Somerville

Two miles north of Boston lies the city of Somerville. Considered the most densely populated community in New England, Somerville is where George Washington raised the first Grand Union Flag in 1776. With deep roots in the prosperous Industrial Revolution, Somerville has always been a multi-cultural melting pot and things have not changed much.

A multi-ethnic community, Somerville is designed around city squares with Davis Square, Union Square, Bell Square, Teele Square, and Magoun Square being the most popular. Each of these squares is unique in character and charm, but what they have in common is a strong commitment to cultural traditions which can be found in the variety of ethnic restaurants, arts, music, and celebrations.

Some streets in Somerville are lined with historic homes such as Bow Street in Union Square, but most are residential areas with a mixture of multi-family and single-family homes. Professionals, artists, academics, students, and young families co-mingle to make this a vibrant and culturally rich community. Other than NYC, more artists per capita live in Somerville. Arts Central, Somerville hosts exhibits and events by Arts Union, Brickbottom Artist Association, Somerville Arts Council, and ArtBeat, the largest NE art show in Davis Square.

Davis Square has an electric pulse that has seen factories converted into office buildings and condos. In part, due to the access to the Red Line and its popularity, Davis Square is booming! Elm Street, home to beloved establishments such as Burren’s Irish pub, When Pigs Fly bakery, Jae’s Café, and the famous McKinnon’s Meat Market, offers residents a variety of eating options with a festive atmosphere.

Another up-and-coming area of Somerville is Union Square, with its quirky ethnic restaurants and shops, this could be the next hottest spot. A favorite with the young and trendy, Union Square is bursting with innovation and creativity. Bow Market offers over 30 aspiring local restaurants, retailers, and artists. A planned 2021 MBTA Green Line extension will most likely produce the same growth as the Red Line did for Davis Square.

With its close proximity to Boston and Cambridge, Somerville has come a long way from its “Slummerville” nickname of the 70s and 80s. Tufts University draws students from around the world and, with Cambridge as its neighbor, Somerville is attractive to many professionals, particularly in the biotech and technology sectors.