Cambridge has major quality-of-life attractions for families and real estate investors, as well as several hundred years of character to back it up.

With charming European-style neighborhoods, top-notch educational institutions, and easy access to green, seaside spaces, people are understandably drawn to Cambridge as a unique American city. Its eclectic history stretches over 400 years, and from humble beginnings, Cambridge has transformed into a picturesque, modern metropolis. It’s an idyllic place to vacation or—if you’re lucky—to call home. Below are Cambridge’s four main attractions for visitors and residents.

 

1. Educational institutions

Cambridge is most famous for its educational institutions, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and nearly 50 other universities or colleges within an hour’s drive. Harvard and MIT are located approximately two miles from each other, situated near the banks of the Charles River. In addition to prestigious Ivy League schools, Cambridge is also known for its excellent public schools. Cambridge Public Schools is a top-rated district, with just over 7,000 students (ranging from preschool through 12th grade) and a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. The district has received a Niche grade of A+—but schooling is just one of the many reasons that families are drawn to Cambridge. The city is celebrated for its general dedication to American arts and culture and for cultivating a spirit of learning and curiosity.

 

2. Parks and green spaces

No matter where you visit in Cambridge, you’ll be close to parks and green spaces. There are 16 large parks scattered throughout the city, including the Alewife Brook Reservation. This luscious state park, which is spread over an expansive 120-acres, is filled with wildlife and open space. It’s the perfect location for nature lovers to spend the day hiking, bird watching, or simply connecting with nature and escaping from the noise of city life. In the summer months, you can find fireflies in the park, and mild temperatures throughout much of the year make being outside easy and enjoyable. Other notable open spaces include Charles River and Fresh Pond Reservation.

 

3. Restaurants 

Cambridge is full of culinary delights. You can find everything from hole-in-the-wall pubs to upscale restaurants—and with a 400-year history of immigration—you may be surprised by the amount of diversity baked into the city’s cuisine. Inman Square and Harvard Square (two of the most popular of the city’s five squares) are lined with an exciting assortment of restaurants. If you enjoy seafood, make reservations at the Hourly Oyster House, located in the heart of Harvard Square. This beloved restaurant is just a couple of miles away from the ocean, so you can rest assured that the fare is fresh. If you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy a special occasion, make reservations at Giulia. Located between Harvard and Porter Squares, this upscale eatery serves decadent handmade pasta with authentic Italian flavors, incredible hospitality, and an intimate atmosphere.

 

4. Local shopping

Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or antiques to furnish a new home, you’ll be happy to know that Cambridge has great shopping. If you’re looking for a new piece of furniture, then head on over to Artisan’s Trading Co. This lovable local shop creates high-quality furniture and accessories (often from reclaimed wood) and employs local artisans in one of the city’s traditional trades. If you’re a bookworm, you’ll love Porter Square Books, which can be found in the Porter Square Shopping Center. Since its first opening in 2004, this independent bookstore features everything from classics to current bestsellers. In addition to books, they also offer a wide selection of gifts and stationery.

 

Fun Antiques is another gem worth exploring. This outpost offers a diverse and quirky assortment of antiques, ranging from vintage sound equipment to jewelry, sculptures, and other rare finds. All the items have been hand-picked by the owner from local estates and auctions. They are cleaned and restored before being sold. With such a deep history and many old families, this shop feels like a treasure hunt. Stop by and see what the fun is all about!