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Alexa P. best-worst

Best kept secrets of Somerville, MA

Anyone else feel this way? Median household income is $127,056, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $2,468 for rent here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Anyone in a similar situation? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
29 upvotes

11 Replies

Lillian Martin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
legal is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And cost of living can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Jace
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
Hailey B.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
35 upvotes
Levi White
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Korean places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
32 upvotes
Joyce J.
hard disagree but ok
25 upvotes
Grayson Thomas
big facts right here
25 upvotes
denverkid2023
I've lived in Highland for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cultural scene scene is surprisingly good

The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options

Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Cooper Reyes
interesting, hadn't considered that
12 upvotes
Kayden C.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
6 upvotes
Melanie Rivera
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
3 upvotes
Bennett Watson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a accountant who relocated here from Raleigh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.

Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights

Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown

Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.

Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
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