East Somerville (Boston: condos, houses, neighborhoods)

[im2005]

What's the scoop on Somerville/E. Somerville? Is it gentrifying? I read somewhere that there are tensions between the working class folks who have been there for some time and the professionals who are moving in, driving home prices up.

I'm thinking specifically of the area around Sullivan Square. Thanks.

[afdsa83]

Actually the tensions are in all of somerville. East is just one of the barely if any gentrification affected areas.Its dangerous if you ask me, i live there. In the last few months there have been 2 or 3 murders nevermind the other crime. Its really not worth it to move in. This city in general is not worth it. Its a dump and a joke, corrupt policies etc..however most of this is not circulating in the media.

[pmhalloran]

Im not a fan of somerville either, however my husband is an appraiser and is there quite frequently (yesterday and tomorrow actually). He mostly appraises condo's becuase everything is being converted. I can say that a lot of people I know who live there will defend it. Its when you move out of the city that you can see it for what it is. On the other hand, davis sq can be nice if your there for the theatre...etc.

[bcollins]

East Somerville is, at present, the least gentrified section of Somerville. It is unfortunately true that more and more of the housing stock is being condo-ized. This is problematic for a number of reasons. First, parking is an issue and has become even more of one in the last 5 years. When the housing stock was all 2 and 3 family houses, people of all backgrounds stayed, raised children and looked out for each other. Now, people are buying and selling condos every 2 -5 years and the stability, diversity and safety of the neighborhoods is deteriorating. Houses are worth a lot more but the trade-off has not been worth it.

[brightdoglover]

It's also quite dreary and bisected by a large multi-lane highway. Convenient to Boston and all, but... drab and dreary.