Thinking about a move to Arlington, TN? You want space, convenience, and a town that feels welcoming from day one. Arlington offers small‑town character with suburban convenience, plus practical access to jobs and everyday amenities. In this guide, you’ll learn how far it is from Memphis, what to expect for schools and parks, where to eat, and how local home prices stack up. Let’s dive in.
Arlington at a glance
Arlington is a northeast Shelby County town in the Memphis metro with a growing population of about 15,550 as of July 2024. You’ll find a high owner‑occupied rate near 85%, which reflects the area’s single‑family focus and long‑term residents. The mean commute time is about 29.9 minutes, which signals a typical suburban drive for many who work elsewhere in the metro. You can verify these quick facts on the U.S. Census QuickFacts page for Arlington.
- Population and commute: U.S. Census QuickFacts — Arlington, TN
- Town services and departments: Town of Arlington
Where Arlington sits and how you’ll commute
Arlington sits northeast of central Memphis, within the metro’s suburban ring. The driving distance to downtown Memphis is about 32 miles, depending on route and traffic. You can spot‑check distance using a route calculator like this Arlington to Memphis example.
For day‑to‑day driving, you will likely use Airline Road, Highway 70/Memphis‑Arlington Road, and the SR‑385/I‑269 corridor that links suburbs like Bartlett, Lakeland, Germantown, and Collierville. The town’s major road plan shows how local streets connect to regional routes. In practice, a downtown or medical‑district commute often runs 30 to 45 minutes, depending on time of day and destination.
Commute tip
- Drive your likely route during your actual commute hours. Traffic on SR‑385/I‑269 and major arterials can shift travel times.
Jobs and the regional economy
Arlington functions as a bedroom community for many of the Memphis area’s largest employers, especially in logistics, healthcare, and corporate services. Regional anchors include FedEx, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital/ALSAC, AutoZone, and International Paper, among others noted by the Greater Memphis Chamber. If your work ties to the airport hub, major hospital systems, or downtown offices, Arlington puts you in a suburban setting with straightforward highway access.
Schools and education
Arlington is served by Arlington Community Schools (ACS), the town’s municipal K–12 district. Families often cite district programs and the high school’s STEM and CTE opportunities when considering a move. You can review district details on the county’s ACS page and confirm current school zones through the town’s resources.
- District overview and resources: Arlington Community Schools
- Check school zone boundaries: Town of Arlington
Practical note: Always verify school zones and program availability directly with the district before you write an offer, since boundaries and offerings can change.
Parks, library, and community life
If you love being outdoors or joining community events, Arlington makes it easy to plug in. The town maintains a network of neighborhood parks, sports facilities, and an amphitheater.
- Parks and facilities: Mary‑Alice Park, Arlington Sports Complex and Tennis Complex, Douglas Park, Forrest Street Park, Hughes‑College Hill Park, Julian M. Williamson, Jr. Lake, and The Crossing amphitheater. Explore the full list on the parks page.
- Library: The Sam T. Wilson Public Library hosts programs for all ages. See hours and events on the library page.
- Town events: From Arlington in April to Music on the Square and seasonal festivals at Depot Square, you will find a steady calendar of gatherings on the Town of Arlington site.
Local dining and small businesses
You will find a mix of casual restaurants, coffee spots, and locally owned services throughout town. For a current list of eateries and neighborhood staples, check the Arlington Chamber’s restaurants and lifestyle guide.
Housing market snapshot and neighborhoods
Home prices vary by neighborhood, home age, and lot size. As of early 2026, major trackers placed Arlington’s typical home values and medians in roughly the $400,000 to $510,000 range. Keep in mind that each source uses different methods and that numbers shift month to month, so use these as a directional guide and pair them with a live search when you get serious.
What you will see on the ground:
- The housing stock is dominated by single‑family detached homes in planned subdivisions built from the 1990s to today.
- New construction is active in several developments, giving you options for modern layouts and energy‑efficient features.
- Near Depot Square, you will find some older or historic homes with character and walkable access to local events.
- Neighborhood examples often mentioned in local listings include Village of Summer Meadows, Villages at White Oak, Shaw’s Ridge, and Harrels Ridge.
If you want a home office, outdoor space, and convenient access to parks and schools, you will have many 3 to 5 bedroom options to compare across price points.
How Arlington compares to nearby suburbs
For cross‑metro movers, context matters. Recent snapshots show:
- Collierville: around $412,000 median sale price in early 2026.
- Germantown: around $455,000 median.
- Bartlett: often more affordable, around $345,000 median.
- Lakeland: higher in some reports, around $518,000 median.
Arlington typically lands in the middle of this Shelby County suburban spectrum. It is not the highest priced overall, but newer subdivisions or larger‑lot homes can push higher. Older areas or homes farther from major corridors can be more budget friendly. Micro‑location and new‑build versus resale make a meaningful difference.
Everyday essentials and services
New residents can confirm utilities, property tax details, and town services on the Town of Arlington website. Healthcare and specialty care are concentrated in Memphis at major systems like St. Jude, Baptist, and Methodist, so factor those drives into your planning. For regional healthcare context and employers, see the Greater Memphis Chamber.
Relocation checklist
Use this quick list to plan a smooth move:
- Do a timed commute trial during your typical travel hours. Try alternatives that use SR‑385/I‑269 to compare routes.
- Confirm school zones and program availability with Arlington Community Schools before writing an offer. Start with the county ACS page and town zone resources.
- Review utilities, property taxes, and service providers on the Town of Arlington site.
- Map out everyday essentials like grocery, pharmacy, and primary care, then note your drive times to regional hospitals in Memphis.
- Preview parks, the library, and the events calendar to get a feel for day‑to‑day life and community activities.
Who Arlington fits best
You may be a great fit for Arlington if you want a suburban home with room to grow, a network of parks and sports fields, and a reasonable commute to major Memphis job centers. If you prefer newer subdivisions with community amenities, or you like the idea of a small‑town square with seasonal events, Arlington belongs on your short list. If you are comparing Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, or Lakeland, Arlington offers a balanced price‑to‑amenity mix with plenty of single‑family options.
Next steps
When you are ready to get specific about neighborhoods, school zones, and commute tradeoffs, partner with a local expert who lives this market every day. For a curated home search, neighborhood insights, and on‑the‑ground guidance from consultation through closing, connect with Rachel Goss. Schedule a free consultation and start planning your move with confidence.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Arlington to downtown Memphis?
- The town’s mean travel time is about 29.9 minutes, but your drive to downtown varies with route and traffic. The distance is roughly 32 miles. Check the Census QuickFacts for commute data and test your route with a distance tool like Travelmath’s example during peak hours.
Which schools serve Arlington addresses?
- Arlington Community Schools is the town’s municipal K–12 district. Review district information on the county’s ACS page and confirm current zone boundaries with the Town of Arlington before making an offer.
What price range should I expect for a single‑family home in Arlington?
- Early 2026 snapshots across major trackers place typical prices in the $400,000 to $510,000 range. Prices vary by neighborhood, age, and size, so pair this with a live search and local guidance.
How does Arlington compare to nearby suburbs on price and feel?
- Arlington usually sits between Bartlett and higher‑priced areas like parts of Germantown or Lakeland, with Collierville in a similar suburban tier. Exact pricing depends on the specific neighborhood and whether you choose new construction or resale.
What parks and community amenities will I find in Arlington?
- You will have easy access to Mary‑Alice Park, the Arlington Sports and Tennis Complex, Douglas Park, Forrest Street Park, Hughes‑College Hill Park, Julian M. Williamson, Jr. Lake, and The Crossing amphitheater. See the full list on the town’s parks page.
