Union Square
Somerville's most transformed neighborhood — the new Green Line station, a booming restaurant scene, and the raw energy of a place that's changing fast.
About Union Square
Union Square is ground zero for Somerville's transformation. For years, it was a commercial square with amazing ethnic restaurants — Brazilian, Haitian, Salvadoran — but no transit access, which kept a lid on prices. The Green Line Extension changed everything. The new Union Square station, which opened in 2022, connected the neighborhood to the entire MBTA system and triggered a wave of development that's still accelerating. New mixed-use buildings are going up along Somerville Avenue. The restaurant scene has exploded: Bronwyn (German beer garden), Celeste (Peruvian), and Bow Market (a collection of micro-restaurants and shops in a converted industrial space) have made Union Square a food destination. The old guard — Brazilian bakeries, the Reliable Market, the auto shops — still holds ground, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. For buyers, Union Square is a bet on transit-driven appreciation with asymmetric upside.
Property Character
Triple-deckers and multi-families on the residential streets, with new construction condos and mixed-use buildings rising near the T station. Active development pipeline. Older homes tend to be unrenovated and priced accordingly — opportunity for sweat equity.
Typical Home Styles
Best For
Local Highlights
- •Brand new Green Line station — the catalyst for the neighborhood's transformation
- •Bow Market — a one-of-a-kind collection of micro-restaurants, shops, and bars
- •One of the most diverse dining scenes in Greater Boston
- •Active development pipeline with significant new housing and retail
Getting Around
Green Line at Union Square station — direct service to Lechmere, Government Center, and beyond. Bus routes 85, 86, 87, 91. Bikeable to Kendall Square and Inman Square in minutes.
Schools Serving Union Square
Somerville Public Schools. East Somerville Community School nearby. The neighborhood's demographics are shifting rapidly — school enrollment patterns are changing accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Union Square
What is Union Square in Somerville like?
Somerville's most transformed neighborhood — the new Green Line station, a booming restaurant scene, and the raw energy of a place that's changing fast. Union Square is ground zero for Somerville's transformation. For years, it was a commercial square with amazing ethnic restaurants — Brazilian, Haitian, Salvadoran — but no transit access, which kept a lid on prices. The Green Line Extension changed everything. The new Union Square station, which opened in 2022, connected the neighborhood to the entire MBTA system and triggered a wave of development that's still accelerating. New mixed-use buildings are going up along Somerville Avenue. The restaurant scene has exploded: Bronwyn (German beer garden), Celeste (Peruvian), and Bow Market (a collection of micro-restaurants and shops in a converted industrial space) have made Union Square a food destination. The old guard — Brazilian bakeries, the Reliable Market, the auto shops — still holds ground, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. For buyers, Union Square is a bet on transit-driven appreciation with asymmetric upside. Union Square is especially popular with buyers who want to ride the transit-driven appreciation wave — the green line station is still being priced in and food lovers drawn to one of the most eclectic restaurant neighborhoods in the metro. Contact Steinmetz Real Estate for a personalized tour of Union Square.
What are home prices in Union Square, Somerville?
Homes in Union Square typically range from $450K (1BR condo) – $1.4M (triple-decker). 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 Union Square?
Union Square features Triple-Decker, Multi-Family, Condo Conversion, New Construction Condo, Two-Family homes. Triple-deckers and multi-families on the residential streets, with new construction condos and mixed-use buildings rising near the T station. Active development pipeline. Older homes tend to be unreno Browse active listings in Somerville on our listings page.
How is the commute from Union Square, Somerville?
Green Line at Union Square station — direct service to Lechmere, Government Center, and beyond. Bus routes 85, 86, 87, 91. Bikeable to Kendall Square and Inman Square in minutes. 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 Union Square?
Somerville Public Schools. East Somerville Community School nearby. The neighborhood's demographics are shifting rapidly — school enrollment patterns are changing accordingly. 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 Union Square.
Explore more of Somerville
Union Square is just one part of what makes Somerville special.