Everything You Should Know Before Moving to East Cambridge, MA
Considering a move to East Cambridge, MA? This vibrant neighborhood of about 13,000 residents offers quick city commutes (average 26 minutes), excellent public transit, and access to top schools—including MIT and Harvard just minutes away. Expect a high cost of living (median home price $1,025,000; average rent $3,050), but enjoy outstanding education levels and healthcare. With moderate crime rates, a youthful, diverse population, and classic New England seasons, East Cambridge is ideal for those seeking urban amenities in a lively, walkable setting.
Demographics - East Cambridge, MA
Demographics - East Cambridge, MA
East Cambridge has a youthful, diverse population of around 13,000 residents, with a median age of 32.8 years and a high population density. The community features a broad ethnic mix, including over 16% Asian and 8% Black residents, and a notable 25.7% speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
13,000
Density:
16,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
25.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
65.2%
Black:
8.1%
Asian:
16.9%
Others:
9.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in East Cambridge, MA?
Living in East Cambridge comes at a premium, with a median home value exceeding $1 million and average rents near $3,050 per month. The city’s cost of living index is significantly above the national average, driven largely by high housing and transportation costs.
Median House Value:
$1,025,000
Gross Rent:
$3,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,150
State Taxes:
Low:
5%
|
High:
9%
Cost Of Living Index:
164.4
Grocery:
121.7
Housing:
232.6
Utilities:
116.3
Transportation:
138.9
Health Care:
128.1
Miscellaneous:
120.5
Crime
Is East Cambridge, MA a safe place to live?
East Cambridge experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 327 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,515 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 305 chance of being a victim of violent crime, reflecting a generally safe urban environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
327
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,515
Crime Index:
1,842
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 305
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in East Cambridge, MA year-round?
Residents enjoy classic New England seasons, with cold winters dipping to 22°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives around 45 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine about 56% of the year, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The neighborhood boasts strong household incomes—median household income is $118,500—and a highly educated population, with nearly 80% holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Public transportation is popular, with over 40% of residents commuting this way, and the poverty rate remains relatively low at 10.1%.
Median Income:
$52,000
Household Income:
$118,500
Family Income:
$141,200
Per Capita Income:
$69,800
Income Male:
$77,600
Income Female:
$66,400
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
25.7%
Rent:
$3,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
40.8%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.0%
Bachelors or More:
79.2%
Education
How are the schools in East Cambridge, MA?
East Cambridge offers access to quality public and private schools, featuring favorable student-teacher ratios and a strong educational environment. The neighborhood is also within minutes of world-renowned universities like MIT and Harvard, making it an ideal setting for families and students alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Kennedy-Longfellow School
Street:
158 Spring St
Phone:
617-349-6841
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8
Name:
Cambridge Street Upper School
Street:
840 Cambridge St
Phone:
617-349-3050
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.7

Private Schools
Name:
St. Peter School
Street:
96 Concord Ave
Phone:
617-547-0101
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
11,858
Name:
Harvard University
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
31,345
Healthcare
East Cambridge residents have exceptional access to healthcare, with major hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital nearby and nearly 98% of residents insured. The area also benefits from a high ratio of physicians per capita, supporting comprehensive medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Massachusetts General Hospital
Address:
55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114
Phone:
(617) 726-2000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cambridge Health Alliance - Cambridge Hospital
Address:
1493 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone:
(617) 665-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.8%
Health Care Index:
81.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in East Cambridge, MA?
The housing market is competitive, with a median home price around $1,025,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $3,050. Homeownership is less common at just over 32%, while vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a stable demand for both rentals and homes.
Median Home Price:
$1,025,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
32.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in downtown Boston. Residents can access licensing, vehicle registration, and other DMV services both in person and online through the state’s official RMV portal.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.