Trying to pick the right Somerville neighborhood? Dense, walkable and very popular with young professionals, Somerville offers square-centered living with strong T access — often a (relative) value versus Cambridge and Boston. “Best” depends on your budget and which square you want to call home.
Somerville areas to know
Davis Square
The most coveted — walkable, lively, and on the Red Line, with restaurants and nightlife at your door. In-demand and pricier.
Union Square & Prospect Hill
Booming food scene, now on the Green Line — a hotspot for young professionals, with rising interest.
Ball Square, Teele Square & West Somerville
Quieter, residential and near Tufts, with the new Green Line stops adding access — good for a mix of value and calm.
Assembly & East Somerville
Modern apartments near Assembly Row and the Orange Line, plus more value in East Somerville.
How to choose your Somerville neighborhood
Weigh your commute (Red, Green or Orange Line), your budget, and which square’s vibe fits you. Then get the honest read from locals.
What Somerville locals actually say
Which squares are worth the rent, where the value is, how the Green Line changed things — that comes from people who live here. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Somerville community, real neighbors give candid takes on where to live. See also things to do in Somerville. Join your Somerville neighbors free →
Frequently asked questions
What are the best neighborhoods 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 and value.
Is Somerville cheaper than Cambridge or Boston?
Often somewhat — Somerville has historically offered a relative value versus Cambridge and Boston, though its popularity has narrowed the gap in the top squares.
Is Somerville a good place to live?
Yes — it’s a dense, walkable, food-and-arts-rich city popular with young professionals, with strong T access to Cambridge and Boston.