Arlington City Guide

Mostly American comfort food with some Asian and Mexican options. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Few places open late; most close by 9 or 10 PM.

Nightlife mainly includes local pubs and sports bars. No vibrant club scene.

Local independent coffee shops and chains like Starbucks offer decent coffee. Not a major specialty coffee hub.

Tipping is customary in Arlington and the US.

SIM cards sold by T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon in nearby towns. Good coverage. Prepaid plans usually don't require ID.

Streets are generally clean with regular waste and recycling services.

Limited 24/7 services. Some gas stations and convenience stores are always open. Medical and food options are mostly closed after hours.

Groceries at Safeway and Haggen, with limited international options unless you visit larger stores. Stores open 6-7 AM to 10-11 PM, including Sundays and holidays.

Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards. Cash is rarely needed for daily spending.

ATMs are common at Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, grocery and convenience stores. Out-of-network fees usually range from $2.50 to $5.00.

Local schools include Arlington High School. Instruction is primarily in English. Contact the Arlington School District for enrollment details.

No strong digital nomad community or dedicated events. Remote workers are scattered, and cafes suited for work are limited.

Good access to green spaces with 20 parks and several miles of trails, including Haller Park and Centennial Trail.

Popular running route is the paved Centennial Trail. The area is generally safe for runners with good air quality, though wildfire smoke can appear in late summer.

Various gyms including local YMCA and fitness centers. Some public access to school sports facilities.

Tennis courts at parks like Haller Park. Public courts are first-come, first-served with no equipment rental.

Padel courts are not commonly available in Arlington.

Several yoga studios close by offering various styles and drop-in classes.

Dojo options include Taekwondo, Karate, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with varying availability of English instructors.

Stevens Pass ski resort is about 1.5-2 hours away with beginner and advanced terrain. Ski season is typically late November to April.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing available on Lake Goodwin and Stillaguamish River. Rentals are seasonal and limited.

No surfing near Arlington; the Puget Sound lacks ocean swells. Ocean surf breaks are hours away on the Washington coast.

Diving and snorkeling spots in Puget Sound near Edmonds and Mukilteo, about 30-45 minutes away. Visibility varies, best in spring and fall.

Cascade Valley Hospital serves Arlington, with larger hospitals in Everett nearby. English-speaking staff available. Pharmacies like Rite Aid and CVS offer OTC meds.

Tap water meets all federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Playgrounds at Haller Park and Bill Quake Memorial Park. Few dedicated kid-friendly cafés but many family-accommodating restaurants. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Generally accepting but fewer dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces or events compared to larger cities. State legal protections exist.

Pet-friendly with several parks allowing leashed dogs. Veterinary and supply stores available nearby.