Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Somerville, MA
Thinking of moving to Somerville, MA? With a vibrant population of 81,045, Somerville offers a dynamic urban lifestyle just minutes from Boston. Expect a higher cost of living, with median home prices at $870,000 and average rents around $2,400, balanced by strong household incomes and an educated community—over 61% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Crime rates are below national averages, commutes average 32 minutes, and you'll enjoy 56% sunny days each year plus great access to public transit and top-tier universities. Explore more details below to plan your move to this lively, walkable city.
Demographics - Somerville, MA
Demographics - Somerville, MA
Somerville is a densely populated city of 81,045 residents, with a youthful median age of 32.5 and a diverse community including 29.5% non-English speakers. The city features a mix of ethnic backgrounds, reflecting its vibrant urban character and cultural richness.
Population:
81,045
Density:
19,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
29.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
67.0%
Black:
6.7%
Asian:
10.2%
Others:
16.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Somerville, MA?
Living in Somerville comes with a high cost of living index of 156.2, with median home values around $870,000 and average rents at $2,400 per month. While housing costs are significant, the city offers access to quality amenities and a dynamic local economy.
Median House Value:
$870,000
Gross Rent:
$2,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,660
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
156.2
Grocery:
121.4
Housing:
210.1
Utilities:
117.9
Transportation:
138.2
Health Care:
129.2
Miscellaneous:
118.0
Crime
Is Somerville, MA a safe place to live?
Somerville experiences lower crime rates than many urban areas, with a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 585 chance of being affected. Property crime remains moderate, helping residents feel safe in their neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
171
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,121
Crime Index:
1,292
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 585
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Somerville, MA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 83°F and cold winters with lows near 22°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine 56% of the year, making for a balanced New England climate.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Somerville’s households are relatively affluent, with median incomes above $115,000 and a poverty rate of just over 10%. The community is highly educated, with over 61% holding at least a bachelor's degree, and nearly one-third of residents use public transportation for their 32-minute average commute.
Median Income:
$58,000
Household Income:
$115,800
Family Income:
$140,900
Per Capita Income:
$55,300
Income Male:
$61,500
Income Female:
$51,000
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
29.5%
Rent:
$2,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
32.8%
Commute Time:
32.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.6%
Bachelors or More:
61.5%
Education
How are the schools in Somerville, MA?
Somerville offers a strong educational environment, with public schools like Somerville High and proximity to prestigious institutions such as Tufts and Harvard University. The student-to-teacher ratios remain low, and educational attainment is high, making it an appealing choice for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Somerville High School
Street:
81 Highland Ave
Phone:
617-625-6600
Students:
1,230
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Name:
Winter Hill Community Innovation School
Street:
115 Sycamore St
Phone:
617-629-5680
Students:
640
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Catherine of Genoa School
Street:
192 Summer St
Phone:
617-666-9116
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Tufts University
City:
Medford/Somerville
State:
MA
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
12,000
Name:
Harvard University
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
31,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Somerville is strong, with major hospitals like CHA Somerville Campus nearby and 95.8% of residents covered by health insurance. The city has a high ratio of physicians per capita, ensuring quality medical services are readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
CHA Somerville Campus
Address:
33 Tower St, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone:
(617) 591-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Massachusetts General Hospital (nearby)
Address:
55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114
Phone:
(617) 726-2000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
5.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
81.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Somerville, MA?
Somerville's housing market is competitive, featuring a median home price of $870,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $2,400. With a low foreclosure rate and steady home appreciation, both buyers and renters find stability but face high entry costs.
Median Home Price:
$870,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
33.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Somerville residents are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Boston and accessible online for registration and licensing needs.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.