Thinking about moving to Somerville? Dense, walkable and creative, Somerville is one of the most popular places to land near Boston for young professionals who want food, arts and transit. This local guide covers the honest basics — cost of living, the best areas, getting around, and what locals wish they’d known — so you can plan your move with confidence.
Cost of living in Somerville
Somerville is expensive but has historically offered a relative value versus Cambridge and Boston, though its popularity (and the Green Line extension) have narrowed the gap in top squares.
Best areas in Somerville
Davis Square for the liveliest, most walkable living on the Red Line; Union Square for the booming food scene on the new Green Line; Ball/Teele Squares and West Somerville for quieter value near Tufts; and Assembly/East Somerville for modern apartments. See our full guide to the best areas to live in Somerville for more detail.
Getting around Somerville
Very walkable and transit-rich (Red, Green and Orange Lines), so many residents skip a car. Parking is limited.
What to know before moving to Somerville
It’s a food-and-arts hub popular with young professionals; weigh the rising cost and tight parking against walkability and easy access to Cambridge and Boston.
Things to do once you arrive
Get a head start with our guide to the best things to do in Somerville.
What Somerville locals wish they’d known
The honest, current advice — which areas are worth it, the real commute, where to find community — comes from people who already made the move. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Somerville community, real Somerville neighbors answer newcomers’ questions candidly. Join your Somerville neighbors free before you move →
Where this fits in Somerville
Newcomers get up to speed fastest by learning the neighborhoods and where locals actually go. The picks in this guide make the most sense once you know how Somerville is laid out. the Somerville Community Path and Prospect Hill Park sit at the center of where locals actually spend their time, so planning settling in around one of them rarely goes wrong. When you want something calmer, Davis Square pulls you away from the busiest blocks, and Assembly Row is the kind of spot regulars mention but visitors miss. Anchor your plan to one of those and the rest of the day in Somerville tends to fall into place.
More Somerville guides
Somerville rewards people who dig a little deeper. These related guides map the same neighborhoods from different starting points: Best neighborhoods in Somerville, Cost of living in Somerville, Things to do in Somerville — enough to plan a whole day or two.
Ask a Somerville neighbor
The best tips never make the guidebooks — they come from neighbors who know which spot is worth it this week. That is what the Somerville community on Neighborhood Nurturers is for. Ask Somerville locals what they would do, or join free and get honest answers from people who actually know Somerville.
Frequently asked questions
Is Somerville cheaper than Cambridge or Boston?
Historically somewhat — Somerville has offered a relative value, though its popularity and the Green Line extension have narrowed the gap in the top squares.
What are the best areas to live in Somerville?
Davis Square for the liveliest Red Line living; Union Square for the food scene on the new Green Line; Ball/Teele Squares and West Somerville for quieter value near Tufts; and Assembly/East Somerville for modern apartments. See our best-areas guide.
Do you need a car in Somerville?
Usually not — it’s very walkable with Red, Green and Orange Line access, though parking is limited.
What should I know before moving to Somerville?
It’s a food-and-arts hub popular with young professionals; weigh rising costs and tight parking against walkability and access to Cambridge and Boston.