Arlington Heights Apartments

Arlington Heights offers a charming suburban lifestyle with a vibrant downtown that gives it a city feel without the big-city rush. Located about 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights strikes a balance between peaceful residential living and lively urban amenities. Its tree-lined streets, bustling entertainment district, and wide variety of dining options create a welcoming environment for residents of all ages.

While Arlington Heights is part of the greater Chicagoland area, it has carved out a strong identity of its own. Downtown Arlington Heights is the heart of the community, featuring local restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, and boutique shopping. It’s a walkable area with a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, making it a popular weekend destination for residents and visitors alike.

Demographics of Arlington Heights, Chicago 

Arlington Heights is home to about 77,000 residents, offering a vibrant, diverse community with a strong suburban identity. The population is well-educated, with many holding college or advanced degrees, and the median household income sits well above the national average.

The average home value sits around $446,323, indicating a robust housing market. Many residents work in fields like education, healthcare, technology, and finance, commuting to jobs both locally and in downtown Chicago. The community values family life, quality schools, and a strong sense of neighborhood pride.

Weather in Arlington Heights

In Arlington Heights, you’ll experience the full range of Midwest seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, with average January highs around 30°F and nighttime lows often dipping into the teens. Snowfall is common from December through March, creating classic winter scenes across the village. Spring brings a refreshing change, with mild temperatures, blooming trees, and occasional rain showers.

Summers are warm and sometimes humid, with July highs reaching the mid-80s, which is perfect for enjoying outdoor festivals and local parks. Fall is a local favorite, with crisp air, clear skies, and brilliant foliage that turns neighborhoods into colorful displays. The seasonal variety adds to the area’s charm, offering a little bit of everything for those who enjoy the rhythms of nature throughout the year.

Amenities in Arlington Heights

 Living in Arlington Heights means enjoying suburban comfort without giving up big-city perks. From community fitness programs to top-tier healthcare and cultural landmarks, this village covers all the essentials—and then some.

Arlington Ridge Center, run by the Park District, features indoor swimming, a full-service fitness center, and year-round programming for kids and adults. Nearby, Nickol Knoll Golf Club offers a scenic 9-hole course perfect for a casual round.

Northwest Community Hospital anchors healthcare access in Arlington Heights. Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in Illinois, NCH offers everything from emergency care to maternity services, surgery, and cancer treatment—all just minutes from home.

Arlington Heights Memorial Library is more than a place for books—it’s a community cornerstone. With cutting-edge tech labs, study spaces, classes, and one of the highest circulation rates in the U.S., it’s a major asset for learners of all ages.

Local Shopping and Dining Options

Shopping and dining options are easy to find throughout Arlington Heights. Downtown Arlington Heights offers a walkable, charming shopping district filled with boutiques, cafés, and specialty stores. Arlington Town Square and Southpoint Shopping Center provide convenient access to larger retailers, if that’s your thing, specialty services, and casual dining.

When it comes to dining, Arlington Heights has something for every taste. You’ll find upscale options like Palm Court, known for its elegant American fare and classic steaks. Local favorites like Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub bring a lively atmosphere, comfort food, and welcoming service.

Entertainment and Recreational Activities

Entertainment and recreation are woven into everyday life in Arlington Heights. You can catch a show at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, where local and touring acts deliver everything from musicals to stand-up comedy.

Lake Arlington Park offers a peaceful place to stroll or bike along paved trails, with scenic water views and a large boathouse offering rentals during the summer.

History buffs can visit the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, where you can explore preserved homes, a soda bottling plant, and rotating exhibits about the village’s past.

Parks in Arlington Heights, Chicago 

For outdoor lovers, Arlington Heights offers more than 700 acres of parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities, providing endless options for outdoor fun. Whether you want a quiet afternoon walk, a pickup soccer game, or a full day at the pool, there's a park to match every mood and season.

North School Park is a downtown favorite, known for its fountains, open green spaces, and seasonal events like the holiday light displays. In the summer, the park often hosts concerts and family events, creating a lively gathering place right in the heart of the village. During the holidays, its festive decorations make it one of the most photographed spots in Arlington Heights.

Lake Arlington is a major outdoor destination, featuring a large man-made lake, a 2-mile walking and biking loop, boating rentals, and picnic areas. It’s a popular spot for joggers, cyclists, and families looking to spend a day outside. You can rent paddleboats, kayaks, and fishing gear during the warmer months, making it a fun destination for both relaxation and recreation.

Recreation Park offers swimming pools, athletic fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds, making it a go-to spot for families and sports lovers alike. The park is also home to a historic fieldhouse that hosts community events, art classes, and fitness programs. With its central location and wide range of activities, Recreation Park is one of the cornerstones of community life in Arlington Heights.

