Cambridge
Cambridge is a world-renowned city home to Harvard University and MIT, offering an unmatched blend of academic prestige, cultural vibrancy, and urban sophistication. With a walkable, bikeable layout, exceptional dining, MBTA Red Line access, and a median home price around $1,550,000, Cambridge attracts academics, tech professionals, and families seeking intellectual energy and big-city convenience just minutes from downtown Boston.
$1,550,000
Median Price
$500K – $5M+
Price Range
95
Walk Score
9/10
School Rating
10 min via Red Line
Commute to Boston
Cambridge, MA
Location
What Is Cambridge Like?
Cambridge occupies a singular position in Greater Boston — a densely walkable, intellectually charged city directly across the Charles River from Boston. Home to two of the world's most prestigious universities, Harvard and MIT, Cambridge pulses with research innovation, cultural programming, and a cosmopolitan energy rare in any American suburb. The city's distinct neighborhoods each carry their own character: Harvard Square is a landmark destination for bookstores, cafes, and street performers; Kendall Square is the epicenter of the biotech and tech startup economy; Central Square offers eclectic dining and nightlife; Porter Square blends residential charm with international cuisine; Inman Square is a foodie haven; and East Cambridge is undergoing rapid development near the CambridgeSide area. The population of approximately 118,000 makes it one of the most densely populated and highly educated cities in the United States. Housing ranges from Victorian triple-deckers and classic Cambridge Colonials to modern luxury condominiums, with single-family homes commanding $1.5 million to $5 million or more. The MBTA Red Line provides direct service to downtown Boston in roughly 10 minutes, and the city's walk score of 95 and bike score of 96 reflect a lifestyle where a car is genuinely optional. Cambridge Public Schools, anchored by Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, serve a diverse student body, and the city's proximity to world-class private schools and universities creates an unparalleled educational ecosystem.
What Are Home Prices in Cambridge?
Cambridge's real estate market is among the most competitive in Massachusetts. The median home price is approximately $1,550,000, with condominiums starting around $500,000 and single-family homes ranging from $1.5 million to well over $5 million in prime locations near Harvard Square or Brattle Street. Multi-family properties — classic Cambridge two- and three-family homes — remain in strong demand from both owner-occupants and investors, often trading above $1.5 million. The market is fueled by robust demand from Harvard and MIT affiliates, biotech and tech professionals concentrated around Kendall Square, and families drawn to the city's walkable lifestyle. Properties in desirable locations typically sell within 7-14 days, and multiple-offer situations are routine. Year-over-year appreciation has averaged 5-8%, and Cambridge real estate is widely regarded as one of Greater Boston's most resilient long-term investments.
What Are the Schools Like in Cambridge?
Cambridge Public Schools serve a diverse student body through a controlled-choice assignment system. Cambridge Rindge and Latin School is the city's sole public high school, offering extensive AP courses, Career and Technical Education pathways, and a remarkably diverse student community. The school district emphasizes equity and innovation, with programs that reflect the city's progressive values. Private school options are exceptional: Buckingham Browne & Nichols, Cambridge Friends School, Shady Hill School, and Fayerweather Street School are among the area's most respected independent schools. Harvard University and MIT provide public lectures, museum access, continuing education, and a cultural richness that permeates the entire city. Lesley University and several other higher education institutions add to the academic ecosystem.
Where to Eat and Shop in Cambridge?
Cambridge's dining scene rivals any city in New England. Harvard Square features iconic spots alongside contemporary restaurants, while Kendall Square's dining options have exploded alongside the neighborhood's tech growth. Central Square is known for eclectic, multicultural eateries, Inman Square offers some of the region's most acclaimed restaurants, and Porter Square delivers outstanding Japanese and international cuisine. Independent bookstores — including the legendary Harvard Book Store — are a Cambridge hallmark, alongside boutiques, vintage shops, and specialty retailers. The CambridgeSide shopping center provides mainstream retail, and the city's numerous farmers markets bring local produce to neighborhoods throughout the growing season.
