Arlington home values increased last year, bucking local trend

Arlington was of the few towns in Greater Boston where values increased, by 2.4 percent, in fiscal year 2010, according to a Globe analysis of recent Department of Revenue data.

"Arlington has something for everyone, from cradle to grave," said Robert Greeley director of assessing, who pointing to the town's location and its access to Boston, as well as a strong school system, recreational facilities, and senior center.

Greeley estimated seven out of 10 people buying are from outside town -- when homes come from sale, which isn't often, relatively speaking. Homes come up for sale every 28 years on average, he said.

Find out how your community compares with this statewide map that tracks a 10-year history of taxes and property values.