Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Somerville, MA
Thinking about moving to West Somerville, MA? With a population of around 18,500, this vibrant neighborhood features high educational attainment, easy access to top schools and universities, and a lively urban feel. Median home prices are about $890,000, with average rents for a two-bedroom near $2,650, reflecting the area's high demand and central location. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (190 per 100K), short 29-minute commutes, and 58% sunny days annually. Excellent transit options, outstanding healthcare, and a youthful, diverse community make West Somerville an appealing choice for city living.
Demographics - West Somerville, MA
Demographics - West Somerville, MA
West Somerville is home to about 18,500 residents in a densely populated urban setting, with a median age of 32.7 and a vibrant mix of cultures, including nearly 23% non-English speakers. The neighborhood has a youthful feel and a diverse population, with significant White, Asian, and Black communities contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.
Population:
18,500
Density:
16,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.7
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.5%
Black:
5.2%
Asian:
12.8%
Others:
13.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Somerville, MA?
Living in West Somerville comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a cost of living index of 148.2 and a median home value of $890,000. Renters can expect to pay around $2,650 per month for a two-bedroom, and everyday expenses such as groceries and utilities are above the national average, making this neighborhood best suited for those with higher household incomes.
Median House Value:
$890,000
Gross Rent:
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,000
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
148.2
Grocery:
130.5
Housing:
175.0
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
120.7
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is West Somerville, MA a safe place to live?
West Somerville enjoys a relatively low crime rate for an urban area, with only 190 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 526 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is more common but remains moderate, offering residents a sense of security while benefiting from city living.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
190
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,300
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 526
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in West Somerville, MA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and chilly winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 44.8 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 58% of the year, providing a balance of seasonal variety and comfortable outdoor conditions.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The neighborhood boasts a high level of educational attainment, with over 61% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a median household income of $112,800. Public transportation is widely used, with a third of residents commuting by transit, and the poverty rate remains below 9%, contributing to a stable and engaged community.
Median Income:
$61,000
Household Income:
$112,800
Family Income:
$130,200
Per Capita Income:
$53,500
Income Male:
$61,800
Income Female:
$55,400
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
22.5%
Rent:
$2,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
33.0%
Commute Time:
29.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
61.4%
Education
How are the schools in West Somerville, MA?
West Somerville offers families access to well-regarded public and private schools, including West Somerville Neighborhood School and Somerville High School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. The neighborhood is also just half a mile from Tufts University, providing exceptional opportunities for higher education and community engagement.
Public Schools
Name:
West Somerville Neighborhood School
Street:
177 Powder House Blvd
Phone:
617-625-6600 x6450
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Somerville High School
Street:
81 Highland Ave
Phone:
617-625-6600 x6100
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
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:
0.5 miles
Students:
11,500
Name:
Lesley University
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
West Somerville residents have excellent access to healthcare, with major hospitals like CHA Somerville Campus and Mount Auburn Hospital nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 97.2%. The area is well-served by physicians, offering quality medical care and emergency services close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
CHA Somerville Campus
Address:
33 Tower St, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone:
(617) 591-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mount Auburn Hospital
Address:
330 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone:
(617) 492-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
82.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Somerville, MA?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $890,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $2,650, reflecting strong demand in this highly desirable neighborhood. Homeownership rates are relatively low at 35.8%, indicating a vibrant rental market and steady home appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$890,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
35.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in downtown Boston. The DMV offers comprehensive services both in-person and online, making it easy to manage driving needs in the state.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
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.