There are more than 100 neighborhoods in Arlington, and the best ones are very different from the worst ones. You have peaceful, well-planned neighborhoods with great schools and golf courses. Then there are places where property crime is widespread, schools have trouble, and people move out as quickly as they move in.
If you’re thinking about moving to Arlington, buying an investment property, or moving your family there, you should know which neighborhoods people prefer and which ones they stay away from. This report uses crime rates, school performance, house values, and real-life livability to show you the best and worst areas in Arlington.
Let’s get started.
The crime rates in different neighborhoods in Arlington
Crime rates in Arlington depend a lot on the zip code and how close the area is to major roads, entertainment districts, and older commercial routes.
The average number of violent crimes in the US is roughly 22.7 per 100,000 people. However, some parts of Arlington have a lot more than that, especially near I-30, Collins Street, and older communities on the east side.
Southwest and far north Arlington are still the safest places to live. Crime rates in neighborhoods like Viridian, Interlochen, and Butler Place are always 40% to 70% lower than the national average. These places seem quiet, friendly, and well-kept.
On the other hand, East Arlington, Central Arlington, and several areas along entertainment circuits have substantially higher rates of violent and property crime. These are the places where car break-ins, larcenies, and police activity happen a lot more often.
Trends in Property Crime in Arlington
Arlington’s main problem is property crime, including stealing packages, breaking into cars, and burglarizing apartment buildings.
Viridian, Interlochen, and Lake Arlington are all neighborhoods with low crime rates. Their property crime rates are far lower than the national average. People who live here often put packages on their porches without worrying.
Property crime in higher-risk areas—such as East Arlington, sections of Central Arlington, and neighborhoods near I-30—can be 60% to 120% above the national average. In these communities, residents often feel compelled to lock vehicles at all times, install security cameras, and avoid overnight street parking. For homeowners dealing with ongoing safety concerns, choosing to sell your house fast in Arlington can be a practical way to move on and regain peace of mind.
The best neighborhoods in Arlington, Texas
The greatest neighborhoods in Arlington include low crime rates, good school zoning, stable property values, and are easy to live in. Families, professionals, and long-term homeowners always want to live in these locations, and once they do, they don’t move out too often.
Viridian
Many people think that Viridian is the best thing in Arlington. This huge master-planned neighborhood in north Arlington, next to the Trinity River, feels more like a private resort than a regular suburb. People who live here can walk or bike for kilometers, swim in resort-style pools, play tennis, go to parks, and go to community events that happen all the time to stay in touch with their neighbors.
Viridian has about 65% less crime than the national average, making it one of the safest places in the city. The area is very safe since it is well-kept, closely watched, and built to keep traffic to a minimum.
The price of a home usually falls between $500,000 and $900,000, depending on its size, where it is located, and whether or not it has access to the water. School zoning is a big plus, with the well-ranked Arlington ISD and HEB ISD schools in the region.
The general atmosphere is affluent, family-friendly, and focused on the outdoors. Kids ride bikes, families kayak on the lakes, and neighbors stroll their dogs at all hours of the day. In short, people move to Viridian and stay there for a long time.
Interlochen
Interlochen seems like a secret getaway in the middle of the metropolis. This community is known for its winding roads, waterfront mansions, and thick tree cover. It offers a level of serenity and privacy that is hard to find in Arlington.
There isn’t much going on here because there aren’t many businesses or apartment buildings, and crime rates are quite low. Homes in Interlochen usually cost between $600,000 and more than $1 million, especially if they include lakefront property or big lots.
Martin High School, one of Arlington ISD’s best schools, is nearby. The atmosphere is calm, rich, and private, which draws in businesspeople, long-term homeowners, and retirees who prefer stability over being trendy.
Interlochen isn’t showy; it’s classy, well-known, yet on purpose not very well-known.
Butler Place
Butler Place is a high-end neighborhood in southwest Arlington that is close to I-20 yet still feels like a quiet place to live. There are modern buildings in the neighborhood, gated areas, spacious roadways, and not a lot of traffic.
