An active university and academic corridor in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, pairing long-term capital appreciation with a 2.9% gross rental yield, strong neighborhood walkability (71/100 walk score), and Grade A+ K-12 public schools—ranking in the National Benchmark Range (40th–60th Percentile).
The ReloQuotient
National Benchmark Range (40th–60th Percentile)
Composite 59/100
Cambridge (Harvard Square) (02138) Neighborhood & Livability Overview
An objective data synthesis of housing costs, walkability, economic momentum, and civic infrastructure.
Cambridge (Harvard Square) (02138) is classified as a university campus & knowledge hub with an overall ReloQuotient score of 59/100. With typical home prices at $1,180,000 (+186.4% compared to the national average) and median rents of $2,850/mo, this area functions primarily as an equity-building market. Buyers here prioritize long-term property appreciation over monthly rental income (2.9% annual rental yield). Rent takes up a comfortable 27% of median household earnings ($129,000/yr), leaving healthy monthly room for savings and daily living. Commuters enjoy an efficient 23.2-minute average trip each way, with convenient access to regional job centers. Emergency healthcare routing averages 4.8 minutes to regional 24/7 acute trauma facilities (Immediate Access (< 10 mins)).
Analysis by Resident & Investment Goal
Cambridge (Harvard Square) (02138) Monthly Cost to Own vs. Rent
Pre-populated with verified municipal taxes (0.62%), local market rent ($2,850/mo), and neighborhood upkeep costs.
Monthly mortgage debt exceeds rent at 20% down. Requires ~79% down ($936,724) to achieve a $0/mo cash flow breakeven at 5.99%.
Core Fundamentals: Housing Costs, Growth & Livability in Cambridge (Harvard Square) (02138)
Objective civic and economic indicators triangulated against Metro (Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH) and National baselines to guide relocation and investment decisions.
Daily life in Cambridge (Harvard Square) features everyday travel times averaging 23.2 minutes each way (13% faster than national averages), a 15-minute walkability and amenity score of 71/100, and swift access to regional 24/7 acute trauma centers (4.8 minutes away). Evening street lighting and civic infrastructure score 84/100 (Safety Grade B+). Active transportation infrastructure includes 38 miles of dedicated cycle tracks and 62 public EV charging stations.
📘Civic Metric Glossary & Indicator Definitions
- Median Home Value:
- Midpoint transaction value across residential sales in this postal code, reflecting the area's dominant housing stock (single-family detached). Where multi-unit strata units dominate, detached single-family homes typically command higher price points.
- Median Contract Rent:
- Actual monthly contract rent collected by active landlords, establishing recurring residential carrying costs.
- Gross Rental Yield:
- Annual gross rental revenue divided by total asset purchase price, measuring capital efficiency prior to operating overhead. Read yield formula →
- Price-to-Rent Ratio:
- Valuation multiple measuring total purchase cost divided by annual rent; multiples above 20x favor renting over buying. Read ratio guide & case studies →
- 5-Year Income Growth:
- Compound percentage change in median household earnings over a 5-year census tracking cycle.
- Investment Velocity Index:
- Composite algorithm scoring municipal building permits, capital transactions, and business starts (0–100).
- Degree Attainment:
- Proportion of adults aged 25+ holding a bachelor's degree or higher, measuring workforce competitiveness.
- Housing Vacancy Rate:
- Percentage of uninhabited residential stock, reflecting lease absorption velocity and housing liquidity.
- Average Daily Commute:
- Mean one-way travel duration across all transit modes to primary municipal employment centers.
- 15-Minute Walkability Index:
- Pedestrian accessibility score (0–100) evaluating proximity to essential daily grocery, pharmacy, and dining nodes.
- Academic Foundation & Schools:
- Educational environment evaluated from neighborhood degree attainment and verified local public school attendance centers.
- Emergency Healthcare Response:
- Drive-time transit window to the nearest accredited Level 1/2 trauma hospital and pediatric emergency department.