Throughout the village, you’ll find dozens of smaller neighborhood parks offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and quiet retreats just steps from home.

Transportation in Arlington Heights 

Access to Highways

Major highways like I-90 and Route 53 are located nearby, providing fast access to downtown Chicago, O’Hare International Airport, and other key destinations across the northwest suburbs.

Public Transportation in Arlington Heights

While Arlington Heights itself is not served directly by CTA buses, local Pace Bus routes connect residents to surrounding suburbs and nearby Metra stations. Pace service offers reliable transportation options for commuters, students, and anyone looking for a greener way to travel.

Metra Train Stops in Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights has two convenient Metra stations: Arlington Heights Station and Arlington Park Station. Both are located on the Union Pacific Northwest Line, providing frequent and direct service into downtown Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center. Trains run throughout the day, making it easy for commuters and day-trippers alike to access the city without needing to drive.

Parking Options and Availability

Parking is plentiful throughout Arlington Heights. Most homes and apartments come with private garages, driveways, or assigned parking spaces. Downtown Arlington Heights offers several public parking garages and surface lots with affordable rates. Many downtown lots also provide free parking on evenings and weekends, making it easy to enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment without worrying about where to park.

Schools and Higher Learning Institutions in Arlington Heights

Public, Private, and Charter School Options

Arlington Heights is served by top-rated school districts like Arlington Heights School District 25 for elementary and middle schools, and Township High School District 214 for high schools. Well-known public schools include Ivy Hill Elementary School, Thomas Middle School, and John Hersey High School. Private options such as Our Lady of the Wayside School and Christian Liberty Academy provide strong faith-based and independent education alternatives.

University, College, and Other Higher Learning Institution Options

 Arlington Heights residents have easy access to higher education institutions, including:

• Harper College in nearby Palatine, offering two-year degrees, certificate programs, and continuing education
• Northwestern University in Evanston, a world-renowned research university about 30 minutes away
• Roosevelt University’s Schaumburg Campus, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a suburban setting

Real Estate in Arlington Heights, Chicago

Arlington Heights is one of the most desirable suburbs in Chicago’s northwest corridor—and the housing market reflects that popularity. Renters are drawn to its top-rated schools, walkable downtown, and strong community vibe. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or downsizing into your next chapter, Arlington Heights offers housing options to match a wide range of needs and budgets.

The real estate landscape includes a mix of historic charm and modern convenience. Classic homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries stand alongside newer townhome communities and updated mid-rise apartment buildings. Renters can choose from cozy apartments near the Metra line, contemporary condos with sleek finishes, or spacious single-family homes on tree-lined streets.

One-bedroom apartments in Arlington Heights typically start around $1,300 per month, with prices climbing for units in luxury buildings or prime downtown locations. Two-bedrooms tend to range from $1,800 to $2,400, depending on size, amenities, and proximity to shopping and transit.

Popular housing styles include mid-rise apartments with open layouts, townhomes with attached garages, and traditional single-family homes with front yards and backyard patios. Architectural styles range from Colonial and Cape Cod to ranch and modern open-concept designs.

Unlike denser urban neighborhoods, Arlington Heights offers a healthy inventory of three- and four-bedroom rentals—ideal for families who want space without giving up access to great schools, neighborhood parks, and local conveniences.

History of Arlington Heights

The story of Arlington Heights dates back to the early 1800s when settlers first arrived and carved out a farming community on the open prairie. Life here moved at a rural pace until 1854, when the arrival of the Illinois & Wisconsin Railroad changed everything. Suddenly, Arlington Heights became a convenient stop between Chicago and the northwest suburbs, attracting more residents and businesses looking for opportunity beyond the city.

Originally known as Dunton after one of its early landowners, William Dunton, the area officially incorporated as Arlington Heights in 1887. Over time, what started as a modest farming village evolved into one of Chicago’s most sought-after suburban destinations. The town’s growth was fueled by its easy rail access, the post-war housing boom, and the expanding appeal of suburban living during the 20th century.

While Arlington Heights has embraced modern development, it has also taken great care to preserve its historic character. You’ll find neighborhoods filled with vintage homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, alongside carefully maintained landmarks that reflect its deep roots. Longstanding family businesses and original buildings in the downtown district add to the area’s nostalgic charm, giving residents and visitors a glimpse into its rich past.

Today, Arlington Heights stands as a vibrant community that balances historic pride with thoughtful growth. Whether you’re walking past restored Victorian homes or grabbing coffee in a century-old storefront downtown, the town’s story is still very much alive in the everyday experiences of the people who call it home.