SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Happiness might just be contagious in Somerville.
According to Somerville's latest 2025 happiness survey, residents are feeling pretty good about life in their city. Nearly 1,400 people participated in the survey this past spring, weighing in on everything from neighborhood safety to youth programs. Locals provided insight about their connections in the community and daily experiences.
Overall, residents said they feel safe. They like their parks and public spaces and are highly satisfied with the quality of city services. Somerville's community events, voting information, art scene, and the city's restaurants and shops also got high marks.
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But the results were not all positive. Residents say that the city could improve street and sidewalk maintenance. Data showed residents want to the city to do more to tackle rats and mice and make housing more affordable.
This year, the city expanded its geographic analysis to gain a better understanding of how residents' experiences vary and explored topics like infrastructure, public health, and education.
The survey was first launched back in 2011 and is conducted every other year. The city says it considers the answers in Somerville's policymaking.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports.