West Somerville

I live in the part of West Somerville that's at about the same latitude as Tufts (Clarendon Hill). We're young professionals in a neighborhood that's mixed between young families with kids, retirees, and some college students (on the Tufts-ward end of the block). The streets are narrow and cars usually drive slowly, and we often see residents out and about - walking their dogs, taking their kids to a park, or on their way to Davis Square or one of the nearby supermarkets.

Many of the families in this neighborhood own two- or three-family homes and live in one of the units. Most have no trouble finding tenants, who tend to be either college students or younger professionals.

Teele Square doesn't have as much going on as Davis and Porter do, but there are a few restaurants, corner stores, and laundromats, and storefronts are rarely empty for long.

The area is very walkable and bikeable (if a little hilly), and well-served by buses. I can't help but think that it'll perk up a little when Tufts finally gets its Green Line stop.