Janice Lozano
While some Harvard University students choose to live in on-campus housing, others opt for off-campus accommodation in nearby neighbourhoods, such as Somerville. Somerville is a popular choice for Harvard students as it offers a range of housing options, from private apartments to shared rooms, and is located about 3 miles from campus. Harvard University Housing provides off-campus accommodation in Somerville, with apartments located in the city. Students considering off-campus housing in Somerville should be aware of the zoning ordinance limitations and the associated financial commitments, such as realtor fees, security deposits, and rent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from Harvard University | 3 miles |
| Commute time | 10 minutes by subway, 20 minutes on foot |
| Housing options | Private apartments, shared rooms |
| Zoning ordinance limitation | Only four unrelated individuals can live in one dwelling unit |
| Housing costs | Significant upfront expenses, including realtor fees, security deposits, and rent |
| Harvard University Housing | Cost-effective option without security deposit, application fee, or finder's fee |
| Neighborhood | Vibrant community with easy access to campus, shops, and entertainment |
| Transportation | Accessible via the Davis T stop (Red Line) |
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What You'll Learn
Harvard University Housing in Somerville
Harvard University Housing (HUH) offers graduate students, faculty, and employees housing options in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. Somerville is a popular choice for Harvard students seeking off-campus housing, located about 3 miles from campus with a 10-minute commute via the Red Line subway or a 20-minute walk. The city offers a range of housing options, from private apartments to shared rooms, in vibrant communities with easy access to campus.
HUH provides a cost-effective option for students as it does not require a security deposit, application fee, or finder's fee. Students can search for roommates and sublets through the HUH website, HarvardHousingOffCampus.com, which lists rental units offered by private landlords and real estate agents. The website also provides valuable information on sublet regulations and eligibility guidelines.
Somerville offers bigger and better apartments with parking spaces in desirable neighbourhoods at more reasonable prices compared to areas closer to Harvard University. It provides easy access to shops and entertainment and is within walking distance of Harvard Square. For example, furnished private bedrooms in deluxe apartments near Harvard and MIT can be found for $1,000 - $1,700 per bedroom.
However, students considering off-campus housing in Somerville should be aware of zoning ordinance limitations. Somerville limits the number of unrelated individuals living in one dwelling unit to four, and students should plan their living arrangements accordingly. Additionally, they should be prepared for financial commitments associated with securing a lease, including upfront expenses such as realtor fees, security deposits, and rent.
Overall, Harvard University Housing in Somerville provides a convenient and cost-effective option for graduate students seeking off-campus accommodation, offering a range of housing options and easy access to campus and local amenities.
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Somerville's zoning ordinance
Somerville, a city near Boston, is a popular residential choice for Harvard University students. A graduate from the GSAS shared that they lived in private apartments in Somerville for their entire seven-year degree. They recommend that new students who don't want to live in the dorms look into housing in Allston/Brighton or Cambridge/Somerville, with Allston being the most affordable option for graduate students.
Somerville's official zoning ordinance can be found on the website provided by the City of Somerville's Planning & Zoning Division. The website also provides an email address for reporting any broken links or bugs and another for sending feedback.
The zoning ordinance is a set of rules and regulations that govern the use and development of land within the city. It dictates how property can be used, whether for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes, and sets out the permitted uses for each zone. The ordinance also covers aspects such as building height, density, parking requirements, and land use. These regulations are enforced by the city's planning and zoning department, which is responsible for reviewing development proposals and ensuring compliance with the ordinance.
The ordinance is designed to promote the health, safety, and welfare of Somerville's residents by guiding the city's growth and development in a controlled and organised manner. It aims to protect the character of the city's neighbourhoods, ensure efficient infrastructure and transportation networks, and preserve the city's natural resources and historic sites. The ordinance also seeks to provide a variety of housing options to accommodate the diverse needs of the community.
To achieve these goals, the ordinance employs various tools and techniques, including zoning district designations, overlays, and incentives. Zoning districts divide the city into areas with specific permitted uses and development standards, while overlays address specific issues or characteristics across multiple zoning districts. Incentives are used to encourage development that aligns with the city's goals, such as providing bonuses for affordable housing or mixed-use projects.
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Off-campus housing options
Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and some of its students choose to live off-campus in the nearby city of Somerville. Somerville is a popular choice for Harvard students due to its proximity to campus, vibrant community, and convenient access to shops and entertainment. It is located about 3 miles from Harvard University, with a commute time of around 10 minutes via the Red Line subway or a 20-minute walk.
Somerville offers a range of housing options, from private apartments to shared rooms, and is known for having bigger and better apartments with parking spaces in nice neighbourhoods at more reasonable prices compared to other areas close to Harvard University. Students can find roommates and sublets through Harvard University Housing (HUH), which offers real estate services and apartments located in Somerville.
