Arlington Center, Massachusetts

Arlington Center, Massachusetts is a central neighborhood in Arlington, Massachusetts, located near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Mystic Street. The area is surrounded by other neighborhoods, including East Arlington, Arlington Heights, and Thompson Square, and is close to the Alewife Brook Reservation and the Minuteman Bikeway. Arlington Center is also near the cities of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Somerville, Massachusetts, and Medford, Massachusetts, and is accessible via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Geography

Arlington Center is situated in the eastern part of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, near the Mystic River and the Charles River. The neighborhood is bordered by the Alewife Brook Parkway to the north and the Massachusetts Avenue to the south, and is close to the Fresh Pond Reservation in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The area is also near the Mount Auburn Cemetery, a historic cemetery that is the final resting place of notable individuals such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and John F. Kennedy. Arlington Center is surrounded by other neighborhoods, including East Arlington, which is home to the East Arlington Branch Library, and Arlington Heights, which features the Arlington Heights Historic District.

History

Arlington Center has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century when it was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The area was originally settled by English colonists and was later home to many American Revolutionary War veterans, including Paul Revere and John Hancock. During the 19th century, Arlington Center experienced significant growth, with the establishment of the Boston and Lowell Railroad and the Middlesex Canal. The neighborhood is also home to the Arlington Center Historic District, which features many historic buildings, including the Old Burying Ground, the final resting place of many notable individuals, including Jason Russell and Samuel Whittemore. Arlington Center is also near the Lexington and Concord, where the first battles of the American Revolutionary War took place, and is close to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Arlington, Massachusetts was approximately 42,844, with a diverse range of residents, including families, young professionals, and retirees. The area is home to many Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology students and faculty, as well as employees of nearby companies, including Biogen and Akamai Technologies. Arlington Center is also near the Kendall Square area of Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is home to many biotechnology and software companies, including Google and Microsoft. The neighborhood is served by the Arlington Police Department and the Arlington Fire Department, and is represented by Katherine Clark in the United States House of Representatives.

Economy

The economy of Arlington Center is driven by a mix of small businesses, restaurants, and retail shops, including the Arlington Center Shopping District, which features many unique stores and eateries. The area is also home to many non-profit organizations, including the Arlington Community Education and the Arlington Youth Counseling Center. Arlington Center is near the Cambridge Innovation Center, a hub for startups and entrepreneurs, and is close to the Massachusetts Avenue corridor, which features many restaurants and shops, including the Porter Square Shopping Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The neighborhood is also served by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, which promotes local businesses and events, including the Arlington Town Day celebration.

Transportation

Arlington Center is accessible via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), with several bus routes and the Alewife Station on the Red Line nearby. The area is also served by the Minuteman Bikeway, a 12-mile bike path that connects Arlington, Massachusetts to Bedford, Massachusetts and Lexington, Massachusetts. Arlington Center is near the Interstate 93 and the US Route 3, and is close to Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts. The neighborhood is also served by the Arlington Transportation Management Association, which promotes alternative modes of transportation, including carpooling and vanpooling.

Education

Arlington Center is served by the Arlington Public Schools, which includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, including Arlington High School and the Ottoson Middle School. The area is also home to several private schools, including the Arlington Catholic High School and the Lesley University College of Art and Design. Arlington Center is near the Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology campuses in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is close to the Tufts University campus in Medford, Massachusetts and Somerville, Massachusetts. The neighborhood is also served by the Arlington Community Education program, which offers classes and workshops for adults and children, including programs at the Arlington Senior Center and the Arlington Youth Counseling Center.