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Boston University
Harvard University: Off-Campus Housing Guide
Cambridge, home to Harvard University, is a historic and vibrant area that attracts students, academics, and professionals from around the world. The demand for housing in this prestigious university town is high, leading to a competitive market. As Harvard students search for off-campus housing, they often face challenges such as limited availability, rising rents, and the need to act quickly to secure a place.
Price Range for Apartments Near Harvard University
The cost of off-campus housing near Harvard University can vary widely depending on the type of accommodation, location, and amenities offered. Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
Studios: $2,200 - $3,000 per month
One-bedroom apartments: $2,500 - $3,600 per month
Two-bedroom apartments: $3,600 - $5,000 per month
Three-bedroom apartments: $4,500 - $6,500 per month
Proximity to Harvard Square and the university campus, as well as modern amenities, can significantly increase rental prices. Historic buildings, updated with modern conveniences, also tend to command higher rents.
Comparison with Housing Near Other Boston Universities
When comparing housing prices near Harvard University to other university areas in Boston:
Northeastern University: Housing near Northeastern tends to be more affordable, with studios ranging from $1,700 to $2,400 and one-bedroom apartments from $2,000 to $3,000. However, the prices can vary depending on the neighborhood.
MIT: The housing market around MIT, located in Cambridge like Harvard, is also on the higher end. Studios often start at $2,200, and one-bedroom apartments range from $2,500 to $3,800. The tech-driven environment contributes to the higher cost of living.
Boston University: While still expensive, housing near Boston University can be slightly more affordable than near Harvard. Studios range from $1,800 to $2,500, and one-bedroom apartments typically cost between $2,200 and $3,200.
Overall, Harvard’s location in Cambridge makes it one of the pricier areas in the Boston region, particularly in comparison to Northeastern University. However, it is on par with or slightly higher than MIT in terms of rental costs.
Neighborhoods Around Harvard University: Safety, Crime Rates, and Rental Costs
Choosing the right neighborhood for off-campus housing involves considering not only the rental costs but also the safety and crime rates of the area. Here’s a detailed look at the neighborhoods surrounding Harvard University, along with their average rental prices and an overview of safety considerations.
1. Harvard Square
5 things to do in Harvard Square (boston.com)
Harvard Square is the heart of Cambridge and a prime location for Harvard students. The area is bustling with cafes, bookstores, and cultural attractions, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Crime Rate: Moderate; the area is generally safe but busy, so incidents like petty theft can occur.
Safety Tips: Stay alert in crowded areas, especially at night. The neighborhood is well-patrolled, but it’s still wise to take standard precautions.
Average Rental Costs:
Studios: $2,500 - $3,200 per month
One-bedroom apartments: $2,800 - $3,800 per month
Two-bedroom apartments: $3,800 - $5,200 per month
2. Central Square
Located between MIT and Harvard, Central Square is known for its diversity and vibrant nightlife. It offers a mix of affordable and upscale housing options.
Crime Rate: Higher than Harvard Square; the area has a mix of commercial and residential spaces, with some incidents of crime.
Safety Tips: Be cautious, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid isolated areas.
Average Rental Costs:
Studios: $2,200 - $2,800 per month
One-bedroom apartments: $2,500 - $3,500 per month
Two-bedroom apartments: $3,500 - $4,800 per month
3. Porter Square
Porter Square is a more residential neighborhood, offering a quieter atmosphere while still being close to Harvard University. The area is known for its convenient shopping centers and a strong sense of community.
Crime Rate: Low; generally considered a safe and family-friendly area.
Safety Tips: Porter Square is quite safe, but it’s still important to practice common sense, like locking doors and being aware of your surroundings.
Average Rental Costs:
Studios: $2,000 - $2,600 per month
One-bedroom apartments: $2,400 - $3,200 per month
Two-bedroom apartments: $3,400 - $4,500 per month
4. Inman Square
InmanSq_11.jpg (450×300) (cambridgema.gov)
Inman Square is known for its artistic vibe and diverse community. It’s a bit further from Harvard Square but offers more affordable rental options.
Crime Rate: Moderate; the area is safe, but there are occasional reports of property crime.
