Looks like I may be moving to Somerville.... *crossing fingers for luck*

[jewelweed.livejournal.com]

I haven't come to an agreement with my potential landlord yet about the place, but if the stars are right, I may be moving to Somerville, to a place on Central Street. That's Union Square, right?

I think it is walking distance from Davis Square, looking at the map, but I don't know the area that well yet, so I was wondering if folks could give me the skinny on different parts of Somerville and what they are like in terms of fun and overall hipness.

I'm a fan of The Burren, but I would love to knwo more about what Union Square would have to offer!

Also what is parking like in that area? Is it difficult to find a parking space to rent?

Comments

[wisdom-seeker.livejournal.com]

As a Somerville resident, you can get a city parking pass. It's been quite a while since I lived there, but I seem to recall it being pretty cheap.

[jewelweed.livejournal.com]

I am really jumping the gun here. I haven't even looked at the place yet. But the description and photos soudned just right, so I am hopeful that this housing search will soon wrap up.

Where in Somerville did you live? I don't actually know much about the area, other than that all my friends love Davis Square. :-)

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

Central, especially near Highland, is what the real estate people would call "Davis Square" but I think it's far enough east that that's a bit of an exaggeration. (Sort of how like "cute" in real estate-ese means "so small you need to go outside to change your mind.) Street parking should be plentiful in that area, if your apartment doesn't come with a deeded space. No clue what people do in snow emergencies. Parkign is by no means anywhere near as scarce as it was in the North End (didn't you used to live in the North End? ISTR you posting about some difficulties w/ your landlady or summat....)

Union Sq. doesn't have much. My SO used to live there in 1998-99, so I got familiar with the area, although my memories may be a bit old by now. There's a really good taqueria there, and the Red House for late-night Chinese takeout, but that's about all I can think of.

[wisdom-seeker.livejournal.com]

I got there before Davis Square became *the* place to be, so I truly lucked out. I lived in an apartment in a converted house on Elm street, right between Davis and Porter Squares. I've never been good with geography for other parts of Somerville, but IIRC, Union Square is a good 20-30 minute walk from Davis (distances on maps of the area tend to look shorter than they feel due to all the hills).

[jewelweed.livejournal.com]

Ah yes! Well, the landlady dispute resolved itself very swiftly. Her daught stepped in and worked everything out. I don't know if it was to her mother's satisfaction, but it was to mine. And yes, driving to and parking in the North End is a nightmare I do not ever want to relive. Boston is Mordor for drivers.

That's kind of what I thought for Union Square. Kind of nondescript. It might still be a good place to live though if it isn't too far from Davis.

[jewelweed.livejournal.com]

This tells me a lot. It also tells me why this place is less expensive than its size and prettiness would otherwise suggest. The sam place nearer Davis would likely be through the roof.

[saraheeyore.livejournal.com]

It really depends where on Central - one end is between Porter and Union Squares, the other is closer to Davis, although not that close.

You can get a parking pass to park on the street - I think it's five dollars?

[komos.livejournal.com]

Union Square is kind of stuck on the edges of places that are very cool, but it's just a little too far away (and a just little too poor) to really rise to that level. I still like the Neighborhood Restaurant for brunch, but they're prices have gone up significantly since I used to frequent it.

Other than that, it's not too far away from Davis, not too far away from Inman, and not too far away from Harvard...

[in-parentheses.livejournal.com]

My SO lives there now, and it's a bit improved. There's a nice little coffee shop, at least one Indian restaurant that's pretty decent, a couple of other restaurants I haven't tried yet, a video rental, a couple of good bars/clubs (especially if you like Latin music)...it's not hip or exciting, but it's not at all bad. I encourage you to wander around and explore the area. There's good stuff in the general vicinity, but it's not as centralized in a Square the way stuff is near Davis or Porter, so it takes a bit more exploring. I'm still learning my way around, myself. Good luck!

[jewelweed.livejournal.com]

Its very near the corner of Summer Street, if that helps.

[jewelweed.livejournal.com]

Thanks! This is very helpful! I might try to scour a bit more for a place closer to Davis. IF that is not too through-the-roof.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

If you come across any places listed as being either in Powderhouse or Ball Squares, definitely give them a look. These off-shoot squares are just a few blocks north of Davis and are homey and nice, and a bit less expensive per rent in most cases. I walk to the Davis T everyday from there (8 minutes strolling), and we have a cool coffee house, good little eateries, and a gorgeous leafy park.

