Davis Square
Somerville's crown jewel — Red Line access, independent restaurants, live music, and a neighborhood square that feels like a small town dropped into a city.
About Davis Square
Davis Square is the neighborhood that proved Somerville could be something more. In the 1980s, the Red Line extension reached Davis, and everything changed — slowly at first, then all at once. Today it's one of the most desirable squares in Greater Boston: the Somerville Theatre shows first-run films and hosts live music, ONCE Ballroom books national acts, and the restaurant scene — from Spoke Wine Bar to Fasika Ethiopian — rivals anything in Cambridge. The commercial strip along Elm Street and Highland Avenue is almost entirely independent, and the community fights hard to keep it that way. The residential streets surrounding the square are classic Somerville: triple-deckers, two-families, and some Victorians on the quieter blocks near Tufts. Prices have risen dramatically but remain below comparable locations in Cambridge's Porter Square, just one Red Line stop away.
Property Character
Dense residential blocks of triple-deckers and two-families within walking distance of the square. Some larger Victorians on the streets near Tufts University. Condo conversions are the dominant ownership form. Older housing stock that rewards renovation.
Typical Home Styles
Best For
Local Highlights
- •Red Line at Davis Station — 20 min to Park Street, one stop from Porter/Cambridge
- •Somerville Theatre, ONCE Ballroom, and a vibrant live music scene
- •Almost entirely independent restaurants and shops — fiercely anti-chain
- •Strong community identity with seasonal events and neighborhood activism
Getting Around
Red Line at Davis Station — 20 min to Park Street, 25 min to South Station. Bus routes 87, 88, 89, 90, 94, 96. Excellent bike infrastructure including the Somerville Community Path connecting to the Minuteman Bikeway.
Schools Serving Davis Square
Somerville Public Schools. West Somerville Neighborhood School nearby. Somerville High School for upper grades. Proximity to Tufts University provides community programs. Several quality preschool and daycare options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Davis Square
What is Davis Square in Somerville like?
Somerville's crown jewel — Red Line access, independent restaurants, live music, and a neighborhood square that feels like a small town dropped into a city. Davis Square is the neighborhood that proved Somerville could be something more. In the 1980s, the Red Line extension reached Davis, and everything changed — slowly at first, then all at once. Today it's one of the most desirable squares in Greater Boston: the Somerville Theatre shows first-run films and hosts live music, ONCE Ballroom books national acts, and the restaurant scene — from Spoke Wine Bar to Fasika Ethiopian — rivals anything in Cambridge. The commercial strip along Elm Street and Highland Avenue is almost entirely independent, and the community fights hard to keep it that way. The residential streets surrounding the square are classic Somerville: triple-deckers, two-families, and some Victorians on the quieter blocks near Tufts. Prices have risen dramatically but remain below comparable locations in Cambridge's Porter Square, just one Red Line stop away. Davis Square is especially popular with young professionals and couples who want transit access, walkability, and culture without cambridge prices and first-time condo buyers seeking a vibrant neighborhood with room for appreciation. Contact Steinmetz Real Estate for a personalized tour of Davis Square.
What are home prices in Davis Square, Somerville?
Homes in Davis Square typically range from $475K (1BR condo) – $1.5M (triple-decker/multi-family). The Somerville market has seen a +5.5% year-over-year price change. Sarina Steinmetz has 26+ years of experience in this neighborhood — call (617) 610-0207 for a precise valuation.
What types of homes are in Davis Square?
Davis Square features Triple-Decker, Two-Family, Condo Conversion, Victorian, Multi-Family homes. Dense residential blocks of triple-deckers and two-families within walking distance of the square. Some larger Victorians on the streets near Tufts University. Condo conversions are the dominant owner Browse active listings in Somerville on our listings page.
How is the commute from Davis Square, Somerville?
Red Line at Davis Station — 20 min to Park Street, 25 min to South Station. Bus routes 87, 88, 89, 90, 94, 96. Excellent bike infrastructure including the Somerville Community Path connecting to the Minuteman Bikeway. From Somerville, the drive to Downtown Boston (Park Street) is approximately 15-30 min and 20-30 min (Red Line from Davis) by transit.
What are the best schools near Davis Square?
Somerville Public Schools. West Somerville Neighborhood School nearby. Somerville High School for upper grades. Proximity to Tufts University provides community programs. Several quality preschool and daycare options. Top-rated schools include Somerville High School (6/10), West Somerville Neighborhood School (6/10), East Somerville Community School (5/10). The Steinmetz team can help you verify school zones for specific addresses in Davis Square.
Explore more of Somerville
Davis Square is just one part of what makes Somerville special.