Finding the right place to live off campus is one of the biggest decisions many Tufts students make each year, and the options stretch far beyond the university’s gates. US News estimates that 40% of students live in Tufts University off-campus housing, which means the surrounding rental markets are very active and competitive.
From the great streets of Davis Square in Somerville to the serene residential blocks of Medford, students have a wide range of neighborhoods that balance convenience, affordability, and local character. Each area offers its own mix of coffee shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, creating an exciting housing landscape that caters to different lifestyles while keeping campus within easy reach.
Most Favored Neighborhoods
The most popular neighborhoods for Tufts off campus housing are Somerville – Tufts, Medford – Tufts and Davis Square. These are the closest residential hubs in proximity for Tufts students, largely within a 3-mile radius of campus. It’s not that difficult to understand – a ton of students want to be able to quickly reach their classes with the least hassle possible. Many Tufts students do not have a car so commuting in cold weather can be a challenge.
Tufts University main campus is situated right on the border between Medford and Somerville, with parts of campus falling on both neighborhoods. So it should come as no surprise that these two areas remain the central focus for off-campus living. Most students stay within these neighborhoods, but some choose to commute from further out. A lot has to do with free market forces and choices, generally speaking- the prices of rent tend to fall the further you get from campus. Think of it as when you go to a concert – front row tickets cost a lot more than when high up in the stadium seating.
Other neighborhoods that are sometimes considered include Malden, Cambridge and Everett depending on preferences for affordability, access, and commute. Generally speaking – Malden and Everett can represent some savings in rent – especially if a student wants to keep a car.
Rent Expectations
In general, Somerville is a more expensive neighborhood than Medford. Comparing Somerville Tufts to Medford Tufts, that certainly holds true. Expect to pay 10-20% more per bedroom on the Somerville side of Tufts compared to Medford. Spring Hill is a more expensive option than both for smaller units (1-3 bedroom), but similarly priced for larger apartments. That being said – very few students choose Spring hill as a place to live because rents are higher and the commute to campus is further.
| Area | 1 BR Average Rent | 2 BR (Price per bedroom) | 3 BR (Price per bedroom) | 4 BR (Price per bedroom) | 5 BR (Price per bedroom) |
| Medford Tufts | $2,533 | $1,266 | $1,173 | $1,121 | $1,150 |
| Somerville Tufts | $2,743 | $1,588 | $1,223 | $1,222 | $1,199 |
| Spring Hill | $2,962 | $1,728 | $1,339 | $1,226 | $1,135 |
As you can see from the table above, renting a 1 bedroom will be significantly more expensive than splitting rent amongst roommates. It’s also interesting to note that the price per bedroom does not vary much between 3, 4, and 5 bedroom apartments, so keep that in mind when planning with roommates.
Student Insights & Experiences
Some Tufts students have noted the residential streets behind Carmichael Hall as highly sought-after: “A lot of the houses were back behind Carm,” offering convenience even if uphill. Davis Square is also a popular choice among more grad students despite higher rent prices because of its close proximity to campus and plethora of local entertainment and service jobs.
Neighborhood Highlights & Nearby Landmarks
1. Somerville – Tufts
The Somerville Tufts neighborhood sits right along the edge of campus, making it one of the most convenient choices for off-campus living. Students here enjoy a true neighborhood feel, with tree-lined streets, classic triple-deckers, and plenty of local spots for coffee or a quick bite. Its close proximity to both Ball Square and Davis Square means easy access to the Green and Red Line, plus a lively mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment all while keeping the university just a few minutes away.
2. Medford – Tufts
The Medford Tufts neighborhood offers a residential setting while still keeping students just steps from campus. Many homes here are classic New England houses with spacious layouts, making them attractive to many people. The area blends suburban charm with easy access to nearby shops, parks, and eateries, while the recently extended Green Line and local bus routes provide straightforward connections into Boston and surrounding neighborhoods.
3. Davis Square (in Somerville)
Davis Square can sometimes be a popular off-campus housing spots for graduate Tufts students, thanks to its lively atmosphere and unbeatable access to transit. Each year we see a lot of requests from graduate students asking if they have smaller bedroom apartments in the Davis area. Just a few moments from campus, the neighborhood is filled with restaurants, bars, cafes, and the iconic Somerville Theatre, making it a hub for dining and entertainment. With the Red Line station at its center, Davis Square also offers a quick commute into Boston, giving students the perfect balance between campus convenience and city connectivity.
4. Ball Square
Ball Square is another area where Tufts students may look to live off campus, offering a blend of convenience and local charm. Just a short 10 minutes from campus, the area is known for its cozy cafés, local mom-and pop eateries, and long-standing institutions like the famous Sound Bites diner. With the addition of the Green Line station, commuting into Boston has become easier than ever, making Ball Square an attractive option for students who want a comfortable neighborhood feel without sacrificing access to the city.
5. Cambridge, Malden, Everett, Belmont, Arlington
Receiving honorable mentions, these areas are a bit further away from campus but are still options for off-campus living. They are all within 4 miles of Tufts and commutable via car or public transit. Each offers its own blend of character and varies greatly in rent prices.
- Cambridge: Active and dynamic—home to Porter Square, Harvard Square, and excellent transit into Boston.
- Malden & Everett: Located about 4 miles east of campus, these areas are often more affordable but farther. They are still viable via nearby Orange or commuter train lines.
- Belmont & Arlington: Located about 4 miles west of campus, these areas offer suburban charm with longer commutes, ideal for students with cars or who prefer quieter neighborhoods.
| Neighborhood | Average Rent | Highlights |
| Somerville – Tufts | $3,196 | residential, campus-adjacent |
| Medford – Tufts | $2,940 | Quiet, green, close to campus |
| Davis Square | $3,479 | Transit-rich, vibrant, dining/nightlife |
| Ball Square | $3,075 | Green Line access, community scale amenities |
| Cambridge | $3,564 | Transit, shops, urban buzz |
| Malden / Everett | $2,516 / $2,598 | Longer commute, suburban feel |
| Belmont / Arlington | $2,875 / $2,842 | often longest commute for public transit |
Final Thoughts
Tufts students primarily set up off-campus life within a three-mile bubble around campus. Generally speaking, students across all universities in America want a short commute to classes due to the fact that most of them do not bring cars to college. The longer the commute- the less time is available for studying especially going back and forth for classes at disparate times. They favor Somerville and Medford for their proximity, accessible rents, and community feel. However, every rent seeker has their own set of preferences and budget – so figuring those out first can make all the difference in the world in a smooth and successful apartment hunt. The agents found here on bostonpads.com can help you find the most optimized off campus apartment, with the most real-time listings for Tufts off campus housing options in the Greater Boston Area.
Niko Nifakos
Published August 29, 2025
