So, You Want to Live in Cambridge, Mass.?
Brainy and beautiful: The City of Squares isn’t just for scholars anymore—and now’s the time to get in.
Photo by Matt Collamer
1. Pick Your Price Point
The housing market may be cooling a bit, but there’s still a high demand for single-family homes and condos. On average, properties sell after 20 days on the market, which is quicker than the national average. The median price for a single-family home was $2,175,000 in 2024, with condos coming in at less than $1 million. For tighter budgets, one-bedroom condos needing renovations can be found between $200,000 to $600,000, and two- to three-bedroom homes within the $800,000 to $1 million range.
Courtesy of Cambridge Office for Tourism
2. Plot Your Commute
The trek from Boston to Cambridge is quick and easy: less than 10 minutes on the Red Line from Central Square to Park Street. While on the train, take in the stunning view of Boston as you cross over the Charles River. The drive takes about 15 minutes without traffic, but up to 30 minutes at peak commuting times.
Courtesy of Cambridge Office for Tourism
3. Take in the Vibe
With Harvard and MIT within city limits, Cambridge is home to a younger, intellectual crowd. This makes for a vibrant atmosphere in its many squares, so much so that Cambridge has been nicknamed the “City of Squares.” Inman Square houses quirky small businesses such as stationery shop Albertine Press, and boutiques in Harvard Square, along with the Coop, the largest college bookstore in the country. Central and Porter squares, meanwhile, boast diverse restaurant scenes.
Courtesy of Cambridge Office for Tourism
4. Check out the Culture
Cambridge caters to the curious, and its museum roster is impressive. Harvard Art Museums offer free admission for all, with special collections including ancient Roman décor and John Singer Sargent paintings. If STEM is more your thing, check out the MIT Museum for a combination of art and technology. The Brattle Theatre is a single-screen movie house that showcases eclectic films, from cult classics to international hits.
5. Scope out the Schools
The school district is the fifth-most diverse in Massachusetts, according to Niche, with 11 public elementary schools, one K–8 school, three middle schools, and one high school, Cambridge Rindge and Latin. Private schools include Buckingham Browne & Nichols and the International School of Boston from pre-K through 12, while NuVu High School offers innovative learning for grades 8 to 12.
This article was first published in the print edition of the September 2025 issue with the headline: “So You Want to Live in Cambridge.”
