Somerville is a city located just north of Boston in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. With a population of over 80,000 as of the 2020 census, it is the most densely populated municipality in New England.
Population
The population of Somerville was estimated to be 80,526 as of the 2020 US Census. This makes it the 18th largest city by population in Massachusetts. The city has a population density of over 18,000 people per square mile, making it the most densely populated city in New England.
Somerville’s population peaked in the 1950s, when over 105,000 people lived in just 4 square miles. Since then, the population declined due to urban decay and suburbanization. However, in recent decades, the population has increased again due to revitalization efforts and the city’s proximity to Cambridge and Boston.
Somerville has long been a landing spot for immigrants. Throughout its history, it has been home to Irish, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Haitian, Brazilian, Chinese, and Central American immigrants among others. Over 30% of current residents are foreign born.
Economy
Traditionally an industrial city, Somerville’s economy is now focused on research, technology, retail, and education. The city is home to several major employers:
- Tufts University
- ABB Inc
- Cambridge Health Alliance
- SAS Institute
- Olympus
Several factors contribute to Somerville’s thriving economy:
- Proximity to major educational institutions like Harvard University and MIT
- Access to transit – 3 train lines run through Somerville
- Revitalized industrial areas like Assembly Square and Brickbottom
- Office and lab space ideal for startups and biotech companies
The median household income in Somerville is over $100,000 annually, well above the national average. Unemployment is low, at just 2.5% as of late 2022.
Landmarks
Somerville is home to a number of historic and cultural landmarks, including:
- The Somerville Museum – exhibits on Somerville history
- Bunker Hill Monument – commemorates the first major battle of the American Revolution
- The Somerville Theatre – historic independent movie theater
- Prospect Hill Tower – 19th century stone tower with city views
The city also has an abundance of parks, libraries, community centers, and other public spaces that serve as informal gathering places.
Sports
Despite its small size, Somerville has a thriving sports scene:
- The Somerville Youth Soccer Club offers soccer leagues for kids of all ages
- The Somerville Road Runners organize an annual 4th of July run through the city
- Somerville High School’s sports teams, the Highlanders, compete in the Greater Boston League
Somerville residents are passionate Boston sports fans, rooting ardently for teams like the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. The city comes alive when one of the Boston teams is playing for a championship.
About the City
To learn more about Somerville, check out the city’s official website. You can also visit the Somerville City Facebook page for news and community events.