Executive Summary
This analysis compares West Roxbury and Somerville as potential relocation destinations for a family with two middle-school children, a budget of $400,000, and monthly income of $5,000. The analysis focuses on crime rates, school quality (particularly STEM programs), housing affordability, neighborhood characteristics, and commute options to downtown Boston.
Key Finding: Both areas have median home prices significantly above the $400,000 budget, with West Roxbury at $790,000 and Somerville at $1,010,000.
- Significantly lower crime rates (61% below national average)
- More traditional single-family homes with yards
- Strong family-oriented community
- Several highly-rated schools with STEM programs
- More suburban atmosphere
- Excellent walkability (ranked 7th nationally)
- Superior public transportation options
- Shorter commute to downtown Boston (20-30 minutes)
- Vibrant, diverse community with urban amenities
- Innovative and expanding STEM education initiatives
Interactive Neighborhood Map
This map highlights recommended neighborhoods in both West Roxbury (green) and Somerville (blue), showing their relative locations and key features.
Crime Statistics Comparison
West Roxbury
- Overall Crime Rating: A
- Total Crime: 61% lower than national average
- Violent Crime: 50% lower than national average
- Property Crime: 63% lower than national average
Somerville
- Overall Crime Rating: B
- Total Crime: 27% lower than national average
- Violent Crime: 32% lower than national average
- Property Crime: 26% lower than national average
- Recent Trend: 20.5% increase in crime year-over-year
Analysis: West Roxbury demonstrates a significantly stronger safety profile with lower crime rates across all categories.
School Quality Assessment
West Roxbury Middle Schools
- Comprehensive STEM curriculum
- Early College program
- Bridges academics with career readiness
- Real-world experiences through Boston's education and industry partnerships
- Part of Boston Public Schools STEM initiative
- Ongoing facility renovations
Somerville Middle Schools
- Expanding programming for middle grades
- After-school Climate Change Clubs for grades 6-8
- Somerville Robotics League
- FIRST Lego League teams
- Girls Who Code chapter
Analysis: Both areas offer quality STEM education options, with West Roxbury featuring dedicated STEM schools and Somerville taking a district-wide approach with innovative programs.
Housing Market and Affordability
| Metric |
West Roxbury |
Somerville |
| Median Sale Price |
$790,000 (up 16.4% year-over-year) |
$1,010,000 (down 8.2% year-over-year) |
| Market Competitiveness |
Very competitive |
Very competitive |
| Average Days on Market |
22 days |
26 days |
| Average Offers Per Home |
2 |
5 |
| Gap Above $400K Budget |
97.5% above budget |
152.5% above budget |
Affordability Analysis
With a $400,000 budget and $5,000 monthly income:
- Both areas present significant affordability challenges
- Mortgage payment on a $400,000 home would represent 40-44% of monthly income
- West Roxbury median price is 97.5% above budget
- Somerville median price is 152.5% above budget
Alternative Options
- Boston's Affordable Housing Programs:
- Neighborhood Homes Initiative ($250,000-$400,000 homes)
- Inclusionary Development Program
- Condominiums instead of single-family homes
- Adjacent neighborhoods with lower price points
Recommended Neighborhoods
West Roxbury
- Commercial center along Centre Street
- Moderate walkability
- Access to MBTA bus routes and commuter rail
- Close to Patrick Lyndon K-8 School
- Residential area with larger homes
- Lower walkability
- Limited public transportation
- Near West Roxbury Academy
- Residential area near Bellevue Hill
- Access to Bellevue commuter rail station
- Near Catholic Memorial School
Somerville
- Vibrant urban neighborhood
- Excellent walkability
- Red Line T station and multiple bus routes
- Near West Somerville Neighborhood School
- Residential area with community feel
- Good walkability
- Near Davis Square T station
- Close to West Somerville Neighborhood School
- Residential area with historic homes
- Good walkability
- Bus routes and walkable to Union Square
- Near Albert F. Argenziano School
Commute Options
West Roxbury to Downtown Boston
- Commuter Rail: 45-60 minutes
- Bus + Subway: 60-75 minutes
- Driving: 30-60 minutes (highly variable with traffic)
Somerville to Downtown Boston
- Red Line: 20-30 minutes
- Bus: 30-45 minutes
- Driving: 20-40 minutes (variable with traffic)
Analysis: Somerville offers significantly shorter and more reliable commute options to downtown Boston.
Pros and Cons Comparison
West Roxbury
Advantages
- Significantly lower crime rates
- More traditional single-family homes with yards
- Larger homes and lots
- Quieter, suburban atmosphere
- Strong family-oriented community
- More green space and parks
Disadvantages
- Limited walkability (car-dependent for most errands)
- Relies primarily on commuter rail and buses
- Longer commute to downtown Boston
- Fewer urban amenities
- Less diverse community
Somerville
Advantages
- Excellent walkability
- Superior transit options including subway access
- Shorter commute to downtown Boston
- Abundant restaurants, shops, and entertainment
- Innovative STEM education initiatives
- Vibrant, diverse community
- More cultural events and activities
Disadvantages
- Higher crime rates than West Roxbury
- Fewer single-family homes with yards
- Smaller homes and lots with more urban density
- More challenging parking situation
- Recent upward trend in crime rates
Final Recommendation
Based on your stated priorities:
- Budget of $400,000
- Monthly income of $5,000
- Two middle-school children needing STEM education
- Preference for low crime and good schools
- Desire for walkability and public transportation
Key Finding: Neither location fully meets the budget requirement, but both offer strong options for the other priorities.
West Roxbury offers advantages, though affordability remains a significant challenge.
Somerville is clearly superior, though housing costs are even higher.
For STEM-focused education
Both areas offer good options, with Somerville showing recent growth and innovation in STEM programs.
For your $400,000 budget
Both areas present significant challenges. Options include:
- Exploring Boston's affordable housing programs
- Considering condominiums instead of single-family homes
- Looking at adjacent neighborhoods with lower price points
- Renting until more affordable purchase opportunities become available
You may need to prioritize which factors are most important or consider expanding your search to more affordable nearby communities that still offer reasonable access to these areas.