## Somerville's Affordable Renaissance: Where to Invest Before It's Gone
Just 10 years ago, Somerville was the "last affordable place near Boston." That narrative is changing fast. Here's what's happening and where opportunities remain.
### The Somerville Story
**Historical Context:**
- 2015: Median home price $425K
- 2020: Median home price $625K
- 2025: Median home price $1.05M
- 10-year appreciation: 147%
**What Changed:**
- Green Line expansion (2021-2022) = transit access to Cambridge/Boston
- Tech influx from Cambridge spillover
- Young professionals priced out of Boston/Cambridge
- New restaurants, nightlife, cultural scene
### Neighborhood Breakdown
**Premium (Approaching Cambridge Prices):**
- Davis Square: $1.35M median (was $550K in 2015)
- Porter Square area: $1.25M median
**Mid-Range (Still Affordable for Boston):**
- Union Square: $1.05M median
- Assembly Row area: $1.0M median
**Value (Last Chance Before Explosion?):**
- Inner Belt area: $925K median
- Magoun Square: $950K median
- Winter Hill: $895K median
### Investment Opportunity
If you're an investor or buyer:
1. **Primary Residence:** Davis/Porter now expensive, but Winter Hill/Inner Belt still have upside
2. **Investment Property:** 4-5% annual rent growth expected; tenant demand = strong
3. **Timing:** Every year Somerville becomes more like Cambridge = prices rise
4. **Value Play:** Buy inner Somerville now before it reaches $1.2M+ median
### Risks to Consider
- Rapid gentrification = displacement concerns
- Market saturation (how much higher can prices go?)
- Interest rate sensitivity (rates down = demand up = prices surge)
- Political pressure on landlords (rent control initiatives possible)
### The Bottom Line
Somerville's renaissance is real, but the "affordable Boston alternative" narrative is fading. If you're looking for value in the Greater Boston area with strong appreciation potential:
1. Buy in Somerville now, or
2. Look further out (Medford, Malden, Quincy) where same dynamic is playing out 2-3 years behind
### Next Steps
[Explore Somerville data & comparables →](/apps/schools-towns?town=Somerville)
[Investment property inquiry →](/contact?property-type=investment)