Somerville 84 Exceptional
Somerville Livability #31 ranked city in New Jersey#782 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Somerville

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in Somerville?

Somerville, New Jersey is a medium-sized city with a population of 12,458 people. Somerville has a population density of 5,328 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (66% White). Given that fact, Somerville could be considered less diverse than other cities. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 50% of the Somerville population is married. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Somerville, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 25 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Somerville is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in New Jersey, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, crime, commute, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Somerville and in the areas around Somerville is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 84/100, Somerville is ranked #658 in the United States and #26 in New Jersey. Compared to the US average, Somerville ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Somerville also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Somerville ranks very well for amenities (B+), crime (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Somerville, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (F).

Living in Somerville offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Somerville provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Somerville shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 73 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Somerville, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Somerville apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Somerville real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Somerville. The median home price for Somerville homes is $606,646, which is 9.2% higher than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Somerville, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 9.8% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Somerville

See all the best places to live around Somerville

How Do You Rate The Livability In Somerville?

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Compare Somerville, NJ Livability

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      Somerville transportation information

      Statistic Somerville New Jersey National
      Average one way commute25min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.2%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.6%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.9%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.5%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home6.0%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Somerville, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.