Safety Tips: Stay connected with the community and keep an eye on local news to stay informed about any safety concerns.
Average Rental Costs:
Studios: $1,800 - $2,400 per month
One-bedroom apartments: $2,200 - $3,200 per month
Two-bedroom apartments: $3,200 - $4,400 per month
5. East Cambridge
East Cambridge is becoming increasingly popular due to its proximity to both MIT and Harvard. The neighborhood has seen significant development, with new apartments and amenities.
Crime Rate: Moderate; while it’s generally safe, the area is still developing, so crime rates can vary.
Safety Tips: Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in less developed areas. Stick to main roads and well-lit areas at night.
Average Rental Costs:
Studios: $2,200 - $3,000 per month
One-bedroom apartments: $2,600 - $3,600 per month
Two-bedroom apartments: $3,600 - $5,000 per month
6. Somerville (Davis Square)
Davis Square Sign Somerville MA Photograph by Toby McGuire - Fine Art America
Just north of Cambridge, Somerville, particularly around Davis Square, is a popular choice for students looking for a vibrant community with slightly lower rent prices. The area is known for its eclectic shops, restaurants, and strong community spirit.
Crime Rate: Low; Davis Square is considered very safe with a strong neighborhood community.
Safety Tips: It’s a safe area, but as always, be cautious when walking alone at night and lock your doors.
Average Rental Costs:
Studios: $1,800 - $2,500 per month
One-bedroom apartments: $2,200 - $3,200 per month
Two-bedroom apartments: $3,200 - $4,400 per month
Realtors in Neighborhoods Near Harvard University
Navigating the housing market in Cambridge and Boston can be challenging, but with the help of experienced realtors, you can find the perfect off-campus housing. Below is a list of top realtors in each neighborhood around Harvard University, including their contact details and website links.
1. Harvard Square
Channing Real Estate
Address: 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: (617) 864-5400
Website: Channing Real Estate
Overview: Grounded in Harvard Square, Channing Real Estate has been serving Cambridge and the Greater Boston community for over 25 years. They specialize in residential real estate sales, buyer representation, rental services, and property management.
Patricia Mazza Real Estate
Address: 5 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 497-4500
Website: Patricia Mazza Real Estate
Overview: Located in Harvard Square, Patricia Mazza Real Estate offers a boutique service with quality rentals in Cambridge. They provide a 25% discount on broker fees for Harvard affiliates and are well-regarded for their personal and detailed service.
2. Central Square
Apartment Rental Experts
Address: 925 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 876-1800
Website: Apartment Rental Experts
Overview: Specializing in rentals along the Red Line in Cambridge and Somerville, Apartment Rental Experts have a vast database of apartments, including many exclusive listings.
Bayside Realty
Address: 843 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 868-7979
Website: Bayside Realty
Overview: Bayside Realty offers a wide range of rental options in Cambridge, including Central Square. They are a full-service real estate company open seven days a week, with a focus on customer service.
3. Porter Square
Senné
Address: 1675 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 686-2844
Website: Senné
Overview: Senné provides customized real estate solutions in Cambridge, particularly in Porter Square. Their services are tailored to meet the needs of students and professionals looking for quality housing.
Apartment Hub
Address: 1955 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: (617) 440-6060
Website: Apartment Hub
Overview: Apartment Hub offers a large selection of apartments in Porter Square and surrounding areas. They specialize in rentals and sales, making them a versatile choice for housing near Harvard.
4. Inman Square
Rise Realty
Address: 226 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: (617) 393-5659
Website: Boston Real Estate | Rise Realty LLC (riseboston.com)
Overview: Rise Realty offers extensive experience in helping students find off-campus housing, particularly in the Inman Square area. Their agents provide knowledgeable and personalized service.
Hub Realty, Inc.
Address: 9 Grapevine Avenue, Suite 3, Lexington, MA 02421
Phone: (617) 424-0100
Overview: Hub Realty features a wide selection of apartments in Inman Square and other Cambridge neighborhoods. They focus on both rentals and sales, providing a comprehensive service.
