Why Cambridge is Worth the Price
Cambridge is expensive for a reason: It has some of the best public schools in Massachusetts, incredible walkability, world-class universities, Red Line access, and a job market dominated by biotech, tech, and academia.
If you can afford Cambridge, you're buying guaranteed excellent schools, short commutes, and one of the most intellectually vibrant cities in America.
Cambridge Sub-Neighborhoods
1. North Cambridge/Porter Square ($800K-1M)
- Most "affordable" part of Cambridge
- Residential, family-friendly
- Porter Square Red Line (fast to downtown)
- Mix of single-families and condos
2. Harvard Square ($1.2M-2M+)
- Most expensive area
- Ultra-walkable, restaurants, culture
- Beautiful historic homes
- Harvard University campus
3. Central Square ($900K-1.3M)
- Grittier, more diverse
- Red Line, MIT nearby
- Great restaurants and music venues
- Gentrifying quickly
4. Kendall Square/East Cambridge ($850K-1.5M)
- Biotech hub—Moderna, Biogen, Pfizer
- New luxury condos
- Less residential, more urban
- Perfect for MIT/Kendall workers
Cambridge Schools: Why People Pay the Premium
This is the #1 reason families choose Cambridge.
- School Rating: 9/10 (among best in MA)
- Guaranteed enrollment at your zoned school
- Well-funded, excellent teachers
- High school graduates go to top colleges
- Strong special education services
Compare to Boston: Cambridge gives you school certainty. Boston's lottery leaves you hoping.
Commute from Cambridge
Porter Square to Downtown: 15-18 min (Red Line)
Kendall to Downtown: 10-12 min (Red Line)
Harvard Square to Downtown: 18-22 min (Red Line)
To Seaport: 30-35 min (Red + Silver Line)
To Longwood: 30-35 min (Red + bus or E-Line)
Cambridge to Cambridge commutes are AMAZING. Many residents walk or bike to work at MIT, Harvard, biotech companies.
What $950K Gets You
- 1-2BR condo (800-1,000 sq ft)
- Small 2BR house (needs work) in North Cambridge
- Modern 1BR luxury condo in Kendall
Reality check: $950K doesn't buy much in Cambridge. Single-family homes with yards start at $1.3M and go to $3M+.
Pros & Cons
âś… Pros
- Best public schools in Boston Metro
- Ultra-walkable (everything at your doorstep)
- Excellent Red Line access
- Walk/bike to work for many jobs
- Intellectual, progressive culture
- Strong property values (safe investment)
❌ Cons
- EXPENSIVE—one of priciest cities in America
- Parking is impossible
- Property taxes are very high
- Small lots, no yards
- Competitive market (bidding wars common)
- Can feel crowded and busy