Welcome to Somerville

A charm-filled town, Somerville’s distinctive local flavor distinguishes it from the neighboring cities of Boston and Cambridge. Creative culture and diversity thrive in this historic community favored by families and professionals.

Key Details

Attributes

family friendly, hidden gem, artsy, up-and-coming, cyclist paradise, great restaurants, young professionals

NEIGHBORHOOD OVERVIEW

Commute Times
South Station 20m by train, 15m by car
North Station 30m by train, 12m by car
Boston Commons 17m by train, 15m by car
Harvard Square 5m by train, 13m by car
Boundaries
East to West Medford to Charlestown
North to South Mystic River to Cambridge
Nearby Neighborhoods Cambridge, Charlestown

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Somerville:
A friendly town with a true sense of community.

The close-knit feel of this All-American community is a true treasure. Historically a manufacturing hotspot, with brickmaking and car assembly as some of the main industries, Somerville has long tradition of ingenuity and enterprise. The town also boasts a key national landmark: the spot where George Washington first ordered the Union’s flag to be raised in 1776.

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What to expect:
Easy access to Boston and Cambridge.

All the attractions of neighboring Cambridge and Boston are just minutes away. Somerville is also an unofficial cycling capital within the Boston area, boasting miles of bikeable streets, community cycling paths, and a few top-notch bike shops.

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The lifestyle:
Fun-loving and embracing many ways of living.

There is a playfulness to Somerville, where lifesize Lego sculptures tower over shopping centers and lines for the comedy club can stretch down the sidewalk. Walking the line between new and old, big and small, the major retailers at just-built Assembly Square offer convenient shopping, while fresh produce can be plucked from the farmers’ market at historic Union Square.

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Unexpected appeal:
The forefront of Boston’s culinary scene.

Over the past several years, star chefs have been attracted to Somerville, transforming the town into an important destination for the area’s burgeoning foodie landscape. Fancy an experiential tasting menu or a Scandinavian-style brunch? There’s always a new delight on a nearby table.

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The market:
Classic single family homes and charming duplexes.

An ideal place for first-time home buyers, Somerville is known for it’s accessible market. Many historic buildings are ripe for re-model. With Assembly Square quickly growing and Boynton Yards poised to become the next Kendall Square, new condo developments are on the way.

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You'll fall in love with:
The culture of creativity.

To live in Somerville is to love it—residents have a strong sense of hometown pride. Favorite pastimes include singing songs round a fire pit at the annual urban campout and creating zany hairdos with marshmallow Fluff to celebrate the confection’s local invention. From jazz musicians setting up in Davis Square on weeknights to local artists throwing open their studio doors on Saturdays, creativity thrives around every corner.

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Other Neighborhoods in Greater Boston to Explore