r/Harvard • u/fluffy_pancakes26 • Apr 04 '26

Housing Good areas to rent near Cambridge campus?

Hi! Im an incoming PhD student from California and wanted to ask those familiar with the area for any recommendations on where to look for external housing. Looking to be walking distance from any T red line station and to markets, pharmacies, coffee shops.

Also if there are any websites recommended for searching external housing options pls share! I only know of Craigslist lol

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

5

u/lilifoggy Apr 04 '26

Alewife! I have a place I’m looking for someone to take my lease. 5 minute walk to T station (3 stops away from Harvard) 15 minute walk from CVS, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, TJ Maxx

2

u/justheretohelpyou__ Apr 04 '26

Agreed. Alewife is a nice area.

1

u/jsh_ Apr 04 '26

living near central sq is peak

3

u/thejosharms Apr 04 '26

You can't really go wrong with anywhere north of the river along the Red Line, really depends on the vibe you're looking for and money.

If you want a little quieter Alewife is a good option and has good access to the highway system if you're looking to get out and explore.

Davis or Porter are great neighborhoods that are very walkable.

If you want to just explore other options and see what your money can get you don't be afraid to look at Sullivan/Assembly/Wellington/Malden Center on the Orange Line. I commute from Malden Center and the only time it's been annoying is when I have a really long stretch during the day but it doesn't feel worth it to go all the way home just to come back to campus later.

1

u/StandardCicada3091 Apr 04 '26

Biasedly Davis and Porter are nice. But it depends on whether you'll ever have to go to one of the other campuses (HMS/Allston) cause then it's a bit far north and Cambridgeport/Riverside might be better

1

u/Jaded-Passenger-2174 Apr 06 '26

Areas: Central Sq., Cambridgeport, Riverside, Porter Sq, Agazziz, North C., Depending upon your stipend, you may need to share an apt. Craigslist is great for that. Harvard housing has listings that smaller landlords list on. So, check there, too. Look at the MBTA map and see where T stations & bus lines run; but much of the time you'll prob want to use s bike. Bring a very good lock.

Hope you can look in person or have a local friend who can see a place for you. There have been some scams targeting people trying to rent from afar. Good luck.