Somerville is the place people move to when they want Cambridge energy but cannot afford Cambridge rent. It is younger, scruffier, and more creative than most of Boston, and its social life is concentrated in two squares: Davis and Union. Both are small enough that you can walk everywhere and dense enough that you will keep running into the same people.
Why make friends in Somerville
Somerville has a strong DIY culture: music venues, art spaces, board game nights, trivia, and local politics. The people who live here are likely to be involved in something, whether it is a band, a softball team, a civic group, or a niche hobby. The best way to make friends is to pick one of those things and keep showing up. The city also runs a lot of free events in the squares, which makes it easy to try before you commit.
Where people actually gather
- The Burren in Davis Square is the best-known trivia night in the area, with a music trivia night that draws a loyal crowd.
- Aeronaut Brewing in Union Square is a huge warehouse brewery with games, music, and a social crowd.
- Brooklyn Boulders Somerville is a massive climbing gym with regular events and a creative crowd.
- Davis Square itself is a walkable social hub: cafés, shops, the Somerville Theatre, and the plaza in front of the T station.
Your first month, week by week
- Week 1: Walk Davis Square and Union Square. Stop at one café and one brewery. Read the flyers and event calendars.
- Week 2: Go to trivia at The Burren or a game night at Aeronaut.
- Week 3: Try a climbing day pass at Brooklyn Boulders or a run with a local club.
- Week 4: Commit to one repeat weekly event and invite someone to it.
Getting around and finding your crowd
Somerville is on the Red Line (Davis, Porter) and the Green Line extension now reaches Union Square and East Somerville. Buses connect the squares to Cambridge and Boston. The city is very bike-friendly, and the squares are close enough that walking between them is common.
Common questions
- Is Somerville good for people over 30? Yes, especially if you are interested in music, arts, food, or local politics. It is less student-heavy than Allston.
- Where do families meet people? Somerville has a strong parent network, playgrounds, and family events. The local Facebook groups and community centers are good starting points.
- Is Somerville safe? Yes, though the nightlife areas can get busy and noisy.
