Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights built what many suburbs only talk about: a dense, genuinely urban downtown. The blocks around the Metra station carry restaurants, an active condo and apartment district, and the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, whose year-round theater and music calendar gives the downtown an evening life most suburbs lack. On summer weekends, the restaurant patios spill into the street.

Housing covers the full suburban spectrum: postwar ranches and split-levels, large colonials, newer construction on generous lots, and — distinctively for the area — a deep stock of downtown condos and townhomes that lets residents trade yard work for walkability without leaving town. That downtown housing has made Arlington Heights a popular landing spot for both directions of movers: city dwellers heading out and longtime locals sizing down.

The town's name is attached to one of the region's biggest ongoing stories: the former Arlington Park racetrack site, purchased by the Chicago Bears, whose stadium and redevelopment plans for the property have drawn national attention. Whatever the outcome, the site's scale makes it one of the most significant development parcels in the region.

The Metra Union Pacific Northwest line stops at both Arlington Heights and Arlington Park, with express trains reaching Ogilvie in around 35–40 minutes. Daily life beyond downtown runs on a car, with Route 53 and I-90 close.

Arlington Heights offers a true downtown with its own housing market, deep single-family inventory, and express Metra service — the northwest suburbs at full scale.

Arlington Heights FAQ

Do you need a car in Arlington Heights?

For daily life beyond downtown, yes. For commuting, the UP-Northwest line runs express trains from two stations, reaching Ogilvie in about 35–40 minutes — and downtown residents can walk to the platform.

What types of homes are in Arlington Heights?

Ranches, split-levels, colonials, and new construction on suburban lots, plus an unusually deep downtown stock of condos and townhomes near the station.

What is Arlington Heights known for?

Its walkable downtown and the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, the former Arlington Park racetrack site purchased by the Chicago Bears, and express Metra service to the Loop.

Park Ridge vs. Arlington Heights: what's the difference?

Both are UP-Northwest Metra suburbs. Park Ridge is smaller and sits directly on the city border; Arlington Heights is much larger, further out, with a bigger downtown and substantially more housing inventory, served by express trains.