Housing in Cambridge
Finding a comfortable and convenient place to live is a top priority when moving to a new city.
Cambridge and the surrounding areas offer a variety of housing options, but the market can be competitive and expensive.
This article provides guidance on navigating the housing search, understanding your options, and settling into your new home.
Understanding the Cambridge Housing Market
Cambridge is a densely populated city with a high demand for housing, driven largely by students and professionals associated with Harvard, MIT, and other institutions. Here’s what to expect:
High Costs
Rent prices are among the highest in the United States.
Be prepared for significant housing expenses.
Competitiveness
Good apartments, especially those close to Harvard Square, are often rented very quickly.
You may need to act fast when you find a suitable place.
Lease Cycles
The rental market often follows the academic calendar, with many leases starting on September 1st.
This means the busiest search times are typically in the spring and summer.
Neighborhood Variety
Cambridge has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, amenities, and price range.
Researching neighborhoods is crucial.
Cambridge Neighborhoods Overview
Harvard Square 🔴
The heart of the university area. Very convenient but often the most expensive. Lively atmosphere with shops, restaurants, and easy T access (Red Line).
Mid-Cambridge 🟠
Residential area between Harvard and Central Squares. Offers a mix of apartment buildings and single-family homes. Still convenient but slightly quieter than Harvard Square.
Riverside 🟠
Located south of Harvard Square, along the Charles River. More diverse housing stock, including larger apartment complexes. Good access to Memorial Drive and river paths.
Cambridgeport 🟠
South of Central Square. Known for its residential feel, parks, and proximity to MIT and Boston University (across the river). Access to Red Line via Central Square.
Agassiz/Baldwin 🟡
North of Harvard Yard. Quieter, more residential, with treelined streets. Close to Porter Square (Red Line and Commuter Rail).
Porter Square 🟢
Borders Cambridge and Somerville. Offers good shopping options, restaurants, and excellent transportation links (Red Line, Commuter Rail).
Nearby Somerville (e.g., Union Square, Davis Square) 🟢
Often slightly more affordable than Cambridge, with vibrant squares offering dining, entertainment, and Red Line access (Davis) or Green Line Extension access (Union).
Types of Housing
Understanding the different types of housing available can help you narrow your search.
| Housing Type | Description | Typical size | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Harvard University Housing (HUH) | Apartments owned and managed by Harvard, primarily for graduate students, faculty, and staff. | Studio - 3 Bedroom | Convenient locations, reliable management, often includes utilities. | High demand, lottery system, can be unfurnished, specific eligibility rules. |
Off-Campus Apartments | Rented from private landlords or property management companies. | Studio MultiFamily | More variety in location, size, style, potential for lower cost. | Requires more search effort, variable landlord quality, often requires fees. |
Room in Shared Apartment | Renting a bedroom in an apartment or house shared with roommates. | Single Room | Most affordable option, built-in social connection. | Less privacy, potential roommate conflicts, shared responsibilities. |
Sublet | Renting an apartment or room temporarily from the current tenant. | Varies | Flexible lease terms, often furnished, good for short stays. | Can be harder to find, potential for less formal agreements. |
Single Family Home | Less common for rentals near the university, typically larger and pricier. | 2+ Bedrooms | More space, yard, privacy. | Higher rent and utility costs, more maintenance responsibility. |
Eligibility
Primarily for full-time Harvard graduate students, faculty, and staff. Spouses/partners and children can live in HUH units.
Application
Apply online through the HUH portal (huhousing.harvard.edu). There is often a lottery system due to high demand.
Pros
Proximity to campus, professional management, utilities often included or simplified.
Cons
Can be competitive to get, may not be furnished, specific move-in/out dates.
Off-Campus Housing
Most Harvard affiliates live in off-campus housing rented from private landlords.
Harvard Off-Campus Housing Service
Maintains an off-campus listing service (requires HarvardKey login).
Online Platforms
Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist (use caution), Apartment List, Zumper.
Real Estate Agents/Brokers
Can help find listings but charge significant fees (often equal to one month's rent).
HSSPA Resources
Check HSSPA community, Facebook groups, or newsletters for leads from other members.
Harvard is a diverse, vibrant community — and your housing choice will shape your experience here.
We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision and feel more confident as you begin this new chapter.
If you have questions or want to share your own experience, feel free to share with us!