Living in Neighborhood Nine [Cambridge, MA]

Written By Sage Jankowitz
Neighborhood Nine - Cambridge, MA

Where is Neighborhood Nine?

Neighborhood Nine is located in western half of Cambridge. Its eastern border is Massachusetts Ave connecting Harvard Square and Porter Square, its northern border runs along the Fitchburg Commuter Rail line to Danehy Park, its western border runs between Danehy Park and the Fresh Pond Mall down to Concord Ave, and its southern border runs along Concord Ave back to Cambridge Common and Harvard Square.

What neighborhoods are near Neighborhood Nine?

Avon Hill

Avon Hill is a historic residential district of Neighborhood Nine in its northeastern corner between Porter Square and Raymond Park. It consists of 44 large wood and brick homes built in the late 19th century, including some of the finest Victorian and Second Empire homes in the city. Plenty of trees and well-maintained brick sidewalks make it one of the most beautiful areas in Cambridge.

Cambridge Highlands

Cambridge Highlands lies to the west of Neighborhood Nine and is mostly an industrial-commercial area. It includes the Fresh Pond Mall with plenty of food and shopping options like Trader Joe’s and Staples as well as a movie theater. The area is the home to many offices and warehouses. It is not very residential, although there is a senior living center and there have been some new condo developments lately.

Harvard Square

Harvard Square is the most popular destination in Cambridge for tourists and residents alike. It has a history that dates back to the colonial era and it has been featured in many films and other media. Harvard Square is the home of Harvard University as well as many popular shops and restaurants, such as Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage. It is a common location for buskers, street fairs, and other events.

North Cambridge

North Cambridge is a residential neighborhood to the north of Neighborhood Nine that consists of about 4700 homes. It contains Alewife Station as well as the Alewife Brook Parkway and a variety of restaurants along Massachusetts Ave.

Observatory Hill

Observatory Hill is a residential and business district partially located in Neighborhood Nine. The area is named after the Harvard College Observatory which was founded in 1839 and houses a collection of astronomical photographs dating back to the 1880s. The main business area is Huron Village along Concord Ave and Huron Ave which includes local favorites like Talulla and Formaggio Kitchen. The Porter Square T stop 

Porter Square

Porter Square marks the northeast corner of Neighborhood Nine. It is home to Lesley University and the Porter Square Shopping Center which contains Porter Square Books, a Healthworks fitness center, a Target, and other businesses. Nearby University Hall at 1815 Massachusetts Ave is known for its many Japanese restaurants and businesses. Porter Square Station is a red line subway stop and the deepest station of the MBTA at 105 feet below ground.

Average cost to rent an apartment in Neighborhood Nine

The average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment in Neighborhood Nine is around $2,500 a month.

What types of people like living in Neighborhood Nine?

Neighborhood Nine is perfect for those who want a relatively lower-density neighborhood with plenty of history. Most of its large homes have yards and gardens. and nearby parks make it a good area for families. Its ease of access to Porter and Harvard Squares make it great for those who attend or work at either Harvard or Lesley Universities, or for commuters taking the red line directly to downtown Boston.

Neighborhood Nine vs. Central Square

Both areas have pros and cons.

Pros of Neighborhood Nine

  • Relatively low-density for Cambridge

  • Close to Harvard, Lesley, Porter Square

  • Plenty of greenspace

  • Easy outbound access with Route 2 and commuter rails

Cons of Neighborhood Nine

  • Expensive

  • Public transit is limited to the borders

Pros of Central Square

Cons of Central Square

  • Higher density

  • Its few parks are small

Best places to shop in Neighborhood Nine

Here are the best places to shop in Neighborhood Nine:

Best places to eat in Neighborhood Nine

Here are the best places to eat in Neighborhood Nine:

Sage Jankowitz
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