Cambridge, MA, a historic city neighboring Boston, is home to universities like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It’s no surprise that there are plenty of cultural institutions, historic landmarks, and a one-of-a-kind food scene that helps define the city. From enjoying the sun outside at Harvard Yard, exploring the exhibits at the Museum of Science, or grabbing some classic New England fare, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Cambridge.
If you’re moving to the area, the average rent in Cambridge is $3,369, while the median home sale price is $1,075,000. Also, there are many notable, vibrant, and cool neighborhoods that make the city of Cambridge what it is today. There are so many that you may not know what Cambridge neighborhood you want to live in. Well, we’re here to help. Here’s an ultimate guide to Cambridge’s popular neighborhoods (listed alphabetically).
1. Agassiz-Harvard University
The Agassiz neighborhood, sometimes referred to as Baldwin or Agassiz-Harvard University, largely encompasses Harvard University and the blocks north of the school. Named after Louis Agassiz, a former zoology and biology professor at Harvard, you can find lots of Harvard museums like the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and the Museum of Comparative Zoology located in the area.
There are also plenty of historic buildings, and restaurants along Massachusetts Avenue. If you don’t have a car, Agassiz-Harvard University is a great area to live in – the Walk Score is 95, the Transit Score is 75, and the Bike Score is 99. There are a fair amount of apartments in Agassiz-Harvard University. Many of the single-family homes are historic or in the Queen Anne, Colonial, or Victorian style.
Median Sale Price: $1,970,000
Homes for sale in Agassiz-Harvard University | Apartments for rent in Agassiz-Harvard University
2. Cambridge Highlands
Cambridge Highlands is located along the northern edge of Fresh Pond, where you’ll also find parks like Lusitania Field and nearby Blair Pond. It’s mainly a residential neighborhood, but you can find some dining options as well as a few shopping centers on the east side of the neighborhood. Biking is a great option to get around Cambridge Highlands since the Bike Score is 93. There are some apartments in Cambridge Highlands, but it’s mainly full of newer single-family homes.
Median Sale Price: $500,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,895
Homes for sale in Cambridge Highlands | Apartments for rent in Cambridge Highlands
3. Cambridgeport
Located along the Charles River, right next to the MIT campus, is the Cambridgeport neighborhood. You’ll find lots of parks in the area like Magazine Beach and Dana Square Park, as well as restaurants, cafes, and shops, mainly located along A2.
Cambridgeport is a biker’s paradise – the Bike Score is 99. It’s also a great area to walk around with a Walk Score of 92 and there are some public transit options. The Cambridgeport area has a lot of single-family homes, many in the traditional “triple decker” style common throughout parts of New England.
Median Sale Price: $1,300,500
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,762
Homes for sale in Cambridgeport | Apartments for rent in Cambridgeport
4. East Cambridge
East Cambridge is a vibrant neighborhood directly across the river from Boston’s West End neighborhood. You’ll find several parks like Lechmere Canal Park which is home to the Charles Riverboat tours, North Point Park, and Cambridge Crossing. There’s plenty of shopping and dining options throughout the neighborhood, including at CambridgeSide Galleria.
East Cambridge is a great area if you don’t have a car – the Walk Score is 93, the Transit Score is 69, and the Bike Score is 96. The homes in East Cambridge range in age and style – you’ll see historic row houses and Victorian-style homes, as well as modern homes and high-rise apartments.
Median Sale Price: $925,000
Homes for sale in East Cambridge | Apartments for rent in East Cambridge
5. Inman Square
Inman Square is a cozy and charming neighborhood that’s only a few blocks wide, located along Cambridge Street. It’s a great area to find a new restaurant or stop by a local shop. There are also nightlife options like music venues along the main stretch. Inman Square is Cambridge’s most walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 97. It’s also an amazing area for bikers since the Bike Score is 100. There are some single-family homes and apartments in the area.
Median Sale Price: $912,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,400
Homes for sale in Inman Square | Apartments for rent in Inman Square
6. Kendall Square
Kendall Square is one of the many well-known neighborhoods in the city. And it’s a must-visit when you’re deciding where to rent an apartment in Cambridge. With a city-center like atmosphere you’ll find lots of MIT buildings, views of Boston, public art installations, the Kendall Square Cinema, as well as lots of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars throughout the neighborhood. Kendall Square is also a great place to get around via bike as the Bike Score is 97. You’ll find lots of high-rise apartments and condos located in the Kendall Square neighborhood.
