Niche.com, a popular ranking and review site for neighborhoods, school systems, and colleges, asked readers what the best places to live in Middlesex County are. Two neighborhoods in Cambridge topped the list! Coming in at #1 and #2, Cambridgeport and East Cambridge were nominated by enthusiastic residents eager to share what they know and love about their communities.
Cambridgeport is best known for its ideal location, sandwiched between the iconic Charles River and the vibrant Central Square neighborhood. Cambridgeport residents experience the best of both urban and suburban amenities, with coffee shops, restaurants and bars, art, and entertainment options as accessible as parks, bike trails and more. The neighborhood also boasts a nice ratio of single-family homes to apartment buildings, townhouses and condos. In close proximity to both public transportation and several routes into downtown Boston, Cambridgeport is a favorite among commuters and students. The public schools in Cambridge are highly-rated, especially the Cambridgeport-based Cambridge Rindge and Latin school.
Cambridgeport has a rich history. In the late 1800s, the F.A. Kennedy Steam Bakery was the first bakery to produce the Fig Newton cookie, a local favorite named after nearby Newton, Massachusetts. The neighborhood was also home at different times to the Necco candy factory, a Ford Motor Co. assembly plant, the Riverside Press, the National Biscuit Co. factory, and more. Cambridgeport has a population of around 12,000 residents. Current residents highly recommend Cambridgeport for everyone, especially those looking to raise a family, because of the great parks, fields, and sports leagues available.
East Cambridge, at number two, is home to large office and laboratory spaces for hundreds of tech companies, research labs and startups affiliated with MIT, biotech firms, and various small businesses. East Cambridge offers some of the best views of Boston, looking out over the Charles River. The neighborhood used to turn into an island at high tide, inaccessible by foot until the mid-1800s. Now, East Cambridge offers excellent commuting options including Green Line T service, multiple MBTA bus lines, and several routes into Downtown Boston.
Neighborhood residents shop at the Cambridgeside Galleria and at many of the locally-owned stores on Cambridge street, which are home to some of the best fish markets, Portuguese bakeries, and well-loved bars in town. Local pride is strong and diverse, anchored in long-standing Irish and Portuguese communities.
Whether you’re looking for a community in Cambridge, Boston or beyond, let me guide your decision and help you find the perfect neighborhood for your needs. Contact me at lperry@sennere.com to get started!