Cambridge, Massachusetts
Academic powerhouse across the Charles
Niche (2025)
#2 Best Cities to Live in America
Forbes (2024)
#1 Best Cities for Tech Innovation
WhereAtHome Score
70.6
C-out of 100
Overview
Cambridge is home to both Harvard and MIT, making it one of the world's most concentrated centers of academic and research talent. Kendall Square has become a global biotech hub. The city offers walkable urban living, diverse neighborhoods, and intellectual energy.
Key Highlights
- Harvard University and MIT
- Kendall Square - global biotech hub
- Extremely walkable and bikeable
- Diverse, intellectual community
- Strong public schools
- Direct Red Line access to Boston
Key Metrics
2024 Presidential Election
Middlesex County (county-level results)
Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more
Climate
Summer High
82°F
Winter Low
22°F
Annual Rainfall
44"
Sunny Days
200
Amenities & Infrastructure
80+ Parks
Green spaces and recreation
3 Major Hospitals
Healthcare access
5 Universities
Higher education institutions
Public Transit Available
Bus, rail, or metro service
Major Employers
Score Breakdown
6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.
Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)
How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)
Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)
Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)
Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)
Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)
Location
Compare with another city
Start ComparisonLast Updated: 2026-07-01
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.
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