Arlington, founded over 350 years ago, remains proud of its history, even as it has grown into a thoroughly modern community. The birthplace of Uncle Sam, the location of the first public children's library, and the site of most of the fighting when the British marched through it returning from the Old North Bridge at the start of the Revolutionary War, Arlington has preserved many of its historical buildings and even recreated its town common.

Once a thriving agriculture and mill town, Arlington's excellent access to metropolitan Boston has made it a very desirable place to live. Its diverse population has demanded good schools and recreation facilities which has made it attractive to families. Commercial development centers along Massachusetts Avenue which traverses the Mill Brook valley. Residences are located on the flat former agricultural land in East Arlington or on the slopes on either side of the east-west "Mass Ave" corridor.

Townspeople have recently instituted a visioning process to articulate the community's goals as it continues to adapt to ever changing times. Population diversity, education, business, care for the environment, encouragement of culture, and citizen involvement have been reaffirmed.