heights is served by several elementary and high school districts, so school assignments should always be confirmed for the specific address.
- The 2025 median home price was approximately $520,000, with homes commonly selling within 25 to 40 days.
- Property taxes are an important part of the monthly housing budget and vary by property, assessed value, exemptions, and taxing districts.
- Housing ranges from historic homes near downtown to ranches, split-levels, colonials, condominiums, and newer construction.
Where Is Arlington Heights?
Arlington Heights is in Cook County, approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Here is how it connects to several nearby destinations:
- Downtown Chicago and Ogilvie Transportation Center: approximately 25 miles.
- O’Hare International Airport: approximately 10 miles.
- Schaumburg and Woodfield Mall: approximately 9 miles.
- Northbrook: approximately 12 miles.
The village is part of a larger Northwest Suburban corridor that includes Mount Prospect, Buffalo Grove, Palatine, and Schaumburg. Access to Metra, Route 53, I-90, and O’Hare is one reason Arlington Heights continues to attract buyers with a wide range of commuting needs.
What Are the Neighborhoods Like?
One of the things I appreciate most about Arlington Heights is the variety. You can live close enough to walk downtown, choose a quiet street with a larger yard, or find a condominium that requires less exterior maintenance.
Here are several areas buyers often explore.
Downtown Arlington Heights
Downtown Arlington Heights is centered around the Metra station along Northwest Highway. Restaurants, shops, and entertainment are concentrated along Vail Avenue, Campbell Street, and the surrounding blocks.
People who live nearby may be able to walk to dinner, attend a performance at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, visit the library, or catch a morning train without getting in the car.
Downtown restaurants include Passero, Salsa 17, Hey Nonny, La Zingara Trattoria, Scratchboard Kitchen, Peggy Kinnane’s, and Mago Grill and Cantina. During warmer months, Arlington Alfresco brings expanded outdoor dining to the downtown area.
Approximate housing prices near downtown:
- Condos: approximately $350,000 to $800,000 or more.
- Historic single-family homes: approximately $600,000 to $1.3 million or more.
These ranges can shift based on size, updates, location, parking, association fees, and proximity to the train.
Scarsdale
Scarsdale is a historic neighborhood south of downtown. It is known for tree-lined streets, larger lots, and homes built in a mix of architectural styles, including Tudors, Colonials, Victorians, and American Four-Squares.
The neighborhood feels distinct from many other parts of Arlington Heights. A drive through the area can tell you much more than a listing photo alone.
Typical prices: $700,000 to $1.5 million or more.
Northgate
Northgate is on the north side of Arlington Heights, near Palatine Road and Arlington Heights Road. Much of the neighborhood was developed during the 1960s and early 1970s.
Common home styles include brick ranches, split-levels, and two-story Colonials. The area also offers convenient access to Lake Arlington, shopping, and Route 53.
Typical prices: $450,000 to $750,000.
Pioneer Park Area
The Pioneer Park area is west of downtown and offers convenient access to the park district facilities, downtown Arlington Heights, and nearby shopping.
Many homes are mid-century ranches, split-levels, and two-story properties. Updated homes can receive strong buyer interest, especially when inventory is limited.
Typical prices: $450,000 to $800,000.
Ivy Hill
Ivy Hill is in the northern part of Arlington Heights, near Lake Arlington. The neighborhood includes many two-story homes built during the 1970s and 1980s, along with quieter residential streets and established landscaping.
Typical prices: $500,000 to $850,000.
How Do Arlington Heights Schools Work?
School district boundaries in Arlington Heights can be more complicated than many buyers expect. The village is served by several elementary and high school districts, and the assigned schools can change from one street to the next.
Much of central Arlington Heights is served by Arlington Heights School District 25 for elementary and middle school. Other portions may be served by districts such as Community Consolidated School District 21, Prospect Heights School District 23, or Community Consolidated School District 59.
High school assignments may fall within Township High School District 214, but the assigned school depends on the property address.
Before making an offer, confirm school assignments directly with the appropriate districts. Online listing information and third-party school websites can be outdated or incomplete.
For current academic, enrollment, and school-level information, visit the Illinois Report Card.
What Does It Cost to Live in Arlington Heights?
Home Prices
The 2025 median home price in Arlington Heights was approximately $520,000. Homes commonly remained on the market for 25 to 40 days, although updated homes and properties near downtown often moved more quickly.
Here is a general look at common price ranges:
Home Type | Approximate Price Range |
|---|---|
Ranches and split-levels | $450,000 to $600,000 |
Colonials and updated homes | $600,000 to $900,000 |
Historic or downtown-adjacent homes | $700,000 to $1.3 million or more |
New construction near downtown | $1 million to $2 million or more |
These are broad ranges rather than firm pricing rules. Lot size, condition, school district, location, updates, and proximity to downtown can all affect value.
New construction near downtown often begins with the purchase and removal of an older home. Finished properties may range from approximately 3,500 to 5,000 square feet.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are a significant part of the monthly cost of owning a home in Arlington Heights. A rough estimate may fall near 2.0% to 2.4% of market value, but that percentage should not replace a review of the actual property tax bill.
Here is what that broad estimate may look like:
Home Value | Estimated Annual Taxes |
|---|---|
$400,000 | $8,000 to $9,600 |
$600,000 | $12,000 to $14,400 |
$800,000 | $16,000 to $19,200 |
The actual bill depends on the property’s assessed value, exemptions, local taxing districts, and Cook County’s tax calculations. Two homes with similar sale prices can have noticeably different tax bills.
