Cambridge, Massachusetts, known as "The City of Squares," is a vibrant and historic city located just across the Charles River from Boston. Home to two of the world's most prestigious universities, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. The city's rich history, cultural diversity, and academic excellence make living in Cambridge an attractive option.
Residents of Cambridge enjoy a variety of cultural and recreational activities. The city's numerous parks, museums, and cultural institutions provide ample opportunities for exploration and enrichment. Harvard Square and Kendall Square are bustling hubs of activity, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Cambridge Public Library and the Harvard Art Museums are cultural highlights that enrich the community.
Cambridge's strong economy is supported by its academic institutions, as well as a thriving tech and biotech industry. The city's innovation ecosystem attracts professionals from around the world, fostering a dynamic and forward-thinking community. The presence of numerous startups and established companies provides ample job opportunities for residents.
The cost of living in Cambridge is relatively high, reflecting its desirable location and amenities. The housing market includes a variety of options, from historic homes in charming neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos. Despite the high costs, many residents find the city's quality of life and vibrant community well worth the investment.
Public transportation in Cambridge is well-developed, with access to the MBTA's Red Line and numerous bus routes, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Cambridge's climate features four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Cambridge offers a blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and urban convenience, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Cambridge is a mid-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 117,822 residents. In Cambridge, there are 18,420 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Cambridge tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 31 is far below the national average. In Cambridge, only 36% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Cambridge, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 27 minutes.
Living in Cambridge can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Massachusetts, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Cambridge and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.
Cambridge has a livability score of 86/100 and is ranked #10 in Massachusetts and #239 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Cambridge ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Cambridge also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Cambridge has been rewarded with high marks for education (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Cambridge. The following was graded with a disappointing score: cost of living (F).
Living in Cambridge offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Cambridge provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Harvard University, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and Harvard Square.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Cambridge, the unemployment rate stands at 2.74%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Cambridge is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Cambridge come in at $843,100, which is 147.2% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Cambridge, the home price to income ratio is 7.8, which is 62.5% higher than the Massachusetts average.
| Statistic | Cambridge | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 27min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 24.3% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.3% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 26.3% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 7.0% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 23.9% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 13.5% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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