112 Furnished and unfurnished private rooms and sublets for rent in Somerville, Boston: Browse and book your perfect home today

Looking to rent in Somerville? Here's everything you need to know about costs, neighborhoods, safety, and what it's like to live in this vibrant Boston-area city.

Rental Options and Availability

Can I find month-to-month or short-term rentals in Somerville?

Absolutely! Somerville's proximity to Harvard, MIT, and Tufts means landlords are accustomed to flexible arrangements. Summer months offer the best opportunities for short-term leases as students vacate, and many landlords near Davis Square and Porter Square cater to academic schedules. Here at June Homes you can get flexible lease options in Somerville to match your needs—rent a furnished room or apartment for as little as 1 month, or stay for 3, 6, or 12 months.

Is it easy to find furnished apartments in Somerville?

Definitely! The strong student and young professional population means plenty of furnished Somerville apartments for rent, especially around Davis Square and near the Red Line. Properties along Highland Avenue and near Tufts campus often come move-in ready with beds, desks, and kitchen essentials. You'll find everything from cozy studios to larger shared spaces perfect for immediate occupancy.

Costs and Affordability

Is Somerville an affordable place to rent in Boston?

Somerville sits in the middle range for Greater Boston rental costs, and here at June Homes you can find apartments and rooms for rent in Somerville from $800-$2,300. While pricier than neighborhoods like Malden or Revere, it's generally more affordable than Cambridge or downtown Boston.

What's the process for finding roommates in Somerville?

Super straightforward thanks to the mix of grad students, young professionals, and artists. Check Tufts and Harvard housing boards, Facebook groups, or platforms like June Homes. Many landlords are experienced with group leases and can help facilitate roommate matching. 

Are there cheaper neighborhoods near Somerville?

Medford offers similar community vibes with lower rents, especially near Tufts. Malden provides significant savings with decent Orange Line access. Cambridge's Porter Square area has comparable pricing to Somerville but fewer affordable options. Arlington offers a suburban feel with lower costs but requires bus commuting to reach the T.

Transportation and Getting Around

Do I need a car to live in Somerville, or is it walkable?

Skip the car! Somerville is incredibly walkable with excellent public transit, anchored by Davis Square's Red Line station. Most neighborhoods are bikeable, and you'll find everything from grocery stores to late-night dining within walking distance of the squares. Plus, parking is challenging and requires resident permits in most areas.

What public transit options serve Somerville?

The Red Line serves Davis Square and Porter Square, while multiple bus routes (77, 87, 88, 89, 90, 94, 96) connect different neighborhoods. Union Square now has Green Line access, dramatically improving connectivity. The 77 bus is particularly useful, running from Harvard through Davis to Arlington.

What's the commute like from Somerville to downtown?

Super easy! From Davis Square, you're at Park Street in about 15-20 minutes on the Red Line. Porter Square offers similar timing with slightly fewer stops. Union Square's new Green Line connection provides direct access to downtown and Back Bay. Even from outer neighborhoods, bus connections to Red Line stations keep commutes under 30 minutes.

Living in Somerville

What's it like living in Somerville?

Somerville is one of the most densely populated and ethnically diverse communities in New England, with an eclectic mix of blue-collar families, young professionals, college students, and recent immigrants from El Salvador, Haiti, and Brazil. It has more artists per capita than any American city except New York, creating an incredibly vibrant arts and culture scene. Each neighborhood square has its own distinct personality and community feel.

Is Somerville good for students?

Perfect for students! With Tufts University right there and easy access to Harvard and MIT, Somerville is designed for academic life. Davis Square is essentially a college town with affordable eats, study-friendly cafes, and student-oriented housing. The Red Line makes getting to Harvard or MIT campuses quick and easy, while local businesses cater to student budgets and schedules.

Is Somerville good for young professionals in Boston?

Absolutely ideal! Young professionals love Somerville for its perfect balance of urban energy and community feel. The arts scene, diverse dining, and walkable neighborhoods create the perfect post-college lifestyle.

Is Somerville family-friendly?

Somerville works well for families, especially those who value diversity and walkability. While some areas get student-heavy, neighborhoods like Spring Hill, Magoun Square, and parts of East Somerville offer more family-oriented environments. Great parks, good schools, and strong community organizations make it appealing to families who want urban convenience without downtown chaos.

Things to Do in Somerville:

• Catch shows at The Somerville Theatre for indie films and live performances.
• Explore Davis Square's incredible restaurant scene from Redbones BBQ to authentic ethnic cuisines.
• Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Burren, Orleans, or Aeronaut Brewing.
• Browse the eclectic shops and vintage stores throughout Davis and Union Squares.
• Enjoy outdoor space at Trum Field, Somerville Community Path, or the Mystic River.
• Attend ArtBeat and other community festivals celebrating the city's artistic culture.

Best Areas to Live

What are the best streets or parts of Somerville to live in?

Davis Square area is the crown jewel with Red Line access and the most dining/entertainment options. Union Square offers the newest Green Line access plus an emerging food scene. Porter Square provides quieter residential feel with excellent transit. Highland Avenue near Tufts combines campus energy with local amenities. Ball Square and Magoun Square offer more affordable options while maintaining good bus connections.

How does Somerville compare to nearby neighborhoods in Boston?

Compared to Cambridge, Somerville offers similar energy and diversity at generally lower costs. Unlike Allston's heavy student population, Somerville has more diverse age demographics. Brookline is pricier and more suburban, while Somerville maintains urban density. Medford offers similar community feel with lower costs but less nightlife. Cambridge's Porter area is comparable but with fewer affordable housing options.

Is Somerville safe for renters?

Very safe overall! The high foot traffic from residents, students, and visitors keeps streets well-monitored. MBTA Transit Police cover the Red Line stations, and the community-oriented culture means neighbors look out for each other. Most issues are minor property crimes rather than violent incidents. Standard city awareness applies, but the strong community presence creates a secure environment.

Why choose Somerville over other Boston neighborhoods?

Simple: you get authentic urban living with amazing value. The incredible diversity, thriving arts scene, excellent transit access, and strong community feel create one of the best residential experiences in Greater Boston. Whether you're drawn to Davis Square's energy, Union Square's emerging scene, or the quieter residential areas, Somerville offers the perfect blend of city convenience and neighborhood character without the premium prices of Cambridge or downtown Boston.

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