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East Cambridge

East Cambridge

Urban Core Neighborhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Middlesex County 02141, 02142

Neighborhood Reviews
4.7
$1,079,267 Average Value
$986 Average Price per Sq Ft
19 Homes For Sale

From industries to homes in the heart of Cambridge

East Cambridge, also known as Area 1, began as a community full of factories and manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. However, from the 1960s to the 1980s, the neighborhood began changing and repurposing factories to create a mix of commercial and residential options that locals have come to love today. Located just east of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the neighborhood thrives within the greater Boston area. However, there is enough going on that residents can forget the college is there. “You don’t feel like you’re in Cambridge,” says Alex Wong, a Coldwell Banker Realtor who has been serving the area for over five years. “You are right across the river from Boston and so close to the airport and sports fields.” Full of dining, retail experiences and close to the city's popular attractions, there’s little wonder why East Cambridge is such a sought-after neighborhood.

Get ready to experience the comfort of city living in East Cambridge.
Get ready to experience the comfort of city living in East Cambridge.
Gufo also has a serene outdoor seating area in East Cambridge.
Gufo also has a serene outdoor seating area in East Cambridge.
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Downtown travel in the Boston area

Being near the city’s universities and Downtown Boston, residents have access to many of the area's major employers. Not only can locals commute to and from work on the nearby Interstate 93, but they also have access to public transportation. Residents are close to the Green Line stop at Lechmere Station and can access Red Line and Orange Line stations near the neighborhood, making all of Boston is accessible. “Most of the people in the area don’t really drive,” Wong says. “It is very walkable; lots of people like to jog along the river.” For medical care, Massachusetts General Hospital is just across the river, less than 2 miles away. Flights to the west coast and across the Atlantic are easily reached at Boston Logan International Airport 4 miles to the east.

Catch a quick ride from the Lechmere Green Line station in East Cambridge.
Catch a quick ride from the Lechmere Green Line station in East Cambridge.
Residents of East Cambridge always have the option of running or biking along the Charles River.
Residents of East Cambridge always have the option of running or biking along the Charles River.
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Historic Cambridge homes and brand new condos

In the center of East Cambridge, residents can find row houses and colonial revival homes built in the 19th and 20th centuries next to new construction. While there are still single-family homes available, much of the area has been transformed into condos and apartments to accommodate the growing number of residents. Housing prices can range from studio apartments and condos around Route 28 starting at around $500,000, to penthouse suites and historic single-family homes capping off at around $3.5 million dollars.

You might come across a home in East Cambridge that will truly brighten up your day.
You might come across a home in East Cambridge that will truly brighten up your day.
You will find several luxury condos and apartment buildings in East Cambridge.
You will find several luxury condos and apartment buildings in East Cambridge.
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Shopping and dining by Cambridge Street

East Cambridge is home to a wide range of dining options like 9Zaab Thai Street Food, which offers “authentic street food” Wong says. “You cannot find it anywhere else in Boston, it's like something you could find in Bangkok.” For a sweet treat, many head to Toscanini's Ice Cream on the southern end of the neighborhood, which has served the community for almost 30 years and has been rated as The World's Best Ice Cream by The New York Times. Long-time residents also enjoy heading to the nearby Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream for additional delights as “it has been there for many years,” Wong says. Residents can shop for groceries at the Star Market at Twin City Plaza, and browse the retailers at CambridgeSide Shopping Mall along the river.

Enjoy delicious Thai food among the wall art inside 9zaab in East Cambridge.
Enjoy delicious Thai food among the wall art inside 9zaab in East Cambridge.
Sit inside Toscanini's in East Cambridge and enjoy your ice cream with your family.
Sit inside Toscanini's in East Cambridge and enjoy your ice cream with your family.
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Cambridge Crossing events

Cambridge Crossing, at the northern end of the neighborhood, holds community events throughout the year, including Cambridge Summer Nights, a series of summer gatherings with live music, food trucks and games. In downtown Cambridge, locals can also enjoy the Central Square Food and Mural Arts Tour each Tuesday for a tour of public art spots as well as local restaurants. For additional fun, the Museum of Science is located in the middle of the Charles River on the neighborhood’s eastern end. It is famous for its IMAX theater and the Charles Hayden Planetarium.

Enjoy a beer by the barrels with your friends at Lamplighter Brewery in East Cambridge.
Enjoy a beer by the barrels with your friends at Lamplighter Brewery in East Cambridge.
Enjoy your morning coffee or a late afternoon latte at Cafe Beatrice in East Cambridge.
Enjoy your morning coffee or a late afternoon latte at Cafe Beatrice in East Cambridge.
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Cambridge Public School District

The Cambridge Public School District serves students in the neighborhood. They can start their education at The Amigos School, an A-minus rated school and then finish up at the A-plus rated Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. The school offers over 30 different sports throughout the year, such as fencing sailing, football and cross country. For higher education, residents are only a short walk away from both Harvard and MIT, two of the most established universities in the United States.

The Amigos School in Cambridge has an overall grade of A- on Niche.
The Amigos School in Cambridge has an overall grade of A- on Niche.
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School has an overall grade of A+ on Niche.
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School has an overall grade of A+ on Niche.
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The green spaces of Cambridge

East Cambridge is home to a variety of green spaces hidden among the city’s high rises, like Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. Park where visitors make use of the dog park and a playset that was constructed in 2020. Locals can also head to Gold Star Mothers Park, which has shaded walking paths, a playground, and a softball field. The park also offers seasonal fun at the splash pad and next-door ice skating rink.

Practice your soccer skills on the green space at Timothy J. Toomey Park in East Cambridge.
Practice your soccer skills on the green space at Timothy J. Toomey Park in East Cambridge.
The path at Gold Mothers Park in East Cambridge is perfect for perfecting your wheelies.
The path at Gold Mothers Park in East Cambridge is perfect for perfecting your wheelies.
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Braxton Puentes
Written By
Braxton Puentes
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Everett Hall-McNeill
Video By
Everett Hall-McNeill

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Simon Gray, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

9 min drive

Subway

Lechmere Station

Bus

Cambridge St & Sciarappa St

Bus

Cambridge St & Third St

Bus

Cambridge St & Sixth St

Bus

Cambridge St & Lambert St

Bus

Lechmere

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.7 5 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
10/24/2017 Niche Review
East Cambridge is a really nice place to live. From what I've experienced, the people are very friendly and it is a great community. It is a great place to live if you bike or walk. There are many great parks and it is very dog/kid friendly. There are a lot of places to go out and eat and drink within walking distance. The biggest downside is the price to rent or buy here. Overall, East Cambridge is a wonderful place to live.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime East Cambridge US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$930,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,171,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,349,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,012,500
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$757,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$986
Number of Homes for Sale
19
Last 12 months Home Sales
99
Months of Supply
2.30
Median List Price
$959,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,392
Median Year Built
1986
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,527
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,209
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,130
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
774
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
545
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Simon Gray, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
14,074
Median Age
35
Population Density
30 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$117,848
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$146,046

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.1%
College Graduates
80.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
50.8%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

98 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

95 / 100

Rider's Paradise

Transit Score®

90 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
East Cambridge