5. East Cambridge
Beacon Realty
Address: 248 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 266-7142
Website: Beacon Realty Properties LLC - Home
Overview: With over 50 years of experience, Beacon Realty provides affordable housing options in East Cambridge and other Boston neighborhoods. They never charge a broker fee, making them a cost-effective choice for students.
Cornerstone Real Estate, Inc.
Address: 1451 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120
Phone: (617) 794-2778
Website: Cornerstone Real Estate, Inc.
Overview: Cornerstone Real Estate offers a range of exclusive rentals in East Cambridge at competitive prices. Their agents are industry veterans with extensive knowledge of the local market.
6. Somerville (Davis Square)
Marc Roos Realty
Address: 484 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 1, Boston, MA 02215
Phone: (617) 236-8600
Website: Marc Roos Realty
Overview: Marc Roos Realty has been a trusted name in the Boston real estate market for over 17 years. They offer a variety of rental options in Somerville, particularly around Davis Square, catering to students and professionals.
Ralph Malin Realty
Address: 799 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: (617) 623-2323
Website: Ralph Malin Realty
Overview: Ralph Malin Realty focuses on providing well-maintained properties in Somerville. Their commitment to student housing makes them a reliable option for those looking to live in Davis Square.
Conclusion
Finding the right realtor can make your search for off-campus housing near Harvard University much easier. Whether you’re looking for a studio in Harvard Square or a spacious apartment in Somerville, these realtors offer a wide range of options to meet your needs. Their extensive local knowledge and experience ensure that you’ll find a place that feels like home during your time at Harvard.
Third-Party Platforms for Apartment Listings Near Harvard University
In addition to working directly with realtors, many students and professionals turn to third-party platforms to find apartment listings. These platforms aggregate listings from various sources, making it easier to compare options and find the perfect off-campus housing. Here are some popular third-party vendors where you can browse apartment listings near Harvard University.
1. Zillow
Website: Zillow
Overview: Zillow offers a comprehensive range of apartment listings. You can filter your search by price, number of bedrooms, and proximity to Harvard University. Zillow also provides tools like rent calculators and neighborhood guides.
2. Apartments.com
Website: Apartments.com
Overview: Apartments.com is a go-to resource for finding apartments across Cambridge and the Boston area. The platform offers detailed listings with photos, floor plans, and tenant reviews.
3. Trulia
Website: Trulia
Overview: Trulia offers additional insights into neighborhoods, including crime rates, school ratings, and commute times. It’s a great resource for students who want to ensure they’re moving into a safe and convenient area.
4. Realtor.com
Website: Realtor.com
Overview: Realtor.com offers a user-friendly interface where you can search for rentals by location, price, and amenities. The site also provides valuable market data.
5. HotPads
Website: HotPads
Overview: HotPads specializes in rental listings and is popular among students and young professionals. It allows you to search for apartments based on proximity to universities, including Harvard.
6. Rent.com
Website: Rent.com
Overview: Rent.com offers a wide selection of apartments, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury rentals. The platform provides detailed descriptions, photos, and tenant reviews.
7. Craigslist Boston
Website: Craigslist Boston
Overview: Craigslist is a popular choice for finding affordable rental options, though it requires more caution. It’s a good platform for finding sublets or short-term rentals.
8. PadMapper
Website: PadMapper
Overview: PadMapper aggregates listings from various sources, including Craigslist and Apartments.com. It offers a map-based search that allows you to visualize where each apartment is located relative to Harvard University.
9. Boston Pads
Website: Boston Pads
Overview: Boston Pads is a local platform dedicated to the Boston and Cambridge rental markets. It offers extensive listings and resources specifically tailored to students and professionals.
10. RentHop
Website: RentHop
Overview: RentHop uses a unique “HopScore” to rank apartment listings based on quality and accuracy. This score helps you quickly identify the best listings and avoid potential scams.
Conclusion
Utilizing third-party platforms can greatly expand your search for off-campus housing near Harvard University. These platforms offer a wide range of listings, from budget-friendly apartments to luxury rentals, along with valuable tools and insights to help you make the best choice. Whether you’re looking for something close to campus or a bit further out, these resources can help you find the perfect home during your time at Harvard.