In Defense of Medford and Somerville
Over the past five years, I have encountered several complaints regarding the location of Tufts University. Principally, these complaints derive from three sources— firstly, and most commonly, I hear the complaint that Tufts University is too far from the city. Then, I hear that Tufts University is too far from nearby resources like grocery stores or shopping centers. And finally, and most absurdly, I hear that the towns surrounding Tufts University—Medford and Somerville—are disliked. I can absolutely cite certain counter-statements to defend the location of Tufts University.
First, I suggest that the complaint, “Tufts University is too far from the city,” assumes that proximity the city denotes the positive. Certainly, Boston proper offers many positives, but the negatives of the city are just as plentiful. Whereas Bostonians experience nightly city racket, oozy sewer smells, and rodents running rampant, Tuft residents have quiet evenings, flowering foliage, and bunnies are our main wildlife inhabitants. Even for those who enjoy rodents and rackets, the city can be reached in less than an hour at the worst of times, though often much faster! Besides (which brings me to the second complaint), everything that the city has, Medford and Somerville have right here.
Davis Square, Teele Square, Porter Square all have grocery stores, places to shop, and every amenity that the city would have—nails, bank, restaurants, comics. And, if the ten-minute bus rides or twenty-minute walks are too far, then the convenience stores along Boston Ave could be your next best friends. In terms of clothing, I understand the entirely valid complaint of an absence of options. While Davis Square boasts a surprisingly excellent Goodwill, I have no other answer—points to Boston. Nevertheless, the locations near Tufts University have almost everything that the city has.
Finally, I would like to address the remarks that Somerville and Medford leave something to be desired. These complaints actively avoid accounting for the beauty of the Mystic River, the Somerville Theatre, or anywhere in Davis, for that matter. In fact, anywhere nearby Tufts University, in autumn, is just as marvelous as any fall from the city. Take a walk to Davis when you get the chance—trust me.
With that, I conclude my defense of the location of Tufts University. I suggest that we all, if only for a moment, observe ourselves as an outsider—too many, we possess privileges forever foreign. In embracing the strides of another, we can discover all walks of life.
Photo Credit: Philip Greenspun