Somerville

Only 5 miles from downtown Boston lies Davis Square, an area that many consider the core of Somerville. The neighborhood is not only a center for transportation, where 5 roads converge alongside the Davis Red Line T station, but it is also a center for dining, home to dozens of restaurants and bars. “The presence of the Red Line, as well as the fact that it has a bustling street life informed by the movie theater, cafes and grocery stores, turned it into the city center for the city of Somerville. It has a pulse,” says Charles Cherney, a Realtor with the Charles Cherney team at Compass in Somerville and nearby Cambridge, who has served the area since 1999. Davis Square is surrounded by a number of multi-unit homes and condos with a series of neat sidewalks connecting residents to parks and schools. Davis Square has many longtime businesses and dining options supported by locals and nearby Cambridge and Boston residents. Rosebud Indian American Bar & Kitchen “is a charming vintage diner that recently has become a wonderful gastro-Indian restaurant,” says Brett Sillari, a Realtor with Senné who has served Boston for over seven years. Additional area restaurants include Boston Burger Company, which was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and Mortadella Head, which serves a mix of classic Italian traditions and unique and modern recipes. Nights in Davis Square often end at The Burren, an Irish pub Sillari says is known for live music at night. Somerville Theatre, originally built in 1914 for stage shows, vaudeville, opera and movies, screens films and hosts live concerts. Groceries are available at the nearby Star Market, or at the Davis Square Farmers Market on Wednesdays between May and November, Davis Square has been the nucleus of Somerville since the Red Line T-station opened in the 1980s. The Davis Square station provides direct access to the Red Line and several Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus routes. With the recent addition of the Green Line to the area, commuting options have only increased for residents heading downtown. “The area is a wonderful commuting location for public transit and bikers alike,” Sillari says. From Davis, residents can take Massachusetts Avenue into Cambridge and then Boston, or access Route 3 and Route 2, which runs west to I-95. Boston Logan International Airport is less than 9 miles away and Cambridge Health Alliance’s Somerville Campus is 1 mile away. While residents can head to downtown Boston for events like the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, Somerville is known for Porchfest. Porchfest is an outdoor celebration of music where bands from all around the city come to play. Every genre of music is represented, including classical and techno. This community event features over 100 bands performing at various spots around the city, from local businesses to people’s front lawns. The festival also features a number of food and drink vendors driving around the different venues. Kenney Park is a playground with a basketball court, a fitness area, swings and a paved area set aside for chalk-drawing that is only one block away from the center of Davis Square.The Somerville Community Path is a paved railroad trail that starts in Davis Square and is used for biking and walking. Because of the short commute into Boston, Davis Square is considered a “a wonderful area to rent,” Sillari says. There are apartments, townhouses and condo options throughout the densely packed neighborhood. While most of the neighborhood has multiunit homes and condos, homebuyers can find Queen Anne and Boston triple-decker homes alongside Cape Cod and some Colonial Revival homes. Prices can commonly range from $650,000 to $2.1 million, with almost every home within walking distance of the T station costing at least $1 million. Students in Davis Square can start their education at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, a K-8 school, and then finish up at Somerville High School. The school is popular for its Advanced Placement courses and its Career and Counseling program, which works to aid students through post-graduation and assists students who are the first in their families to attend college. Both schools receive an A-minus rating on Niche.

