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Cambridge

21 min to Boston

"Where MIT nerds and Harvard snobs reluctantly share coffee shops"

Median Price

$1,039,750

$940/sqft

School Rating

7.5/10

Good

Appreciation

1.9%

per year

Commute

21 min

to downtown

Financing Considerations

Properties in Cambridge typically may qualify for high-balance conforming loans, though jumbo financing might be needed depending on exact property price.

Learn about loan thresholds, property condition impact, flood/wind insurance, and how vintage homes (common in many MA towns) affect mortgage approval.

✨The Vibe

Intellectual hotspot where innovation meets history and every third person has a PhD or is working on one

What It's Really Like

You're surrounded by world-changing ideas and overpriced coffee. It's incredibly walkable, bike-friendly, and transit-rich, but 65% of housing is rentals so turnover is high and parking is mythical.

Best For

✓Tech workers and academics who want to bike to work
✓Young professionals who value culture over square footage
✓People who think parking is a four-letter word anyway
✓Those who want urban energy without downtown Boston

Avoid If

✗You want a big yard or garage for your car collection
✗You're seeking stable long-term neighbors (26% are students)
✗You think $1M+ for a condo is highway robbery

🌟Highlights

🧠Harvard and MIT—basically the brain capital of the universe

🚇Red Line access puts downtown Boston 15 minutes away

🎭Vibrant arts, music, and restaurant scene in every square

🚴Bike-friendly infrastructure and walkable neighborhoods

Insider Tips

💡Each square has its own personality—Harvard is touristy, Central is gritty and artsy, Kendall is tech-bro central
💡Residential exemption exists for homeowners to reduce property taxes
💡26% of population is in college—expect high turnover and transient vibes