2027 MNM LIVABILITY INDEX

Arlington

Texas (TX)

Best for: Families and entertainment/sports workers who want central DFW access and relatively affordable housing.

2027 CITY CLASSLarge City300,000–999,999 residents

Modern Livability75.5/ 100

AT A GLANCE

Everyday numbers

Population402,134

Median Home$314,000

Median Rent$1,542

Median Household Income$76,000

Cost of Living~103.0 (US=100; 2024 metro/region)

Average Commute27.5 min

Unemployment~4.2% metro (2026)

Metro AreaDallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

2027 MODERN LIVABILITY SCORECARD

How this city actually lives

Twelve dimensions capture both hard data and the everyday experience traditional lists tend to miss.

75.5overall

Housing & Financial Reality75.0

Housing burden, taxes, insurance, utilities and what local incomes actually buy.

Ease of Living69.0

Errands, commute friction, parking, services and the effort required for daily life.

Safety & Stability72.0

Personal, neighborhood, road and environmental stability.

Economic Opportunity90.0

Jobs, wages, career mobility, employer diversity and economic resilience.

Health & Wellness82.0

Healthcare access, activity, mental wellness, healthy food and environmental health.

Beauty & Sense of Place72.0

Scenery, architecture, trees, cleanliness, public realm and distinct sense of place.

Mobility & Congestion44.0

Traffic delay, commute reliability, walking, cycling and transit usefulness.

Nature & Escape67.0

Trails, water, mountains, parks, public lands and how easily residents can escape.

Diversity & Belonging97.0

Diversity, integration, accessibility, newcomer friendliness and community connection.

Climate & Environment60.0

Comfortable weather, air quality, severe weather and environmental exposure.

Community & Culture88.0

Restaurants, arts, events, third places, recreation and social life.

Infrastructure & Connectivity92.0

Broadband, utilities, airport, highways, transit and essential connectivity.

THE THINGS OLD-SCHOOL LISTS MISS

What daily life feels like

Traffic / CongestionHigh. Regional congestion is a substantial daily-life penalty, though central neighborhoods may offer alternatives to driving.

Weekend EscapeGood. Regional parks and recreation provide useful escape options, though major destinations may take more planning.

WalkabilityAbout 38/100 citywide Walk Score. The city is car-dependent overall, so neighborhood choice strongly affects daily convenience.

Airport AccessExcellent to exceptional. The metro offers strong domestic connectivity and practical airport access.

Outdoor AccessGood to very good. Local parks and regional recreation are accessible, though major natural destinations may require more driving.

Healthcare AccessStrong. Large regional hospital systems provide broad emergency, primary and specialty care.

Air QualityMixed. Air quality is usually workable but can worsen with heat, smoke, traffic emissions or seasonal weather patterns.

Third Places / Social LifeVery good. The city offers a healthy mix of restaurants, cafés, parks, community events and cultural venues.

EDITORIAL VIEW

More than a number

Trajectory: Improving

WHY IT STANDS OUT

Why we chose it

Arlington stands out in the 2027 MNM Livability Index for dfw location; sports/entertainment; housing value; jobs; airport. The score balances housing, ease of living, safety, opportunity, wellness, beauty, mobility, nature, belonging, climate, culture and infrastructure. Its biggest tradeoffs are no comprehensive rail transit; traffic; heat; car dependence.

REAL LIFE