On the north side of the Charles River, just 3 miles from downtown Boston, lies East Somerville, a neighborhood that once witnessed Paul Revere's legendary midnight ride in 1775 and is now one of the most populated parts of bustling Somerville, Massachusetts. "I think East Somerville is a special place," says Jennifer Keenan, a longtime Boston-area resident and Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Boston-Northwest. "It has a hip, urban vibe and a diverse mix of people that makes life there interesting. It's the kind of place where you're going to be out on the street chatting with your neighbors, and you can walk down the street for a coffee.” A stroll along Broadway allows diners to sample flavors from countries including Italy, Brazil and El Salvador. La Brasa’s chef, who implements a wood fire in his cooking, pulls inspiration from around the world. For a hearty breakfast, residents make their way to Buddy’s, a diner housed in a converted railway car. Those searching for a cold pint will find it, along with a plate of fish and chips, at the Tavern at the End of the World Irish pub. East Somerville folks can pick up groceries at the Stop & Shop in the neighborhood, and Aggie’s Place, an independent store on the corner of Pearl and Franklin, carries snacks, drinks and other last-minute essentials. Locals can also follow the paved sidewalks under Interstate 93 to get to Assembly Square, where there is a Trader Joe’s and an outlet mall. Despite its urban setting, East Somerville offers plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors. Chuckie Harris Park, at the neighborhood's north end, features creative play structures, including an oversized slide, a community garden and picnic tables. At Glen Park, kids can play on the large playground, soccer field or basketball courts, but children aren't the only East Somerville residents with green spaces to enjoy. At Zero New Washington Street Dog Park, energetic pups can climb over ramps, scoot through tunnels and socialize with other dogs while pet parents relax under the shady gazebo. The Chuckie Harris Park is also the site of several neighborhood events, from Dancing in the Streets dance nights to a Halloween Block Party with a pet costume contest. In addition, Somerville's citywide events bring residents together to celebrate the city’s long history as well as its modern-day culture. During the Patriots Day Colonial Fair in April, which includes a reenactment of Paul Revere's warning ride, community members can try their hand at Colonial-era games. The SomerStreets Carnival is a party-in-the-streets festival with food and entertainment from around the world. Each year, a themed dance party called The Big Gay Dance Party takes place in Union Square Plaza to mark Pride Month. In 2024, participants were encouraged to dress in dinosaur-themed attire. Most city events take place less than 1 mile from East Somerville homes. East Somerville's blend of old and new is represented in its mix of housing, which includes modern condo buildings and townhouses alongside Boston triple-deckers and Queen Anne-style detached homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s. "Everybody’s remodeling," says Jack Lister, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Verani Realty and a resident of Somerville for more than 45 years. "There are some single-family homes, but no one is building new single families. There’s so much money to be made in multifamily housing.” Houses are packed closely together, some with tidy flower gardens in front. While there are a few private driveways, parked cars line the narrow neighborhood streets. Buyers might spend between $450,000 and $900,000 for a one-bedroom condo and from $600,000 to just over $1 million for a single-family residence. Multifamily investors can find properties that have not been updated in the $850,000 to $1.5 million range, but newer builds and fully renovated historic multifamily structures sell anywhere from $1.8 million to $8.4 million. "East Somerville is a little friendlier pricewise than some of the nearby areas," Keenan says. "There are a lot of options, so you can get a nice property for your buck." With the Massachusetts school choice program, families can choose from several Somerville Public Schools. East Somerville Community School, which is in the neighborhood, offers a dual-language immersion curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade — Niche rates it a C-plus. Somerville High School earns an A-minus, and Niche considers it to be the No. 2 standout high school in Massachusetts. The high school reopened in 2021, complete with a new Career and Technical Education space and an updated media center. East Somerville's sidewalk-lined streets allow for travel on foot to the area’s restaurants and parks, and they also provide a path to get to the nearby subway stations. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Orange Line stops in Sullivan Square, and the Green Line stops just south of Washington Street. With Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus stops along Cross Street and Broadway, there are several public transit options for getting into Boston. “You’d be crazy to drive into Boston — it’s so congested, and you have to pay for parking,” Lister says. Those who do choose to travel by car can take Interstate 93, which borders the community. With both a branch of Massachusetts General Hospital and the newly constructed Assembly Innovation Park in Assembly Row, many residents can find medical care and employment within 1 mile of their homes, allowing them to skip the commute into Boston.

