Moving to Everett MA: Boston's Up-and-Coming Neighbor

Everett may be the most dramatically changing city in the Greater Boston area right now. For decades it was considered one of the region's most overlooked municipalities — a dense, working-class city of about 47,000 people pressed against Somerville's northern border. The opening of the Encore Boston Harbor casino resort on the Mystic River waterfront in 2019 brought billions in investment, thousands of jobs, and a new anchor for waterfront development that has reshaped how real estate professionals and prospective residents think about the city. Combined with ongoing residential development in the Lower Broadway corridor and improving bus transit connections, Everett is a genuinely compelling choice for anyone who wants affordability near Boston.

Housing affordability remains one of Everett's strongest selling points, though prices have risen significantly over the past five years. One-bedroom apartments typically rent for $1,700 to $2,200, and two-bedrooms average $2,100 to $2,700. The city's housing stock is predominantly older multifamily homes, though new apartment developments near the Mystic River and along Broadway have brought modern units to the market. The Glendale neighborhood near Somerville has experienced the most price appreciation as Somerville buyers are priced out and look north. The areas around Broadway and Chelsea, while more affordable, are seeing steady investment as developers recognize the city's potential.

Transit access in Everett relies primarily on MBTA bus service — the 111 and 112 routes connect to Sullivan Square on the Orange Line, and the 97 connects to Wellington station. The commute to downtown Boston by bus and subway takes about 35 to 45 minutes from most parts of Everett. There are active discussions about bringing Green Line service to Everett as part of future MBTA expansion, which would be transformative for property values. For drivers, Route 99, Route 16, and Interstate 93 provide access to Boston and the broader metro. Moving logistics in Everett are generally uncomplicated — streets are reasonable and parking is more available than in Somerville or Boston. Boston Best Rate Movers handles moves throughout Everett and can coordinate with the city on any specific access requirements.

Encore Boston Harbor has brought visible change to the Mystic River waterfront — the resort complex includes restaurants, a spa, a hotel, and a public riverwalk that was previously inaccessible. Beyond the casino, Everett's diversity is one of its defining characteristics, with Brazilian, Haitian, Puerto Rican, and Latino communities that have established roots in the city over decades, creating a vibrant multicultural environment. The restaurant scene along Broadway reflects this diversity with excellent Brazilian, Salvadoran, and Dominican options. Everett Public Schools are improving, and the city's parks — including Glendale Park and the waterfront spaces near the casino — provide reasonable outdoor recreation. For buyers and renters who want genuine proximity to Boston at a significant discount, Everett offers one of the metro area's most compelling value propositions.