Parks & Recreation in Cambridge
The Charles River Esplanade and surrounding parkland provide miles of walking, running, and cycling paths with stunning views of the Boston skyline. Fresh Pond Reservation is a 162-acre nature preserve with a popular 2.25-mile perimeter trail for walking, jogging, and birdwatching. Cambridge Common, adjacent to Harvard Square, is a historic park with playgrounds, open fields, and community gathering space. Danehy Park offers athletic fields, a playground, and open space on a reclaimed landfill. The city maintains over 80 parks and playgrounds, and its extensive bike infrastructure — including protected lanes and the Minuteman Bikeway — makes cycling a practical daily transportation option as well as recreation.
How Do You Get Around Cambridge?
Cambridge offers exceptional public transit. The MBTA Red Line runs through the city with stops at Alewife, Porter, Harvard, Central, and Kendall/MIT, providing direct service to downtown Boston in approximately 10 minutes. Multiple bus routes connect neighborhoods throughout the city and to surrounding communities. The walk score of 95 and bike score of 96 make Cambridge one of the most walkable and bikeable cities in the country — many residents live comfortably without a car. For drivers, Memorial Drive and Storrow Drive provide access along the Charles River, and I-93 and Route 2 connect to the regional highway network. Logan Airport is approximately 15 minutes away via the Red Line and Silver Line connection.
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Neighborhood Highlights
- ✓Harvard University
- ✓MIT
- ✓Harvard Square
- ✓Kendall Square
- ✓Red Line access
Frequently Asked Questions
Cambridge FAQ
What is Cambridge, MA like?
Cambridge is a world-renowned city home to Harvard and MIT, offering exceptional walkability, cultural vibrancy, diverse dining, and MBTA Red Line access to Boston in 10 minutes. It's one of the most educated and innovative cities in the United States.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge?
Cambridge's median home price is approximately $1,550,000. Condos start around $500,000, while single-family homes range from $1.5 million to over $5 million. Multi-family properties are also in high demand, often exceeding $1.5 million.
What are the best neighborhoods in Cambridge?
Cambridge's top neighborhoods include Harvard Square (iconic and walkable), Kendall Square (tech hub), Central Square (eclectic dining and nightlife), Porter Square (residential charm), Inman Square (acclaimed restaurants), and East Cambridge (rapidly developing). Each has a distinct character and appeal.
How do you commute from Cambridge to Boston?
The MBTA Red Line provides direct service from Cambridge to downtown Boston in about 10 minutes. Cambridge's walk score of 95 and bike score of 96 mean many residents commute by foot or bicycle. Bus routes and car access via Memorial Drive add flexibility.
What are Cambridge schools like?
Cambridge Public Schools use a controlled-choice system, with Cambridge Rindge and Latin as the sole public high school offering extensive programs. Elite private schools include Buckingham Browne & Nichols, Shady Hill, and Cambridge Friends School. Harvard and MIT enrich the educational landscape.
Is Cambridge walkable?
Cambridge is exceptionally walkable with a walk score of 95 and bike score of 96, making it one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the country. Many residents live without a car, relying on walking, biking, and the Red Line for daily needs.
What is Kendall Square in Cambridge?
Kendall Square is Cambridge's innovation district adjacent to MIT, home to major biotech and tech companies including Google, Amazon, and Moderna. It has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood with restaurants, hotels, and residential development alongside world-class research facilities.
Is Cambridge a good place to raise a family?
Cambridge offers families top-tier educational resources, safe neighborhoods, excellent parks like Fresh Pond, walkable streets, and unmatched cultural programming through Harvard, MIT, and community institutions. The diverse, intellectually stimulating environment is a draw for education-focused families.
How competitive is the Cambridge real estate market?
Cambridge's market is highly competitive, with well-priced properties selling in 7-14 days and multiple offers being routine. Strong demand from academic and tech professionals, combined with limited inventory, drives consistent appreciation of 5-8% annually.
What is the dining scene like in Cambridge?
Cambridge offers one of New England's finest dining scenes, from acclaimed restaurants in Inman Square and Central Square to diverse international cuisine in Porter Square. Harvard Square and Kendall Square add further options, and independent bookstores and cafes are a Cambridge hallmark.