Cambridge is well known for its top-ranking universities, Harvard and MIT, great museums featuring extensive collections of art, and its easy access to both the Charles River shoreline and Boston’s big city amenities. Cambridge is also full of neighborhoods with their own charm that cater to a range of residents. Buyers partnering with Kiernan Middleman, a realtor have access to all the information they need for a move to Cambridge. Follow this expert guide when exploring one of Massachusetts’ best cities.
About Cambridge, MA
Cambridge is located in Middlesex County and features a densely packed population of 116,000+ residents. A wide range of people are attracted to Cambridge, including students and professionals attending the universities nearby, families invested in tight-knit communities and high-ranking education, and retirees interested in Cambridge’s shops and events.
Before the formation of the US, Cambridge was known as New Towne in 1630. Harvard College, now known as Harvard University, sparked the town’s official organization in 1636, and it was finally named Cambridge in 1638. The city has served an integral role in the United States' history and formation, providing camps during wars and housing many notable figures.
Most people get around Cambridge using public transportation since traffic can be heavy. The Red and Green Line of the subway connects Boston and Cambridge, while the MBTA in Boston offers additional routes. Cambridge itself is only two miles from Boston or a five-minute subway commute. This city is also traveling distance to surrounding cities like Providence, Manchester, Hyannis, and even NYC.
Before the formation of the US, Cambridge was known as New Towne in 1630. Harvard College, now known as Harvard University, sparked the town’s official organization in 1636, and it was finally named Cambridge in 1638. The city has served an integral role in the United States' history and formation, providing camps during wars and housing many notable figures.
Most people get around Cambridge using public transportation since traffic can be heavy. The Red and Green Line of the subway connects Boston and Cambridge, while the MBTA in Boston offers additional routes. Cambridge itself is only two miles from Boston or a five-minute subway commute. This city is also traveling distance to surrounding cities like Providence, Manchester, Hyannis, and even NYC.
Neighborhoods in Cambridge
Cambridge’s nine neighborhoods feature their own distinctive charms and amenities. When searching for Cambridge, MA real estate check out these top neighborhoods in the city.
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Cambridgeport: This residential neighborhood is bordered by the Charles River on the south, offering outstanding water views. Real estate includes iconic triple-decker homes right by parks for children and a unique array of shops.
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Central Square: Those interested in living in the center of the city’s happenings will love Central Square. Historic buildings mesh with a live music scene, cafes with original brews and bars with delicious cocktails, and much more.
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West Cambridge: Nature amenities kick into full gear at West Cambridge, with greenery spanning the 162-acre Fresh Pond Reservation and the Charles River Reservation. Luxury living at Huron Village offers upscale shops and restaurants.
Cambridge real estate market
Buyers who partner with local agents like Kate Middleman, a realtor have invaluable access to local market trends and home listings in the area. Currently, the median sales price for single-family properties in Cambridge is $1.825 million. The median sales price for condominium properties is a bit less at $884.5K. Buyers should keep these prices in mind when planning a home search.
The housing supply in Cambridge is very slim, which may make a home search more difficult for buyers. Currently, single-family properties have a two-month supply of inventory, which is much lower than the four to six-month supply needed for a balanced market. Condominium properties have even less inventory, with only a one to two-month supply.
The housing supply in Cambridge is very slim, which may make a home search more difficult for buyers. Currently, single-family properties have a two-month supply of inventory, which is much lower than the four to six-month supply needed for a balanced market. Condominium properties have even less inventory, with only a one to two-month supply.
Cost of living
Buyers interested in Cambridge, MA real estate should brace for a higher cost of living. Living costs in the city are 73% higher than the national average. Price discrepancies are the highest for housing costs which are 212% higher compared to the rest of the country. Cambridge residents also pay more for utilities and groceries, which are 19% and 12% higher than US averages respectively.
Top things to do in Cambridge
Cambridge offers endless opportunities for residents to have fun and unwind. From viewing stunning art exhibits at Harvard to visiting award-winning theaters and enjoying swaths of green space, here are some of the top things to do in Cambridge.
Visit Harvard’s Art Museums
Harvard is home to three art museums open to the public, each offering a cultivated collection of impressive work. The oldest of the three is the Fogg Museum which originally opened in 1896. Exhibits here feature Western paintings, prints, and sculptures from the Middle Ages.
The second oldest is the Busch-Reisinger Museum which was established in 1903. This museum is significant for its art collection featuring pieces from German-speaking countries of Europe, making it the only one of its kind in the US. The Arthur M. Sackler Museum opened in 1985 and showcases art from Japan, China, and Korea.
The second oldest is the Busch-Reisinger Museum which was established in 1903. This museum is significant for its art collection featuring pieces from German-speaking countries of Europe, making it the only one of its kind in the US. The Arthur M. Sackler Museum opened in 1985 and showcases art from Japan, China, and Korea.
Check out the A.R.T.
The American Repertory Theater, or the A.R.T. has won three Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and more for the work and productions it produces. The A.R.T. also serves as a venue for the Institute for Advanced Theater Training and Harvard’s drama club. Reserve a ticket to watch groundbreaking live performances of well-known plays and emerging creative scripts.
Hang out at Cambridge Common
Right next to Harvard Square is Cambridge Common, a 16+ acre recreational green space popular with tourists and locals alike. Cambridge Common experiences high levels of traffic daily as 10,000+ residents bike and walk its paths. Families love the Alexander W. Kemp Playground, while the playing fields offer more space to have fun.
Cambridge Common also has deep historical significance as it served as the first encampment for the American army during the American Revolution. This is also where George Washington assumed leadership on July 3, 1775. Several historical monuments memorialize historic events, making it a rich spot for visitors to learn about the past.
Cambridge Common also has deep historical significance as it served as the first encampment for the American army during the American Revolution. This is also where George Washington assumed leadership on July 3, 1775. Several historical monuments memorialize historic events, making it a rich spot for visitors to learn about the past.
Ready to visit Cambridge?
Cambridge is an exciting city rich in history, culture, and education. Its several neighborhoods have their own flair but never lose sight of the city’s overall charm. Although the cost of living is higher than in other US cities, it’s well worth being nearby amenities. Buyers searching in the area may find it challenging to narrow down a neighborhood compatible with their lifestyle while searching among low inventory levels. That’s why they should partner with Kiernan Middleman for the best chance of finding a home they’ll love.