Crime rates are still low, and families who desire newer houses without giving up safety love this region. The price of a home usually falls between $450,000 and $700,000.
School zoning is one of the best things about Butler Place. Mansfield ISD is the educational system that the area feeds into. It is always recognized as one of the best in North Texas.
The general feel is clean, modern, and good for families. Butler Place is one of the best places to live in Arlington for buyers who care about safety, schools, and resale value.
Lake Arlington
Lake Arlington neighborhoods are a unique mix of nature and suburban life. People who live near the lake can enjoy beautiful vistas, walking trails, and outdoor activities, all while being accessible to shopping and main roads.
The crime rate is lower than usual here, and those who value community and stability are drawn to the area. Prices for homes usually range from $400,000 to $650,000, depending on how close they are to the ocean.
Most of the region goes to Martin High School, which increases demand even more. The vibe is suburban, outdoorsy, and established, with mature residences and long-term residents.
Lake Arlington is one of the city’s best non-master-planned neighborhoods because it has easy access to water, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community.
Woodland Park
Woodland Park is one of the most balanced neighborhoods in Arlington. It has the best mix of low cost, safety, and livability of any place in the city.
Crime is still low, and families like the big lots and calm neighborhoods. Prices for homes usually vary from $350,000 to $500,000, which makes it easier to buy than Arlington’s upscale sections while still being stable.
The area feeds into Martin High School and has a stable, family-friendly feel. There aren’t any spectacular amenities here, but the stability is what keeps people living here for years.
Southwest Arlington (Mansfield ISD Areas)
Some of the fastest-growing and most competitive regions in the city are the neighborhoods in Southwest Arlington that are designated to Mansfield ISD. These areas have newer homes, good HOA administration, and plans that are good for families.
Prices for homes usually vary from $375,000 to $650,000, and crime rates are low. A big reason people move to Mansfield ISD is because of its A-rated schools, especially if they are moving from outside the DFW area.
The atmosphere is modern, welcoming to families, and properties here tend to sell quickly. Appreciation is still high, thus southwest Arlington is one of the safest long-term real estate choices in the city.
The Worst Neighborhoods in Arlington, Texas
Arlington’s worst neighborhoods have more crime, older homes, worse schools, and more people moving in and out. Lower pricing may seem like a good idea, but there are high costs in the long run.
East Arlington
East Arlington is always one of the worst places for both violent and property crime. Violent crime rates are 150% to 250% higher than the national average, which is a big worry for safety.
Prices for homes are lower, usually between $180,000 and $300,000, but those savings come at a cost. Common problems include theft, old buildings, and schools that don’t do well.
The price is what draws both investors and first-time purchasers, but many residents say that their insurance prices are higher, and they have to be on the lookout all the time.
Central Arlington (next to I-30)
There is a lot of violence in neighborhoods surrounding I-30, mostly because of the increased traffic, older apartment buildings, and being close to major entertainment places.
Most homes in this area cost between $220,000 and $350,000, but inhabitants have to deal with noise, traffic jams, and cars being broken into a lot.
It could be easier for families to live near attractions and highways, but the pros usually outweigh the cons.
Areas next to the Entertainment District
It sounds nice to live near AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, but not on game days. Crime rates are higher in certain regions, notably for theft and vandalism, and traffic is also bad.
There are more police officers around during festivals, yet property crime happens all year long. These neighborhoods are usually better for short-term rentals or investors than for families who want to live there full-time.
Older apartment hallways on Collins St. and Division St.
There is a lot of property crime and police activity in areas with a lot of rental homes around major roads. Theft of cars, break-ins, and people who move around a lot are all problems that keep happening.
Long-term homeowners usually stay away from these regions, and investors are careful because of the problems with management.
Southeast Arlington (the older parts)
Some older parts of southeast Arlington have more crime than normal and schools that don’t do as well. Conditions change from block to block, but stability is still a problem generally.
Prices for homes are cheaper, but they don’t go up as quickly, and it takes longer to sell them.
