Somerset County, NJ

Living in Somerville, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

NJ's Best Downtown (Multiple Awards). NJ Transit. Cruise Nights.

Last updated: September 2026

$460,000
Median Home Price
55 min
To Penn Station
12,418
Population
1909
Founded
7.2%
YoY Appreciation

Why Somerville, NJ?

Somerville has been named NJ's Best Downtown multiple years running — Division Street and Main Street are lined with restaurants, shops, and cultural venues. Friday Night Cruise Nights draw car enthusiasts from across the state. NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line provides commuter access. The Courthouse Square anchors the civic center. At $460K, it is the most walkable and affordable town in Somerset County.

Somerville Real Estate Market in 2026

Somerville homes sell in just 18 days at a $460K median, appreciating at 7.2%. Victorians, colonials, and condos. The walkable downtown drives demand.

$460,000
Median Price
$310/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
18 days
Avg Days on Market
+7.2%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Somerville

3 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range

Division Street / Downtown

$400,000 to $575,000

The award-winning downtown. Walk to everything.

Best for: Walkability seekers, foodies

West End

$425,000 to $600,000

Residential section with larger Victorians.

Best for: Families, architecture lovers

Station Area

$375,000 to $500,000

Near the NJ Transit station. Transit-oriented.

Best for: Commuters

Commuting from Somerville to NYC

55
Minutes to Penn Station
Somerville Station
Raritan Valley Line
Transfer required
Peak frequency: 3 to 4 trains per hour
Also nearby
Newark Liberty Airport: 10 min drive
NJ Turnpike, I-78, Routes 1 and 9
7 NJ Transit bus routes

Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.

Walkability and Livability in Somerville

How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Somerville?

78
Walk Score
Very Walkable
55 min
NYC Commute
Somerville Station
2.67%
Property Tax Rate
$9,234/year avg
28.4%
Hispanic/Latino
24.8% foreign-born

Somerville Schools and Ratings

Somerville Public Schools includes Somerville High School (the Pioneers).

Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025

Somerville High School

Somerville, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
D
11.4:1 ratio 1070 students Score: 60/100

Van Derveer Elementary School

Somerville, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
D
9.1:1 ratio 734 students Score: 60/100

Somerville Middle School

Somerville, NJ · Middle · Grades 6-8
F
8.7:1 ratio 341 students Score: 59/100
View all Somerville schools with full ratings →

Somerville vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Somerville $460,000 2.67% $9,234 55 min
Bound Brook $400,000 2.78% $8,234 52 min
Bridgewater $540,000 2.12% $11,890 55 min

Where to Eat in Somerville

Division Street

Verve (upscale American), Alfonso's (Italian since 1954), Shumi (Japanese), and 30+ restaurants on one walkable street. The dining scene is the engine of Somerville's downtown renaissance.

Parks and Recreation in Somerville

Peter's Brook Greenway

Walking and biking trail through the borough.

Courthouse Square

Historic civic green with Somerset County Courthouse.

New Development and Growth in Somerville

Downtown Continued Growth

New restaurants and mixed-use residential continue to fill the downtown.

History of Somerville, NJ

Incorporated in 1909 from Bridgewater. Named after an English town.

The Somerset County Courthouse has anchored the borough since its founding.

Friday Night Cruise Nights on Division Street have become a Central NJ institution.

Somerville has won 'Best Downtown in NJ' awards from NJ Monthly and other publications multiple times.

Safety in Somerville

Somerville is a safe community with an active downtown that provides natural surveillance.

Notable Residents

Paul Robeson (1898-1976), actor, athlete, singer, and civil rights activist Lee Van Cleef (1925-1989), actor (The Good the Bad and the Ugly, For a Few Dollars More) Ruth St. Denis (1879-1968), American modern dance pioneer Frederica von Stade, mezzo-soprano opera singer Douglas Urbanski, film producer (Darkest Hour) Clarence E. Case (1877-1961), Acting Governor of New Jersey (1920) Steven J. Ostro (1946-2008), NASA/JPL radar astronomy scientist Willie Cole, sculptor and visual artist

Annual Events and Festivals

Tour of Somerville (Memorial Day weekend — oldest major competitive bicycle race in the United States, founded 1940, the Kentucky Derby of Cycling, 30,000-40,000 spectators) Cruise Nights (Friday evenings, summer) Somerville Street Fair Holiday Stroll

Frequently Asked Questions About Somerville, NJ

What is the median home price in Somerville, NJ?

The median home price is $460,000 as of 2026, with 7.2% year-over-year appreciation. Average $310/sqft, selling in 18 days.

How long is the commute from Somerville to NYC?

55 minutes via NJ Transit from Somerville Station on the Raritan Valley Line. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Somerville, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.67%. Average homeowner pays $9,234/year. At the median price of $460,000, expect about $12,282/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Somerville?

Division Street / Downtown ($400,000 to $575,000). West End ($425,000 to $600,000). Station Area ($375,000 to $500,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is Somerville safe?

Somerville is a safe community with an active downtown that provides natural surveillance.

How walkable is Somerville, NJ?

Walk Score of 78, rated "Very Walkable." Median income $78,000, median age 36.4. 48% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Somerville?

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Explore Nearby Communities

Bound Brook $400,000 52 min Bridgewater $540,000 55 min