Best Neighborhoods in Somerville MA: Union Square, Ball Square & Davis

# Best Neighborhoods in Somerville MA: Union Square, Ball Square & Davis

Somerville's three most vibrant neighborhoods—Union Square, Ball Square, and Davis Square—each offer distinct character, strong transit connections, and appeal across different property types. According to recent MLS PIN sold data, Somerville's blended median price (single-family and condo) sits at $932,500 over the last 12 months, with single-family homes at $1,387,500 and condos at $879,900. All three neighborhoods fall within or near this range, but each brings something different to the table.

In my 29+ years working this market, I've watched Somerville transform from a quiet commuter town into one of the most sought-after addresses in the Greater Boston region. Union Square, Ball Square, and Davis Square are the anchors of that shift—each with its own architectural identity, walkability profile, and buyer appeal. Let me walk you through what makes each one special.

Union Square: Walkability Meets Transit

Union Square sits at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Washington Street, and it's become synonymous with urban revitalization. The Red Line station is steps away, making commutes to Cambridge and downtown Boston seamless. What I tell my clients is that Union Square offers the rare combination of urban density with genuine neighborhood feel.

Architecturally, Union Square is a mix. You'll find converted mill buildings—some dating back over a century—alongside new residential and mixed-use development. Victorian and early-20th-century brick structures dominate the streetscape, creating real character. Recent investment has brought ground-floor retail, restaurants, and galleries, but the bones of the neighborhood remain historic.

The immediate area around the T station is denser, with 4-6 story mixed-use buildings and taller residential projects. Move one or two blocks away and you hit lower-rise residential streets with triple-deckers, two-families, and single-family homes. Lot sizes tend to be modest—typical for urban Somerville—but street trees and proximity to parks help offset density.

Union Square residents have direct access to Somerville's schools guide via the city's district. The neighborhood also benefits from the city's ongoing public realm improvements—better sidewalks, street trees, and pedestrian safety upgrades have made it increasingly attractive.

Transit is the big win here. Beyond the Red Line, multiple bus lines run through Union Square, connecting to Kendall Square, Harvard, and beyond. If you work in Cambridge or Boston proper, Union Square cuts your commute time significantly compared to car-dependent neighborhoods.

Ball Square: Hidden Gem Character

Ball Square sits slightly northwest, around Ball Square on Highland Avenue. It's less tourist-trafficked than Union Square or Davis, which is part of its charm. The neighborhood has maintained a more residential feel while still offering excellent transit and walkability.

Architecturally, Ball Square is dominated by early-1900s residential architecture—mostly two- and three-family homes, with some single-family properties mixed in. You'll see substantial Victorians and Colonial Revival homes set back from tree-lined streets. Lot sizes here are slightly larger than Union Square, giving properties more breathing room and outdoor space.

The Orange Line station at Sullivan Square (about 5-10 minutes walk depending on exact location) provides direct access to downtown Boston and beyond. This is a crucial advantage for commuters. The neighborhood also sits a short bike ride or walk from the Mystic River Greenway, which is becoming increasingly popular for recreation and alternative commuting.

What I appreciate about Ball Square for my clients is the balance. You get Somerville's urban conveniences—walkable dining, transit access, young professional demographic—without the density premium you pay in Union Square or Davis. Pricing tends to be slightly softer than the other two squares, making it attractive for buyers looking to maximize property size within the Somerville median.

The neighborhood has been quietly gaining attention. Local restaurants and shops have opened over the past few years, but it hasn't tipped into the overcrowded-feeling phase yet. For buyers who want to be in Somerville but value space and tranquility over constant foot traffic, Ball Square deserves serious consideration.

Davis Square: Arts, Culture & Walkability

Davis Square is Somerville's best-known neighborhood nationally. It's the heart of the city's arts scene, home to the Somerville Theatre, numerous galleries, independent bookstores, and a restaurant scene that rivals many larger cities. The Red Line T station is right there, with a pedestrian overpass connecting the square itself to the station—arguably the best-integrated transit connection in Somerville.

Architecturally, Davis is a time capsule of late-1800s and early-1900s development. You'll see substantial Victorian homes, Edwardian apartment buildings, and brick commercial structures facing the square. The neighborhood radiates outward from the central square, with single-family homes, two-families, and three-families on side streets. Building stock is consistently well-maintained, and property owners take pride in restoration and upgrades.

Davis Square sits on relatively flat terrain compared to the hills you find elsewhere in Somerville, which enhances walkability. Most daily needs—coffee, groceries, dining, retail—are within a 10-minute walk. The Tufts University presence (just north in Medford) brings vibrancy and a young-professional demographic, though Davis attracts buyers and renters of all ages.

Lot sizes in Davis are typical for urban Somerville—modest by suburban standards, but sufficient for parking, small yards, and outdoor decks. What you're buying in Davis is location, character, and walkability, not acreage.

The transit advantage cannot be overstated. Davis Square sits directly on the Red Line, with express service to Park Street and downtown. For Boston commuters, this is a 20-25 minute door-to-door commute for most. For Cambridge workers, it's even faster. The ability to walk to the T and avoid parking entirely appeals to a broad swath of buyers.

What makes Davis special is the cultural identity. The Somerville Theatre hosts live music and film. The Davis Square Arts Center brings workshops and exhibitions. Restaurants range from casual to upscale, and they change frequently—reflecting the neighborhood's dynamism. This atmosphere attracts creative professionals, academics, and anyone seeking walkable urban living with personality.