[marphod.livejournal.com]

Union Square has a few good eateries. A very good Indian place (Palace of India, maybe? it has a fairly generic Indian Restaurant name), The Neighborhood Restaurant, which does a lovely brunch, 2 decent Korean places, a Taqueria and a few Chinese places. As well as the Mandatory Dunkies. Eat, alas, is gone, but there is also a decent Thai place (Great Thai Chef) and an asain Market (Reliable Market).

There are a number of stores there, of other sorts, but I've never really explored them. It is also down the streat from Dali (Spanish Tapas), the Kabob Factory (which is way better than any restuarant of that name deserves to be) and a number of other places. Walking distance (more or less) to the Target, a Market Basket, Tir na Nog, and a number of other fun things.

[komos.livejournal.com]

Ball Square has been making me very happy of late.

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

Ok, Summer & Central is about between Union & Porter Squares. There's stuff to do in each. Davis is a bit more of a hike, but still only 10-15 minutes away.

Union has a coffee shop with (I'm told) free wifi. There's Toast, which is becoming a hep place among those in the know. Myself, I'm more of a laid-back grab a pint and chill type, so the Tir Na Nog, which is a great little Irish pub, is perfect.

Red House and All Asia have good Chinese food. If you have days free, India Palace does a cheap and tasty lunch buffet.

Parking on Central can be had without a permit. Just be respectful of your neighbors.

[tsuki-no-bara.livejournal.com]

a somerville parking permit is $5 for a year. so, so cheap. if you're lucky you won't need one to park on your street - fortunately not all residential streets are permit-only - mine isn't - but if you drive into davis, for example, it's really handy to have.

[ceo]

OK, so it's close to where an ex of mine used to live. You can walk to Davis in 15 minutes, and Union in 10. Going home is slower because you're on a big hill.

[georgy.livejournal.com]

True Grounds! Best place ever! I <3 Ball Square.

[chaggalagirl.livejournal.com]

the indian restaurant is called india palace.... big, big, big yums there. the owner is amazingly friendly, as is the entire waitstaff. just.... yum. :) i hope you like indian food.

[simply-juniper.livejournal.com]

I absolutely agree with this. I love Ball Square. It's cute, quaint and has some of the best shops and restaurants.

I work in Union. It's certainly not as nice as Davis or even Ball Square but it's alright. They have plenty of any thing you'd need but I find it to be busy and dirty. :/

[pyrric.livejournal.com]

Hey, I can see your house from here! I live very close to the intersection of Central and Summer.

Davis is a nice walk from these parts down Summer St. when the weather is good but I wouldn't want to do it in the winter. Thankfully the 88 bus runs down Highland Ave. fairly often between Davis and Lechmere Station, as does the 87 down Somerville Ave. If you take the T to Davis from wherever, you can grab either bus and get dropped off at the corner of Central St.

Parking is plentiful. Many of the side streets off Central St. near Summer St. (Avon, Berkeley, etc.) don't require a resident permit, so yours may not either.

I like the neighborhood. It's quiet and convenient to a lot of more bustle-y places, and the look of shocked disbelief on my friends' faces when they find out how much I pay for rent ($1,200/month for a big 3-bedroom) never gets old.

[anthonydreamer.livejournal.com]

cool? Somerville?
we got enough pseudo-cool people here.
i suggest living in Nahant or Scituate or Duxbury.
those are the new hep spots...

[jewelweed.livejournal.com]

If I could live anywhere in New England, it would likely be Gloucester or Marblehead. Maybe even further noth. But ya know I have this funny little thing called a job-- and it is in Metro West. Then there is this thing called a social life, which includes a significant relationship, which is here. The places you name are just a tad far afield.

Basically I need to find me a place that is relatively close to Boston-Cambridge and commutable to Marlborough. That's my fate for the next year or so.

Nahant is beautiful though!

[wisdom-seeker.livejournal.com]

Scituate? You gotta be kidding... Or has my home-town changed that much since I moved away?

Union Square

[reed-davis.livejournal.com]

If you like The Burren you might enjoy an Irish bar called The Independent www.theindo.com
It's right in the middle of Union Square & my band is playing there next Saturday! www.uncleshaker.us
Oh yeah, The Tir 'na Nog is good too!

[maclou.livejournal.com]

Haha this is from a while ago I know but I live right near Union square and I felt like adding a couple of places. Mama Ginas is really good for pizza and stuff like that and there's also this Italian place called Lino's I think (I don't know...) that I really, really liked. The stationary store that's right next to the Korean market is neat.

That's what I like about it...