Before buying, review the property’s current bill, assessed value, exemptions, and recent tax history. For a full explanation, read my guide to how Cook County property taxes work.
How Do People Get Around?
Metra
The downtown Arlington Heights Metra station is on the Union Pacific Northwest Line. Trains travel to Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago.
A typical trip takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the train. Schedules and frequency vary by day and time, so review the current Metra schedule when planning a commute.
The station’s downtown location allows commuters to walk to nearby restaurants, shops, condominiums, and residential streets.
Driving
Approximate driving times include:
- Downtown Chicago: 45 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic.
- O’Hare International Airport: 15 to 20 minutes.
- Schaumburg and Woodfield Mall: approximately 15 minutes.
Nearby routes include I-90, Route 53, Rand Road, Arlington Heights Road, and Northwest Highway.
Walkability
Downtown Arlington Heights is the most walkable part of the village. People living close to the Metra station may be able to reach restaurants, shops, the library, and community events on foot.
Most neighborhoods outside downtown are more car-dependent. Sidewalk access also varies by area, so take time to walk the block and surrounding streets when considering a home.
What Is There to Do?
The Arlington Heights Park District manages dozens of parks, facilities, pools, playgrounds, and recreation programs throughout the village.
Lake Arlington includes a walking and biking path, fishing areas, sailing opportunities, and park facilities. Dogs are not permitted at Lake Arlington, so residents looking for places to walk with a dog should review other local park options and current park district rules.
Downtown events include Arlington Alfresco, the Arlington Heights Farmers Market, live music, seasonal programs, and performances at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library also offers classes, workshops, children’s programs, technology resources, and community events throughout the year.
How Does Arlington Heights Compare with Nearby Suburbs?
There is no single Northwest Suburb that is right for everyone. The better question is which location fits your daily routine, budget, commute, and housing preferences.
For a broader comparison, my Northwest Suburbs neighborhood guide covers several nearby communities in more detail.
Arlington Heights and Palatine: Both communities are served by the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line and have established downtown districts. Palatine may offer a lower entry price in some neighborhoods, while Arlington Heights generally has a larger concentration of restaurants and entertainment downtown.
Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove: Buffalo Grove includes many neighborhoods developed later than those in central Arlington Heights. It does not have a traditional downtown Metra station, so commuting options feel different. Buyers often compare the two based on price, school boundaries, housing style, and access to work.
Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect: Mount Prospect is also served by the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line and is closer to O’Hare in some areas. Home prices may be lower in certain neighborhoods, while downtown Arlington Heights has a larger restaurant and entertainment district.
Arlington Heights stands out for the combination of its Metra station, active downtown, established neighborhoods, park system, and wide range of housing styles.
What Is It Like to Live in Arlington Heights?
Arlington Heights feels established. Many streets have mature trees, the parks stay active, and downtown gives residents a place to gather without driving into Chicago.
At the same time, the village is large enough that daily life can feel different depending on where you live. Someone in a downtown condo may walk to dinner and the train. Someone in Northgate or Ivy Hill may have a quieter residential setting and drive for most errands.
Spend time in the areas you are considering before making a decision. Walk downtown, drive through the neighborhoods, visit a park, and test your commute during the hours you would normally travel.
Those everyday details often tell you more than a list of amenities.
Thinking About Buying in Arlington Heights?
These guides can help you prepare:
- How Cook County property taxes work, so you can understand the full monthly cost of a home.
- What to inspect before buying a home, including concerns that commonly appear in older Northwest Suburban properties.
- IHDA down payment assistance for Illinois buyers, including programs that may be available to qualified buyers.
Ready to Explore Arlington Heights?
Relocating to a new community can feel like a lot to sort through. Home prices, taxes, commute times, neighborhoods, and school boundaries all matter, but they may not matter equally to you.
I help buyers compare those details and build a plan around the way they actually live. The goal is not to rush into a decision. It is to understand your options and move forward with confidence.
I also share neighborhood tours, local information, and relocation guidance on my YouTube channel, Life in the NW Burbs.
Schedule a consultation to talk through your Arlington Heights home search.
You can also email [email protected] or visit MyRealtorMari.com.
FAQs
What should buyers know before moving to Arlington Heights?
Arlington Heights offers a mix of established neighborhoods, parks, public transportation, local businesses, and community programs. Housing prices, property taxes, school assignments, and walkability vary by location, so buyers should evaluate each property and neighborhood individually.
How far is Arlington Heights from Chicago?
Arlington Heights is approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line travels from downtown Arlington Heights to Ogilvie Transportation Center in approximately 35 to 45 minutes. Driving may take 45 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic.
What do homes in Arlington Heights typically cost?
The 2025 median home price was approximately $520,000. Ranches and split-levels may begin in the mid-$400,000s, while updated homes, historic properties, downtown-adjacent homes, and new construction can sell for considerably more.
What are property taxes like in Arlington Heights?
Property taxes are a significant part of the cost of owning a home in Arlington Heights. A broad estimate may fall near 2.0% to 2.4% of market value, but buyers should review the actual tax bill, assessed value, exemptions, and taxing districts for the specific property.
Is Arlington Heights walkable?
Downtown Arlington Heights is the village’s most walkable area. Residents near the Metra station may be able to reach restaurants, shops, the library, and community events on foot. Most neighborhoods outside downtown are more car-dependent.
What makes Arlington Heights different from Palatine or Mount Prospect?
All three communities offer Metra access, established neighborhoods, parks, and local businesses. Arlington Heights has a larger downtown restaurant and entertainment district, while pricing, housing styles, school boundaries, and commute options vary across all three suburbs.