Market Dynamics & Property Types

Across all three neighborhoods, you'll encounter a mix of property types. Condos and co-ops are most common, reflecting Somerville's urban character—these made up 391 of the 457 sold properties in recent Somerville sales data (MLS PIN). Single-family homes are available but represent a smaller share of turnover, and they tend to command the higher end of the Somerville median, often in the $1.2–$1.5M range.

For buyers, the distinction matters. Condo fees vary significantly by building; I always tell clients to scrutinize the budget and reserve fund status. Multi-family properties (two- and three-families) appeal to investors and owner-occupants seeking rental income—very common in Davis and Ball Square.

Inventory dynamics shift seasonally, but all three neighborhoods stay competitive year-round. Davis Square and Union Square move faster than Ball Square, reflecting their higher profile. Properties that combine transit proximity, unit size, and move-in condition tend to generate multiple offers across all three.

Schools, Parks & Community

All three neighborhoods fall within Somerville Public Schools, which operates on a district-wide basis with assigned schools based on residential address. Properties near Union Square may feed different buildings than those in Davis, so it's worth checking your specific zone if schools are a factor.

Parks are plentiful. Union Square has Stephen Spur Park and the Greenway. Davis is near Alewife Brook Reservation (great for walking and cycling). Ball Square sits close to the Mystic River Greenway. The city has invested in these green spaces significantly over the past decade, making outdoor recreation accessible without leaving the neighborhood.

Community engagement is strong across all three. Each hosts local events, markets, and gatherings. Somerville's arts grants and cultural initiatives mean there's always something happening—galleries openings, street festivals, live music. For buyers who value community participation over quiet isolation, this is a major draw.

Transportation & Commuting

All three neighborhoods benefit from the Red Line, which is the backbone of Somerville transit. Union Square and Davis sit directly on the line; Ball Square has Orange Line access plus bus connections. For anyone commuting to Cambridge (Kendall, Harvard, MIT) or Boston proper, the Red Line is a game-changer. Bike infrastructure has also improved—Somerville has been investing in protected bike lanes, making cycling a viable commute option for many residents.

Driving is possible but increasingly frustrating due to density and parking constraints. Street parking is permit-required in all three neighborhoods, and it can be tight. Buyers without a car or with a single vehicle find these neighborhoods most livable.

Why These Three Stand Out

I've marketed Somerville homes for nearly three decades, and what strikes me is how quickly these three neighborhoods have evolved. Union Square was a ghost town in the 1990s; now it's a model for urban revitalization. Davis has remained desirable throughout that period, but it's become more desirable as Somerville itself gained cultural cache. Ball Square is the sleeping giant—less hyped than the other two, but offering similar amenities at a more measured price.

What ties all three together is transit, walkability, and authenticity. You're not buying a planned community or a suburb; you're buying into a real neighborhood with history, character, and an active street life. The architecture tells the story of Somerville's industrial past and its creative present.

For buyers considering Somerville, contact us for a neighborhood tour or market analysis. We work with buyers and sellers across Union Square, Ball Square, Davis, and beyond. Understanding the nuances of each area—block by block—is what shapes a good decision.

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FAQ

- Q: What's the difference between Davis Square and Union Square for home buyers? A: Davis Square is more established, arts-focused, and has a longer track record of desirability. Union Square is newer to the revitalization wave, offers faster transit to Cambridge, and has more new construction. Both sit on the Red Line; Davis feels more settled, Union Square feels more dynamic. Choice depends on whether you prefer established character or urban momentum.

- Q: Is Ball Square as walkable as Davis or Union Square? A: Ball Square is walkable for daily needs and has good transit via the Orange Line and bus routes, but the commercial density is lower than Davis or Union Square. It's slightly quieter and more residential. If you want a vibrant commercial district on your doorstep, Davis is the pick. If you want walkability without constant crowds, Ball Square fits better.

- Q: What's the parking situation in these neighborhoods? A: Street parking is permit-required in all three, and finding a spot can be challenging during peak hours. Many buildings have reserved parking (often paid separately) or no parking at all. Buyers should budget for a dedicated space or be prepared to street park. The trade-off is that transit access makes car ownership less essential.

- Q: How do property taxes in these Somerville neighborhoods compare to nearby towns? A: Somerville property taxes are consistent across the city regardless of neighborhood. For specific tax figures and comparisons to towns like Cambridge or Brookline, consult your real estate agent or the Somerville Assessor's office. Tax impact should be weighed against transit access and walkability when comparing across the metro area.

- Q: Are single-family homes available in Davis, Union, or Ball Square? A: Yes, but they're less common than condos and multi-families. Single-family homes in these neighborhoods tend to command premium prices—often $1.2M–$1.5M+—because land and building stock are limited and desirable. Most sales volume is condos or multi-family conversions. If a single-family is your goal, we can help you search, but expect fewer options and higher competition.

Work With the Steinmetz Team

This guide was written by the Steinmetz Real Estate team at William Raveis Real Estate in Newton, MA. Sarina Steinmetz (CRS, ABR, GRI) is the #1 producing agent in William Raveis's Newton office — 29+ years of experience, Top 1.5% nationally per RealTrends, and over $590M in career sales. Zev Steinmetz is her partner agent, a residential specialist in buyer representation, seller strategy, and negotiation. Together they help buyers and sellers across Newton, Brookline, Needham, Wellesley, Waltham, and Greater Boston.

Have a question about this market? Call Sarina at 617.610.0207 or Zev at 617.335.2019 — Steinmetz Real Estate Professionals, William Raveis, 1229 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02459.