Somerville, MA

Somerville is located in Middlesex County, two miles north of Boston. It was originally settled in 1630, as a district of the city of Charlestown. Somerville later played an important role in the American Revolution, and became its own city in 1842. Known throughout the Boston area as a rich and diverse ethnic hub - indeed, more than one-third of Somerville's residents were born outside the United States - the city attracts numerous visitors with its diverse Latin American, Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Portuguese, Asian and other cuisines. In recent years, Somerville has earned the distinction of being New England's most densely populated community.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Somerville is distinguished by its diverse city squares, all connected by various bus routes, with each neighborhood boasting its own distinctive personality. The city possesses very little green space. The city maintains a 311 Call Center, through which residents and visitors can make requests and obtain information about the city as a whole or a particular neighborhood. It is the only city in Massachusetts to employ this feature. Some of Somerville's notable neighborhoods include:

• Davis Square: Located near Tufts University, Cambridge and Boston, Davis Square is known for its inexpensive cafes, boutiques and entertainment. It features bike paths and tree-lined streets.
• Union Square: A mainly residential area, Union Square contains plenty of locally owned restaurants, bars and shops. The neighborhood has prominent Portuguese and Brazilian populations. Prospect Hill, where one of the first American flags was raised in 1776, is also located here.
• Magoun Square: Located near Tufts University, Magoun Square borders the city of Medford and is officially named Sloane Square. Its nickname comes from Thatcher Magoun, Medford's shipbuilding pioneer of the 1800s.
• Ball Square: A residential neighborhood near Magoun Square, Ball Square's restaurants and coffee shops are frequented by students from nearby Tufts University. It also has a high-end wine shop and chocolatier, as well as a gift shop that sells local art.
• Teele Square: Within walking distance of Tufts University, Teele Square has a variety of restaurants, pubs and cafes.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Somerville has several programs in place to assist local businesses, including the Storefront Improvement Program, Small Business Workshops Series, Brownfield Economic Development Program and Small Business Loan Program. The majority of residents work in manufacturing or in the service industries.

The city's largest employers include Tufts University, Cambridge Health Alliance, Angelica Textiles, and Ames Safety Envelope.

FOR VISITORS

• Somerville is home to roughly 35 parks and sports fields. It has public swimming pools, an ice rink, hiking trails and the Mystic River, where visitors and residents can fish, canoe and more.
• Prospect Hill Park features Prospect Hill Castle, which marks the spot where the first American flag was flown by George Washington on Jan. 1, 1776.
• Powder House Monument: Built around 1704 and located in Nathan Tufts Park, the Old Powder House is considered one of Massachusetts' most remarkable ruins as it was used for the storage of arms and ammunition during the Indian and Revolutionary Wars. The park and powder house are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are within walking distance of Davis Square, Teele Square and Ball Square.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Art in the Garden: This summer camp, for children ages 6 to 12 and their parents, is a six-week program with a focus on nature.
• Mystic Mural Project: The city sponsors murals along the Mystic River.
• Somerville Museum: The Somerville Museum exhibits artifacts and photographs related to Somerville's history, while also hosting numerous musical events and lectures.
• Somerville Theatre: Built in 1914, this historic theater is located in Davis Square and mainly shows movies, although one of the stages also features live performances.
• Sunsetters: This youth performance troupe performs on the streets of Somerville during the summer.

EVENTS

• ArtBeat Festival: Somerville has the country's second-largest number of artists per capita (behind New York City), and various groups sponsor arts events: ArtsUnion, Brickbottom Artists Association and the Somerville Arts Council. The third weekend in July, Davis Square comes alive with music, performances, crafts, dance and food, with local artists participating in a yearly theme.
• International Film Festival: Each spring, world-renowned actors and filmmakers attend this festival at Somerville Theater in Davis Square. This spectacular annual event boasts screenings, parties, panel discussions and special guests.
• Shape Up Somerville: This 5K run/walk takes place each summer. Adults and children may participate.
• Somerville's Memorial Day Parade is among the largest in the region. The city also hosts a Fourth of July Celebration and regular Family Fun Days, which include such activities as face painting, barbecues and obstacle courses to kick off summer.

EDUCATION

Somerville itself is home to Tufts University, as well as a branch of the Career Education Institute. Additionally, it is very close to a number of highly ranked universities, including:

• Boston University
• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

LOCAL MEDIA

Somerville's local television stations:

• City Cable 13/16
• Educational Channel 15

Local newspapers serving Somerville:

• The Somerville News
• Somerville Journal