Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harvard Square, MA
Thinking about a move to Harvard Square, MA? With a vibrant population of around 22,000 and a youthful median age of 28.4, this historic Cambridge neighborhood offers top-tier educational access and a cosmopolitan feel. Expect a high cost of living, with median home prices near $950,000 and average rents at $3,100, but enjoy short average commutes (26.5 minutes) and extensive public transit options. Crime rates are moderate, and residents benefit from excellent healthcare and world-class universities right at your doorstep. Explore the dynamic culture, walkable streets, and intellectual energy that make Harvard Square a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Harvard Square, MA
Demographics - Harvard Square, MA
Harvard Square is home to about 22,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 28.4 and a diverse population, with 19% Asian and 7% Black residents alongside a majority White community. The neighborhood has a high population density and over 22% of residents speak a language other than English, contributing to a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Population:
22,000
Density:
18,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
28.4
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
61.0%
Black:
7.2%
Asian:
19.1%
Others:
12.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Harvard Square, MA?
Living in Harvard Square comes with a high cost of living, as the median home value approaches $950,000 and average monthly rents hover around $3,100. Expenses for utilities, groceries, and transportation are all above the national average, making this neighborhood best suited for those with a strong financial footing.
Median House Value:
$950,000
Gross Rent:
$3,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
178.0
Grocery:
125.0
Housing:
235.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
132.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Harvard Square, MA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Harvard Square are moderate for an urban setting, with a 1 in 310 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 44 chance of property crime. Residents enjoy a generally safe environment, though it's wise to remain aware of typical city risks.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
323
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,260
Crime Index:
2,583
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 310
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Harvard Square, MA year-round?
Harvard Square experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 22°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The area receives about 43.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 55% of the year, offering a classic New England climate.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Residents of Harvard Square benefit from a median household income of $92,500 and a highly educated community where over 73% hold at least a bachelor’s degree. The neighborhood has a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.7% and a notable reliance on public transportation, with about a quarter of locals commuting via transit.
Median Income:
$47,000
Household Income:
$92,500
Family Income:
$135,000
Per Capita Income:
$51,000
Income Male:
$62,000
Income Female:
$51,000
Poverty Rate:
10.9%
Non English Speakers:
22.5%
Rent:
$3,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
26.2%
Commute Time:
26.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.7%
Bachelors or More:
73.3%
Education
How are the schools in Harvard Square, MA?
Harvard Square boasts top-rated educational opportunities, including public schools like Cambridge Rindge and Latin and proximity to world-renowned institutions such as Harvard University and Lesley University. The area offers excellent student-to-teacher ratios, access to private schooling, and a vibrant academic atmosphere.
Public Schools
Name:
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
Street:
459 Broadway
Phone:
617-349-6630
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.0
Name:
Graham and Parks School
Street:
44 Linnaean St
Phone:
617-349-6577
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Private Schools
Name:
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Street:
80 Gerrys Landing Rd
Phone:
617-547-6100
Students:
1,000
Colleges
Name:
Harvard University
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
31,000
Name:
Lesley University
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
0.5 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Harvard Square is excellent, with major hospitals such as Mount Auburn and Cambridge Hospital nearby and a high physician-to-resident ratio of 4.2 per 1,000 people. Nearly 98% of residents have health insurance, ensuring comprehensive medical services are readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mount Auburn Hospital
Address:
330 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone:
(617) 492-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cambridge Hospital
Address:
1493 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone:
(617) 665-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.8%
Health Care Index:
82.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Harvard Square, MA?
Harvard Square’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $950,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $3,100. Only about one-third of homes are owner-occupied, and the low 2.8% rental vacancy rate reflects strong demand, while property values continue to appreciate steadily.
Median Home Price:
$950,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
33.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Boston. The RMV provides all essential services, and more information can be found on the official state website.
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.