Even though it is right between Tufts University and bustling Davis Square, Teele Square has retained the identity of a quiet urban district in western Somerville. The neighborhood has single and multi-family homes and condominiums, plus a sizable population of college students. “Teele Square is quieter than Davis Square. It’s more out of the way, less expensive and is a back route to Arlington,” says Eric Bornstein, the owner of Behind the Mask Studio. He was born in Boston and has been living in nearby Davis Square for the last 20 years. “You can walk to Harvard Square in 35 minutes down Mass Ave. and you’re also only about four minutes from the T Stop.” Teele Square is just one part of Somerville, which is known to be arts-focused and has a lot to offer for those who are ready to explore it. Somerville is full of arts-influenced squares that breathe culture and life into the area and bringing people from all over the world to live just outside downtown Boston. “I’m an artist and educator specializing in custom masks. I’ve been raising my family here for 20 years,” Bornstein says. “I’ve known the Boston arts scene inside and out from 1980 to the present day. I really love my local artist colleagues and support them as much as I can.” Eric is currently working with the Liars & Believers theatre ensemble and has worked with the Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. “I just gotta say that, while you live here, get out and do the things that are available. There’s lots of free activities here. Get on the Red Line, make friends, make things happen. Don’t stay at home.” Lou Ann David Park includes a paved path throughout its gardens and benches for sitting and enjoying the space. Across from the park is a music studio rental space called Somerville Music Spaces. “We have a big mixture of local, students and professional musicians. It’s so hard to make music out of your home, so we wanted to give locals somewhere they can go,” says Jessica Tybursky, the owner. Her studio has been open since August of 2023 and aims to help local musicians. The studio even has a small recital venue for singer/songwriters. “People can come in and perform small shows. Whether they want to sell tickets or host free events for the community, our space supports a wide variety of things,” Tybursky says. At the south end of the neighborhood, Hodgkins-Curtin Park has a playground and public baseball field. Multifamily units can be bought or rented out, which often leads to a large population of college students living in Teele Square. These large buildings can have four to eight bedrooms and range in design from cozy Colonial-inspired homes to more modern constructions. The price to invest in one of these buildings starts around $1 million and can range up to $2.3 million. Condo units in these builds may range between $650,000 and $1.5 million and can have between two and four bedrooms. Available single-family homes are much rarer in Teele Square and can have three or more bedrooms and smaller bedrooms. Homes can range from modest Cape Cod and Victorian-inspired builds to luxury five-bedroom estates with modern architectural designs. Prices may range between $850,000 to $2.5 million. Where Broadway and Holland Street meet in Teele Square, there are a few locally owned restaurants. Rudy’s Cafe serves Tex-Mex cuisine, and Masala is known for its tandoori chicken and curry. Mass Hole Donuts serves gourmet donuts, while PJ Ryan’s Irish pub has a lively atmosphere and craft beer. Locals can also head a few blocks south to Davis Square, which is an art scene and restaurant hub with many things to do. “There are a lot of great places here, like Mackinnon's, or When Pigs Fly and Five Horses Tavern,” Bornstein says. “I go to free stand-up comedy right at the Rosebud every Tuesday with my son. Some of the businesses are geared toward student nightlife and activities, but Davis Square has become a very popular place.” For everyday errands, the Teele Square Market sells a few essentials, while the Stop and Shop grocery store up the road has fresh produce and pantry staples. Students in Teele Square can first attend West Somerville Neighborhood School, which is the closest elementary school. West Somerville teaches kindergarten through eighth grade and is graded an overall B on Niche. Somerville High School, graded an A-minus, recently underwent major renovations and includes classes and programs in career and technical education, as well as adult education classes during morning or evening hours. Nearby, Tufts University is one of the nation’s top research universities, offering innovative programs in engineering and fine arts. The area is also home to the Somerville Center for Adult Learning and the International School of Boston High School. Davis Transit Station, also known as the T Stop, is located just a few blocks away from most Teele Square homes. “I love that I can just hop on the T line and be at the Museum of Fine Arts in 20 minutes. I like to be able to walk out my door and I'm right where I want to be,” Bornstein says. Commuters can take advantage of the T’s Green Line, which was extended past Lechmere and into Somerville and Medford. Those who prefer to drive can reach the Alewife Station commuter hub via Alewife Brook Parkway, which is less than 2 miles southwest of Teele Square. Drivers can also reach downtown Boston by hopping on Interstate 93 and driving about 7 miles southeast. The Boston Logan International Airport is about 8 miles away via I-93.