When considering off-campus housing in Somerville, it is important to be mindful of the financial commitments and extra fees involved, such as realtor fees, security deposits, and rent. Additionally, a Somerville zoning ordinance limits the number of unrelated individuals living in one dwelling unit to four, so students should plan their living arrangements accordingly.
- 11 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144: Located 0.6 miles from Harvard Law School, this property offers one-bedroom apartments with rents ranging from $1,075 to $1,400 per bedroom.
- 15 Saint James Avenue, Somerville, MA 02144: Located 0.9 miles from Harvard Law School, this property offers three-bedroom apartments for $3,750.
- Furnished private bedroom in a deluxe apartment: Located close to Harvard and MIT, this furnished option is available for $1,000 to $1,700 per bedroom.
Students can find more information on off-campus housing options and roommates through the Harvard University Housing website, HarvardHousingOffCampus.com, which provides a list of rental units offered by private landlords and real estate agents, as well as details on sublet regulations and eligibility guidelines. Additionally, joining the Harvard GSD Facebook group can be a helpful way to find roommates and take over existing leases to avoid certain fees associated with new contracts.
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Somerville's proximity to Harvard University
Somerville is a popular choice for Harvard University students seeking off-campus housing. Located just 3 miles from the Harvard campus, Somerville offers a range of housing options, from private apartments to shared rooms, in vibrant communities with easy access to campus. The commute from Somerville to Harvard University takes around 10 minutes via the Red Line subway or 20 minutes by walking.
Somerville is known for its bigger and better apartments, often with parking spaces, in desirable neighbourhoods and at more reasonable prices than other areas close to Harvard University. The city also provides easy access to shops and entertainment, and it is within walking distance of Harvard Square, the hub of social life for Harvard students with its restaurants, bookstores, and cafes.
Harvard University Housing (HUH) offers apartments in Somerville for graduate students, faculty, and employees. These apartments are conveniently located near the Cambridge, Allston, and Longwood Medical Area campuses. HUH's website provides a list of rental units offered by private landlords and real estate agents, as well as information on sublet regulations and eligibility guidelines. Additionally, HUH does not require a security deposit, application fee, or finder's fee, making it a cost-effective option, especially for international students.
Students considering off-campus housing in Somerville should be aware of the city's zoning ordinance, which limits the number of unrelated individuals living in one dwelling unit to four. This is a contrast to nearby cities like Medford, which allows no more than three unrelated individuals to share a unit. Additionally, students should be prepared for the financial commitments associated with securing a lease in Somerville, including significant upfront expenses such as realtor fees, security deposits, and rent.
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Cost of living in Somerville
Somerville, Massachusetts, is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. The cost of living in Somerville is 150.3% of the national average, and the city is ranked 7th out of 273 cities across the US in terms of the high cost of living. The average cost of living in Somerville is $3647, which is in the top 0.2% of the most expensive cities globally. The cost of living in Somerville is also 223.9% of the national average when considering the cost of housing.
The median household income in Somerville is $127,056, which is 25% more than the state's median income. The median income for an individual is $69,254, which is also 24% more than the state's median income. The median home price in Somerville is $1,081,500, with a median price per square foot of $628. The average rent for a 2-bedroom home is $3,281, which is 170% higher than the average rent across the US. Rent typically falls between $1400 and $2000, depending on the desired amenities. According to a former graduate student at Harvard University, Allston is a more affordable option for students than Somerville.
The minimum salary required to live in Somerville should cover daily expenses, such as groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. It should also cover monthly housing costs, such as rent, mortgage, insurance, and maintenance, as well as any debt expenses and savings goals. A good rule of thumb for housing affordability is that monthly rent or the sum of monthly mortgage, property taxes, and insurance should not exceed 28% of one's gross income (pre-tax income). Another guideline is the 50-30-20 rule, which suggests that 50% of one's net income (post-tax income) should be spent on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings and investments.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some Harvard University students live in Somerville, which is located about 3 miles from the university and can be reached in about 10 minutes via the Red Line subway or a 20-minute walk.
Somerville offers bigger and better apartments with parking spaces in nice neighbourhoods for more reasonable prices than other areas close to Harvard University. It also has easy access to shops and entertainment, and it is within walking distance of Harvard Square.
Students considering off-campus housing in Somerville should be aware of the zoning ordinance limitation, which restricts the number of unrelated individuals living in one unit to four. Additionally, they should be prepared for the financial commitments associated with securing a lease, including significant upfront expenses such as realtor fees, security deposits, and rent.