Median Sale Price: $1,150,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $3,910
Homes for sale in Kendall Square | Apartments for rent in Kendall Square
7. Mid-Cambridge
Mid-Cambridge is home to Harvard Yard, the oldest area on Harvard’s campus. It’s a great mix of residential and commercial areas with tree-lined streets, quaint homes, and lots of cafes and restaurants along Massachusetts Ave. Mid-Cambridge is the sixth most walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 95. It’s also excellent for bikers with a Bike Score of 98. In Mid-Cambridge there are lots of apartments, condos, and single-family homes. Many of the homes are older or historic, mainly in the Victorian style.
Median Sale Price: $801,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,840 | Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,587
Homes for sale in Mid-Cambridge | Apartments for rent in Mid-Cambridge
8. Neighborhood Nine
Northwest of Harvard University is Neighborhood Nine, a vibrant neighborhood with lots of parks, shops, and quaint residential areas. You’ll find green spaces like Cambridge Common, Danehy Park, and Raymond Park. There are also plenty of shops located along Concord Ave and Massachusetts Ave. Neighborhood Nine is overall a great area for walking, biking, and public transit – the Walk Score is 88, the Bike Score is 91, and the Transit Score is 70. The homes in Neighborhood Nine range from historic brick row houses, to large properties and high-rise apartments. There are also lots of student dormitories in the area.
Median Sale Price: $950,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,777 | Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,267
Homes for sale in Neighborhood Nine | Apartments for rent in Neighborhood Nine
9. North Cambridge
Located on the northern boundary of Cambridge is North Cambridge, also called “Area 11.” It’s primarily a residential neighborhood home to Alewife Brook Reservation, 120-acres of protected wetlands, which features a few walking and biking paths. Getting around on a bike in North Cambridge is a great option since the Bike Score is 93. There are many housing options in North Cambridge – single-family homes, apartments, and condos. Many of the homes are historic, dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, in the Victorian, Colonial, or triple-decker style.
Median Sale Price: $950,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $3,100
Homes for sale in North Cambridge | Apartments for rent in North Cambridge
10. The Port
North of MIT is The Port neighborhood, primarily a residential area. With green spaces like Sennott Park, Greene-Rose Heritage Park, and Clement Morgan Park, there are plenty of places to spend time outside on a nice day. You’ll also find some cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the neighborhood. The Port has lots of apartments, single-family homes, condos, and homes for rent.
Median Sale Price: $1,235,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $3,202 | Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,600
11. Porter Square
The Porter Square neighborhood is a small stretch encompassing the A2 streets. It’s a bustling area with lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Porter Square is the second most walkable neighborhood and is also a great place for biking, as the Walk Score is 96 and the Bike Score is 97. You’ll find historic single-family homes alongside modern apartments and condos. The historic homes are often Victorian or brick row houses.
Median Sale Price: $1,374,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,300
Homes for sale in Porter Square | Apartments for rent in Porter Square
12. Riverside
South of Harvard University and Mid-Cambridge, Riverside is conveniently located along the Charles River. You’ll find riverfront views at Riverbend Park and shops and dining options along Massachusetts Ave and River Street. Otherwise, Riverside is predominantly a residential neighborhood. Riverside is an awesome area if you plan to get around on a bike as the Bike Score is 98. The Walk Score is also great at 94 and there are plenty of public transit options. The housing options in Riverside are mainly single-family homes and apartments.
Median Sale Price: $1,250,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,100
Homes for sale in Riverside | Apartments for rent in Riverside
13. Wellington-Harrington
Also known as “Area 3,” Wellington-Harrington is nestled in between Inman Square and Kendall Square. You can find a lot of shops and restaurants along Cambridge Street, as well as a few parks throughout the neighborhood. Wellington-Harrington is a great neighborhood if you want to get around on a bike or by walking – the Bike Score is 98 and the Walk Score is 96. Wellington-Harrington has a blend of historic single-family homes, triple-decker houses, apartments and condos. Many of the homes were built in the 19th and 20th centuries and have details like stained glass and intricate woodwork.
Median Sale Price: $1,070,000
14. West Cambridge
West Cambridge is a large neighborhood that includes the iconic Harvard Square, a must see for anyone living in Cambridge. There are many historic buildings like the Longfellow House which was George Washington’s Revolutionary War hideout, later owned by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. You can also find lots of parks like Riverbend Park, Kingsley Park, and Fresh Pond Reservation, a 155-acre park with a walking trail and pond. Biking is a great alternative to having a car since the Bike Score is 94. You’ll find lots of historic homes, apartments, and condos in West Cambridge.
Median Sale Price: $1,950,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,025 | Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,325
Homes for sale in West Cambridge | Apartments for rent in West Cambridge
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during February 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during February 2023. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during February 2023.
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