Winter Hill is an artsy residential community just north of Downtown Boston. The neighborhood was named after the 120-foot hill that overlooks the area and once held a military fort that played a major part in the Revolutionary War. There’s an immense amount of history to explore here, from the early Colonial periods of America to organized crime by the Winter Hill Gang in the late 20th century. While the neighborhood consists mostly of homes, condos and apartments, there are also shops, restaurants and parks within walking distance. <br><br>Properties in this walkable urban neighborhood include colonial-style homes, Victorian condos and luxury townhouses. Many homes were built in the early 1900s and have since been refurbished, some with designer finishes and fixtures. Condos typically sell for $500,000 to $900,000, while larger townhouses and single-family houses here go for $800,000 to $1.2 million.<br><br>The well-stocked Tapias Convenience Store on Broadway and Pearl Street Market are close by. Residents can pick up dinner from Taj Mahal Desi Bazaar, an Indian grocery store with a large selection of spices, fresh fish and produce. Pick up a pizza from Leone’s Subs & Pizza or Mamma Lisa’s Pizzeria and try a New England IPA or pilsner at Winter Hill Brewing Company. Save room for a few scoops at Tipping Cow Ice Cream, a family-owned shop that serves flavors such as cannoli, cookie dough and espresso. <br><br>Foss Park is a moderately sized green space run by the city, which offers tennis courts, baseball diamonds and an outdoor pool. Residents can also go for a stroll or ride a bike at the award-winning Edward L. Leathers Community Park. Once a vacant lot, the park received a merit award from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects for its appearance and use of sustainable landscaping. The Hoyt-Sullivan playground is a natural play space in a dense, urban area. On the neighborhood's eastern side, residents can enjoy the Deanna Cremin Playground’s musical chimes, slides and climbing area. The Boston Figurative Art Center is in the southwestern corner of the neighborhood and offers a regular schedule of classes, including drawing as meditation. Just east of the art center is the Peter and Oliver Tufts House, one of the oldest properties in the Winter Hill neighborhood. The home was constructed around 1714 and owned by members of the Tufts family in the 19th century. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. <br><br>Kindergarten through eighth-grade students may attend Winter Hill Community Innovation School, which gets a C-plus from Niche. Students may then attend Somerville High School, which earns an A-minus and ranks in the top five of Niche’s standout high schools in Massachusetts. <br><br>Each year the community hosts several art events, including the Somerville ArtBeat in July and the Somerville Holiday Flea Market in December. <br><br>Although construction and car traffic are common here, Winter Hill is still an accessible urban community with walkable streets and regular bus service. The neighborhood is also served by the Gilman Square light rail station, which offers quick and easy access downtown.

