How Walkable is Arlington Heights, IL?
The highest-scoring suburb that's not Evanston: Arlington Heights near Chicago, IL earns a Walk Score of 48. That puts it in the "Somewhat Walkable" range, with a downtown district that offers genuine pedestrian utility. The village's Metra station area has evolved into one of the suburb's most walkable pockets.
Walkability in the Chicago area
Arlington Heights' 48 falls below the metro average of 77 but leads the northwest suburban corridor. It exceeds Schaumburg (43), Hoffman Estates (35), and Buffalo Grove (40) by meaningful margins. Only Evanston (76) offers substantially more walkability among suburbs.
Metra's Union Pacific Northwest line stops in downtown Arlington Heights, where restaurants, shops, and a live music venue cluster around the station in a compact grid. Pace bus routes provide some local connections. The downtown area functions as a genuine village center where residents walk to dinner, pick up prescriptions, or meet for coffee.
What a Walk Score of 48 means
Arlington Heights' Walk Score of 48 places it in the "Somewhat Walkable" category. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, especially near downtown. Residential areas further from the center still require driving for most needs. Transit includes Metra and Pace bus coverage. The bike score of 59 (Bikeable) reflects some trail access and residential street cycling.
Why do buyers choose Arlington Heights?
Arlington Heights hits a sweet spot for suburban buyers who want some walkability without city prices. The median sale price of $495,752 is moderate for the northwest suburbs, below Glenview ($844,577) and Northbrook ($791,104) but above Schaumburg ($344,827). About 57% of homes sell above asking, 63% go under contract within two weeks, and listings move in 41 days.
The appeal is the walkable downtown combined with suburban residential streets. Buyers get a Metra commute, a genuine restaurant-and-shop district on foot from many homes, and a variety of housing from starter condos to larger single-family homes. The tradeoff versus Evanston (Walk Score 76, price $484,757) is roughly similar cost for substantially less walkability, but with more residential space and quieter streets in exchange.
| Location | Walk Score | Bike Score | Transit Score | Median sale price | Days on market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington Heights | 48 | 59 | -- | $495,752 | 41 days |
| Schaumburg | 43 | 66 | -- | $344,827 | 46 days |
| Elgin | 43 | 51 | 29 | $359,820 | 49 days |
| Highland Park | 42 | 52 | 28 | $924,537 | 39 days |
| Aurora | 40 | 52 | 21 | $364,817 | 49 days |
| Buffalo Grove | 40 | 52 | -- | $422,289 | 47 days |
Limited to neighborhoods with at least 10 home sales in the period.
All data comes from Redfin and represents a three-month rolling average ending July 2026. This article has been generated, in whole or in part, using generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with input from Redfin head of economics research Chen Zhao. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of this information, you should independently verify all data, facts, and citations contained in this article before relying on it for any purpose. This information is not a substitute for advice from a real estate agent, financial advisor, or other licensed professional. Check the Redfin Data Center for additional in-depth housing market data.
Categories
Recent Posts