Comparing Costs: The Best and Worst Neighborhoods
There is a big disparity between the best and worst neighborhoods in Arlington. Homes in the better regions, like Viridian, Interlochen, and Southwest Arlington (Mansfield ISD zones), cost between $500,000 and well over $1 million. Prices are high, and demand stays strong because these communities have low crime rates, great schools, modern facilities, and long-term value.
On the other hand, neighborhoods on the lower end of the scale, like East Arlington, Central Arlington, and some older parts of the southeast, cost between $180,000 and $350,000. These lower prices are great for first-time buyers or investors, but there are big downsides: crime is higher, schools are worse, and homes don’t go up in value as quickly. In other circumstances, property turnover happens more often, which means that these regions have more short-term rentals or investor-owned properties than long-term residents.
In short, you usually get what you pay for in Arlington. Homes in well-established communities provide more than just a place to live—they offer stability, safety, and a family-friendly environment. While choosing a lower-priced neighborhood may save money upfront, it often comes with greater long-term risks. As a company that buys houses in Texas, we’ve seen firsthand how neighborhood quality can significantly impact both lifestyle and property value over time.
Breakdown of School Quality
The quality of schools has a big effect on the value of real estate in Arlington. Families generally pick where to live based on school zoning, and properties near high-performing schools always go up in value faster.
Neighborhoods with the best schools:
- Viridian: Sends students to several highly-rated schools in the AISD and HEB ISD.
- Interlochen: Sends students to Martin High School and strong feeder elementary and intermediate schools.
- Southwest Arlington (Mansfield ISD): All levels of schools get A ratings all the time.
Neighborhoods with schools that don’t do as well:
- East Arlington: Schools don’t do as well as the average in the city
- Central Arlington: Older schools with mediocre scores and not many extracurricular activities
The difference in school quality has a big effect on home values, how easy it is to sell a home, and how long it will be livable. Zoning can vary even a few blocks, which can impact how much a house is worth and how desirable it is by tens of thousands of dollars.
Transportation and Getting There
The communities in Arlington are different in terms of safety, schools, and how easy it is to get around.
Viridian, Interlochen, and Southwest Arlington are the best neighborhoods. They are calm and good for families, although most people need a car to get around. People who live there like that; there isn’t much traffic on residential streets, but they have to use highways to get to work.
East Arlington and Central Arlington are the worst neighborhoods, but they are also the most walkable. However, the higher crime rates make it less safe to walk or bike around.
The city’s major freeways, like I-20, I-30, SH-360, and PGBT (161), make it easy for people to get to work in Dallas, Fort Worth, and other neighboring areas. Most regions have moderate commutes, but expect traffic jams near AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field during major events like concerts, athletic events, and other attractions.
Trends in Arlington real estate
The real estate market in Arlington is still changing, with certain neighborhoods developing faster than others:
- North and Southwest Arlington: Prices are going up quickly because of strong schools, safety, and planned community amenities. In competitive markets, homes here regularly sell for more than the asking price.
- Viridian: Still does better than the average for the whole city. Prices stay high since there isn’t much availability and there is a lot of demand. Homes in this community always have a high resale value.
- East and Central Arlington: slower growth, more turnover, and prices that change more often. These areas are still less expensive, but if you want to buy one as an investment, you need to think about long-term safety, school zoning, and property management.
In 2025, buyers are more interested in schools, safety in the neighborhood, and stability in the community than in short-term prices. Many people are ready to spend more for peace of mind, good facilities, and great local schools. This is why Arlington’s best communities continue to do better than the market.
Key Takeaways
Arlington is a city of contrasts. The best communities have high prices, but they also have safety, great schools, and resort-like amenities. The worst areas are cheaper, but they have more crime, worse schools, and homes that don’t appreciate as quickly.
When buying, selling, or investing in Arlington, location matters more than the home itself. Long-term happiness and financial security start with knowing which areas to choose—and which to avoid. Pioneer Home Buyers buys houses for cash. Contact us today to make a confident move.
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