With its triple-decker houses, closely packed streets and cracked sidewalks, Ten Hills is a typical turn of the 20th century urban neighborhood in New England. Snow piles on roadsides in the winter, while the summer brings waterfront recreation. The neighborhood borders the Mystic River, where the shoreside Blessing of the Bay Park has walking paths by the water and a boathouse that provides rowing and paddle sports opportunities. But just across Route 28 is the new Somerville, with multiplexes, beer gardens, Orange Line Stations and the ever-expanding Assembly Row. “The whole city continues to grow and evolve,” says Rich Whelan, Somerville local and Program Director of Gentle Giant Rowing, a rowing club located in Ten Hills. “With that, some original folks have been pushed out with rising real estate prices. But there’s still a culture to the city. The community feel is still there.” One of the perks of living in Ten Hills is its proximity to the Mystic River. Neighbors can enjoy Blessing of the Bay Park, a waterfront greenspace with benches and walkways designed to enhance the water viewing experience. Kayaks, paddleboards and canoes can be rented in Ten Hills through Paddle Boston, which has a location at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse. Paddlers enjoy skyline views and access to swimming areas as they move along. “Over the last 20 years, there’s been an increase in people walking past the boathouse,” Whelan says. “There has been a lot of investment in the shoreside path and the park itself. The city has set aside a lot of money to improve bike lanes and views of the water.” Whelan’s organization, Gentle Giant Rowing, is also located in Ten Hills. This not-for-profit club aims to introduce and nurture the sport of rowing to anyone regardless of age, socio-economic status or capability. When asked why Ten Hills was chosen as Gentle Giant’s location, Whelan explained, “When we were established in 2002, our founders were looking for a body of water that wasn’t the Charles River, where a lot of rowers flock. They were looking for a community underserved by the sport of rowing, and there wasn’t a lot of activity at Blessing of the Bay despite 3 miles of rowable water, a dock, a boathouse and a convenient location to [Interstate] 93.” For a family-friendly outdoor experience, there’s Grimmons Park, which has a fenced-in play area that includes a climbing structure and swing set. Kids hit the splash pad in the summer, while parents watch from benches. Like many urban rivers, the water quality of the Mystic has shown notable improvements, with organizations like the Mystic River Watershed Association leading cleanup operations, though challenges still remain. Recent data indicates that the river’s water quality varies, with some sections achieving good grades that meet boating or fishing standards while others face issues related to pollutants. In Ten Hills, residents can boat and fish on the river; however, due to contaminants trapped in the soil people should fish for sport and not consumption. The neighborhood is across Route 28 from Somerville’s Assembly Row, a massive mixed-use development built in pieces for about a decade. Residents can walk there using a pedestrian path under an arch of the Route 28 bridge. Once they arrive, they’ll find luxury high-rise condos atop retailers like Coach and Banana Republic outlet stores and restaurants with trendy cocktails. Popular eateries include Fuji at Assembly, a Japanese spot with a wide selection of sushi; Ernesto’s Pizza, a second location of Boston’s North End spot that doesn’t have the same gritty feel but maintains massive pizza slices; and River Bar, where visitors sip local brews by fire light until 1 a.m.. While Assembly Row is an entirely new development, the city of Somerville maintains some of its charm, with local eateries lining Broadway and Medford Street about a mile from the neighborhood. As the name suggests, Ten Hills is a bit sloped—but just along one large hill, not ten. Homes built in the early 20th century are packed right next to each other, including Somerville’s signature triple-deckers, which make the city the most densely populated municipality in New England. Some properties show their age with faded vinyl siding and architectural choices that have fallen out of fashion, and many have back decks, balconies or small fenced-in backyards. The median single-family home price in the neighborhood sits around $1.1 million, while the median condo sale price is about $850,000. Refurbished 1920s condos and houses facing the Mystic River in Ten Hills can go for $1.2 million, condos from 1900 can cost $600,000 to $800,000 and multifamily homes just under 3,000 square feet go for $1 million. Somerville has a revered public school system that receives a B-plus from Niche. The city is a choice school district, meaning parents can decide to send their kids to any of the district’s eight schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade. The closest school to Ten Hills is Arthur D. Healey School, which gets a B-plus from Niche and focuses on arts integration, emphasizing project-based learning. After finishing at Healey, kids move on to Somerville High School, which also earns a B-plus from Niche. Ten Hills is conveniently located at the crux of several different major roadways. Route 28, which separates the neighborhood from Assembly Row, runs 2 miles north to Medford and 4 miles south to Boston’s West End. U.S. Interstate 93 will take drivers north to the New Hampshire border and down to the South Shore. It’s also about a 15-minute walk to the Assembly station on the Orange Line, which leads into downtown Boston and as far south as Jamaica Plain. Plus, Whelan notes that the city is taking great strides to improve walkability and bike-ability, particularly in Ten Hills’s shoreside area, with a pedestrian path that leads to Assembly Square that he says, “has proven to be very popular.” Due to the path’s popularity, the city plans to construct bike lanes by the water.