Cambridge is a pretty amazing place. Not only does it have two of the greatest universities in the world but it also has some of the most interesting and diverse restaurants in the country, a wonderful public transport system (for the U.S.), an extremely walkable/bikeable set of neighborhoods, amazing public schools, safe streets, cool cultural options, and Boston is right next door (seriously, it’s less than a mile away at some points). While it is a college town, by definition, it is way more than just a college town and you can avoid that whole scene if you’d like. 

All that popularity comes at a price. Buying a home in Cambridge, while not as expensive as in Boston, is crazy steep. You can rent for reasonable prices, given the home purchase costs, so young professionals and young families can make a go of it. Perhaps just as important to understand is that winter is no joke. If you’re coming from the south just be ready. Finally, if you’re conservative be ready for an extremely liberal population. They don’t call it the People’s Republic of Cambridge for nothing. 

Pretty Much Everything

LookyLOO Review of Cambridge

Unlike other college towns, the lifestyle of Cambridge doesn’t revolve around Harvard and MIT. It’s too diverse, has too much tech and biotech business, and those Universities aren’t really like the big Southeastern or Midwestern monsters that dominate their towns. Families live here and enjoy the city without any intrusion by the schools or students. Young Professionals live here and find tons of social options that don’t crossover to the student population. Cambridge is home to museums, and amazing outdoor options, particularly on the Charles River, and is a tiny train ride to all that Boston has to offer under or across the river. 

If you want to see what everyone gets up to in Cambridge check out the [calendar of events](https://patch.com/massachusetts/cambridge/calendar).

We highly recommend visiting Cambridge and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our [partnership with Expedia](expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ) as well.


Lifestyle 

Cambridge has a huge tech and biotech startup and established business scene. There are very few cities, outside of San Francisco and the Bay Area, with more high-paying emerging industry jobs. Harvard and MIT drive innovation and graduates stay in the city to take advantage or create their own innovation. While you certainly can commute to Boston for work you won’t need to if you’d prefer a short hop to work within the city confines. 


Worklife 

As was noted there really are very few cities in the entire country with the opportunities Cambridge offers. If you want to be on the cutting edge of industry, and live in a culturally diverse, educated, and interesting city, Cambridge should be on your list. 


Opportunity

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**whymauri**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉

Inman Square
Cambridge is just straight up the most livable city in the U.S.

Low crime. Almost entirely walkable. Good city programs and safety nets like universal pre-k. Strong job market and proximity to MIT and Harvard. Close to Boston, but also really easy to get out in nature. Kind, considerate residents without the monocultural lean of the Bay Area and other 'tech hubs'. Constantly improving infrastructure and generally safe.

It's a no brainer if you work in biotech. There will be no shortage of career progression and opportunities.

For more reviews of what living in Cambridge is like from locals, check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/cambridge/reviews).

Reviews of Cambridge from Locals

Students, particularly undergraduates, live in the apartments and divided homes in the neighborhoods right around Harvard Square and Kendall Square (MIT). Some of the graduate schools for Harvard are across the river but most undergrads stay on the Cambridge side of the river. 

Young Professionals tend to flock to Porter or Central Square or even Davis Square, which is right over the border of Cambridge in Somerville. They’re all on the Red Line of the “T” subway line and so are easy for getting into Boston for work or play. Any of these are good options and have tons of apartment rental options if you’re just getting started. All of these squares also have their own nightlife so you can go local or jump on the T and head into Boston if you prefer. 
- Harvard Square
- Kendall Square
- Central Square
- Porter Square
- Davis Square


Young Professionals/Students

Harvard Square

Riverside is a nice “affordable” area of Cambridge for families that has condos and townhomes in the $500k range (we told you it was pricey). There are also plenty of full-sized homes that go up to 7-figures but regardless it has great local schools and big playgrounds and parks and has the cool Peabody Terrace Children’s Center for infant and preschool play. 

If you’re ready for something more upscale check out West Cambridge. It’s the safest and priciest neighborhood in the city. Homes are always north of a million and you get big beautiful historic houses, amazing property and gardens and great access to the Cambridge Historical Society, JFK Memorial Park and some of the best public schools in the state. 
- Riverside
- West Cambridge
- North Cambridge
- Agassiz-Harvard


Families

Riverside

Cambridge

**whymauri**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉

Inman Square
Cambridge is just straight up the most livable city in the U.S.

Low crime. Almost entirely walkable. Good city programs and safety nets like universal pre-k. Strong job market and proximity to MIT and Harvard. Close to Boston, but also really easy to get out in nature. Kind, considerate residents without the monocultural lean of the Bay Area and other 'tech hubs'. Constantly improving infrastructure and generally safe.

It's a no brainer if you work in biotech. There will be no shortage of career progression and opportunities.

roaste1dtomato
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉

i live in cambridge & work in biotech too. Cambridge is truly an amazing place. so many young professionals and super knowledgeable folks in the area, its truly a great place to be if you're young in your career for learning and networking. its definitely expensive here but you can apply to the Cambridge community development middle income housing and see if you qualify for it. also biotech pays really well. you should be able to live comfortably. Cambridge is also a nice place if you don't want to be in the heart of the boston city life in crowds of people but still close to areas that are vibrant. there's plenty to do in the area w museums, food, culture, shopping etc. maybe worth a visit before you make your decision.

**CarolynFuller**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉

The moment my feet landed in this city in 1968, I knew I had found home. Central Square has been home since 1978. It has been magical living here all these years through so many different phases of my life. I can't imagine a better place to live as a young adult. My mom, uncle & aunt all moved here after they retired and the services that supported them were just amazing. And the support and nourishment our son received in this village that raised him can't be beat. I honestly can't imagine living anywhere else.

**Inttegers**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

4200 for just rent, or for all living expenses? Depending on the neighborhood, I'd say you're typically looking at minimum 2500 rent for a cramped 2 bedroom, and like 3800 max for a spacious 2 br. There are probably some 2 beds over 3800.

I'd say Cambridge is among the most pedestrian friendly cities in America (PSA don't forget to vote next Tuesday to keep it that way!). It's very easy to bike, walk, or use public transit to get wherever you need. Busses are often delayed, so if you're relying on busses exclusively, good luck.

I personally pay 3300 for a 2 bed 2 bath in Harvard sq. Lovely neighborhood. I don't drive, and get everywhere just by bike, T, and foot without issue.

Enjoy the area! Cambridge is great.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Squares

Looklyloo Score: 96

Reviews

What's it like to live in Cambridge?