Housing Stock Vintage & Civic Infrastructure
The midpoint construction year for residential buildings, indicating architectural era and expected maintenance reserve needs.
The annual property tax percentage charged by local municipal and county governments relative to actual home market valuations.
The estimated road travel time in minutes to reach the nearest 24/7 hospital with a certified trauma center and pediatric emergency care.
Cambridge (Harvard Square) vs. Boston-Cambridge-Newton Metro
Objective side-by-side comparison of Cambridge (Harvard Square) against Boston-Cambridge-Newton Metro regional benchmarks.
| Indicator Metric | Cambridge (Harvard Square) (02138) | Boston-Cambridge-Newton Metro |
|---|---|---|
Median Home ValuationSingle-Family (68%) | $1,180,000 | $714,394 |
| Median Gross Rent | $2,850/mo | $2,300/mo |
| Rental Cash Flow Yield | 2.9% | 3.86% |
| Average Commute Time | 23.2 mins | 30 mins |
Public School Rating (K-12) District academic proficiency & student-teacher ratio benchmark | Grade A+ | Grade B |
Higher Education Attainment Adults with Bachelor Degree+ | 89.4% | 50% |
Emergency Healthcare Drive Transit routing to nearest 24/7 emergency trauma care | 4.8 mins | 8.5 mins |
| Nighttime Safety Grade | Grade B+ | Grade B |
| Tenant Saturation (Renters) | 67.9% | 44% |
| Effective Property Tax | 0.62% | 1.15% |
Download the Complete 4-Page Cambridge (Harvard Square) (02138) Relocation Briefing
A presentation-ready civic briefing designed for homebuyers, relocators, and capital allocators. Formatted for sharing with spouses, mortgage underwriters, and financial advisors—complete with unredacted carry costs, 5-year economic growth metrics, localized tax schedules, and emergency hospital access.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cambridge (Harvard Square) (02138)
What is the livability score and overall grade for Cambridge (Harvard Square) (02138)?
The overall ReloQuotient for Cambridge (Harvard Square) (02138) is graded B (59/100), ranking in the National Benchmark Range (40th–60th Percentile). Classified as a University Campus & Knowledge Hub, this score reflects an objective synthesis of housing economics, economic growth velocity (40/100), and nighttime safety (84/100).
How affordable is housing in Cambridge (Harvard Square) compared to regional benchmarks?
Median home values in Cambridge (Harvard Square) sit at $1,180,000 (Single-Family Basis) against contract rents of $2,850/mo. At a price-to-rent multiple of 34.5x, housing is categorized as Equity / Low Yield with an affordability grade of D.
How safe is Cambridge (Harvard Square) at night, and what is emergency hospital proximity?
Civic infrastructure assessment in Cambridge (Harvard Square) records a Nighttime Safety Score of 84/100 (Grade B+). The drive-time to the nearest regional 24/7 acute trauma center is approximately 4.8 minutes (Immediate Access (< 10 mins)).
What is the average commute time and transit connectivity in 02138?
Commuters in Cambridge (Harvard Square) average 23.2 minutes each way (13% faster than national average). The area includes 14.6 transit stops per km², 62 public EV charging ports, and 38 mi of dedicated cycle tracks.
Who is Cambridge (Harvard Square) best suited for: property investors, working professionals, or families?
Operating as a University Campus & Knowledge Hub, Cambridge (Harvard Square) offers a 2.9% gross yield for property investors, a 71/100 15-minute walk score for professionals, and Grade B+ nighttime safety for families.
Compare Against Another Area
Benchmark Cambridge (Harvard Square)'s yields, commute, and schools against any postal code.
Download the Free 4-Page Briefing for Cambridge (Harvard Square)
Access 18 verified core livability metrics, 3-year historical growth trajectories, property tax formulas, and pediatric hospital corridors—instant, printable, and 100% free.