Where to Live in Somerville, MA: The Best Neighborhoods & Apartments (And How to Move In Hassle-Free)
This guide is built for people who want the real Somerville experience: where to live, what to expect on move-in day, how the commute actually works, and how to set up your new apartment fast (TV mounting, home setup, safety essentials).
Somerville moves can be deceptively hard: narrow streets, tight stairwells, older buildings, and strict move-in rules. The goal is simple—move in clean, avoid building drama, and get your place functional in the first week.
Need broader neighborhood exploration? Use the City Guide and browse coverage under Locations .
Somerville is small, but every pocket has a distinct feel. These are the areas people most commonly compare when deciding where to live.
Modern apartments, elevators, amenities, and quick access to major routes. Best for “new building” comfort and easier move-ins.
Classic Somerville energy—restaurants, coffee, nightlife, and walkability. Move-ins can be tighter and parking can be trickier.
Rapid growth and new development. Great vibe and access to shops—expect construction pockets and dense streets.
Value + character. More classic housing stock. Great if you want “real neighborhood feel” while staying close to everything.
If you’re still choosing where to land, the bigger strategy is in the Moving to Boston guide.
Many Somerville apartments are in older buildings—meaning tight staircases, narrow hallways, limited parking, and strict move-in procedures. Plan for logistics first, then comfort.
- Confirm move-in rules (elevator booking, time windows, hallway protection, COI requirements).
- Measure tight turns (stairs + corners are the #1 surprise issue).
- Know your wall type before you mount anything (metal studs, masonry, plaster, etc.).
- Plan your “first week setup” : Wi-Fi, TV placement, basic safety items, storage, lighting.
The “real” commute is why people choose Somerville. Transit access is a huge factor—especially if you work in Cambridge, Downtown, or the Seaport.
- Cambridge / Kendall Square
- Downtown Boston
- Longwood Medical Area
- Seaport District
Transit convenience also changes what “move-in day” looks like—parking, loading zones, and how fast you can unload without chaos.
Most people don’t fail because they forgot tape—they fail because they didn’t plan the building and street reality. Here’s the clean checklist that prevents 80% of headaches:
- Reserve your move window with management (especially if elevators are involved).
- Plan curb access : where does the truck stop, and how long can you legally load/unload?
- Protect walls and floors (some buildings require it).
- Don’t “wing it” with installs —TV mounting and shelves go wrong fast in older buildings.