Why Somerville is Hot Right Now
Somerville has transformed from "gritty working-class city" to "hip urban paradise" in just 15 years. With the Green Line Extension bringing T access to previously transit-poor areas, Somerville is now one of Boston Metro's most desirable places to live.
The vibe: Young professionals, families, restaurants, breweries, bike lanes, and tight-knit squares (Davis, Union, Teele, Ball).
Somerville Sub-Neighborhoods
Davis Square (Most Expensive: $850K+)
- Heart of Somerville—restaurants, bars, Red Line
- Walk Score: 98
- 20 min to downtown, 10 min to Cambridge
- Extremely competitive market
Union Square (Gentrifying Fast: $700K-900K)
- NEW Green Line station (game changer)
- Hip restaurants and artisan shops
- More affordable than Davis
- Still rough around edges but improving
Assembly Row (New Development: $600K-1M)
- Brand new Orange Line development
- Modern condos, shops, Target, movie theater
- Feels like suburban mall + urban transit
- Great for people who want new construction
Winter Hill & East Somerville ($600K-700K)
- Working-class roots, diversifying fast
- NEW Green Line stations opening
- Best value in Somerville right now
- Less walkable but improving
Somerville Schools: Guaranteed Assignment
Big advantage over Boston: Somerville has its own school district with guaranteed enrollment at your zoned school.
- School Rating: 7/10 (Better than BPS average)
- Elementary schools are solid
- Somerville High has improved significantly
- Many families stay through high school
Why this matters: You know exactly which school your kids will attend when you buy. No lottery stress.
Commute from Somerville
Davis Square to Downtown: 18-22 min (Red Line)
Assembly Row to Downtown: 20-25 min (Orange Line)
Union Square to Downtown: 22-28 min (Green Line + transfer)
To Cambridge/Kendall: 10-15 min (Red Line from Davis)
To Seaport: 35-40 min (multiple transfers)
What $750K Gets You
- 2BR condo in Davis Square area (900-1,100 sq ft)
- 3BR condo in Union Square (1,200 sq ft)
- 2BR new construction in Assembly Row
- Small 2-family house (needs work) in East Somerville
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Excellent Red Line and Orange Line access
- Guaranteed school assignment (better than BPS)
- Incredibly walkable with tons of restaurants
- Bike-friendly infrastructure
- Quick commute to Cambridge and Boston
- Younger, progressive community
❌ Cons
- Expensive—prices rival Cambridge now
- Parking is brutal
- Property taxes are high
- Older housing stock (maintenance costs)
- Can feel crowded and busy
- Limited yard space