Article 5 in a series on the Arlington, MA Master Planning process. Prepared by Barbara Thornton
Residential Uses May Push Out Commercial Uses
The Master Plan will have a distinct section focusing on housing and
in Arlington there will be much to decide. Housing prices in Arlington
are among the fastest rising in the region. According to a recent
article in the Boston GLOBE
(10-14-14) Arlington median home prices have jumped 15% in the last
eight months, to $625,000. Condo costs per square foot are higher in
Arlington than in neighboring Lexington and Winchester. The average
condo in Arlington jumped 22% to $433,750. This is great news for
people who already own a home. But this trend suggests that, without
planning for a variety of housing at various prices, the town will lose
its economic diversity. Children born here may not be able to afford to
live here as adults. The creative community of artists and writers now
giving the Town identity may be priced out. Maintaining the economic
diversity of its citizens is only one of several housing questions Town
residents will consider as the HOUSING section of the Master Plan is
developed.
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