In its March issue, Boston Magazine selected 14 communities in the Boston area as "best places to live," and Somerville is one of those communities.

"Because it's the new Cambridge," the magazine argues, giving its reason for honoring Somerville. "Consider it the feistier younger sister to the People's Republic: close to Boston and densely populated, but edgier and more artsy than its sibling."

The magazine lists the city's numerous art studios, galleries and venues as a reason to settle in Somerville, and it says Union Square is, generally, "where creative types hang their hats." It also pinpoints East Somerville and Winter Hill as areas with a growing number of "artistic folk."

Boston Magazine also mentions home prices in Somerville, saying they're "on the upswing," but noting there are still homes in the $300,000 range, which attract first-time home buyers.

Other than Somerville, here are the other "best places to live," according to Boston Magazine:

• Acton
• Boston's Leather District
• East Boston
• Lakeville
• Medway
• Northborough
• Plymouth
• Quincy
• Scituate
• Topsfield
• Westwood
• Winthrop
• Wrentham

Other Boston Magazine honors to Somerville

Somerville has won other honors from Boston Magazine in the past. Among other things, it's home to Boston's best wine shop, gourmet pizza, barbecue and vegetarian restaurant.