The Best College Town In Massachusetts
Widely regarded as one of the states with the most prestigious colleges in the United States, Massachusetts is home to approximately 100 renowned institutions of higher education. No town exemplifies this more than Cambridge, which boasts two of the world’s most celebrated universities: Harvard University, the U.S.’s oldest institution of higher learning, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a leader in science, technology, and innovation. Across the Charles River from Cambridge is the state capital, Boston—the largest city in Massachusetts and one of the oldest cities in the U.S. While both cities are famous for their robust student populations, Cambridge may have the edge on Bean Town, thanks to its lively arts scene, world-renowned museums, eclectic architecture, street art, and mix of urban and green spaces.
Cambridge’s Vibrant Campus and Community Life
Harvard University was founded in 1636, and its campus crosses the Charles River from the center of Cambridge to the Allston campus in Boston. The campus comprises 5,667 acres and is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Cambridge, including the National Historic Landmark, Memorial Hall; one of the most famous symbols of Harvard and a key feature of the skyline, Dunster Hall; and the Widener Library, named after George Dunton Widener who died on the RMS Titanic.
The campus's oldest and most symbolic part is Harvard Yard, a 25-acre pastoral square with historic buildings under a canopy of old trees, enclosed by fencing and 27 gates. One of the most iconic landmarks at the university is the John Harvard Statue in the Harvard Yard. Legend has it that rubbing the statue’s left foot brings good luck.
Harvard Yard's symbolic presence contrasts with Harvard Square, a lively hub full of bookstores, cafés, restaurants, theaters, and quirky shops. The Square draws students, residents, and tourists who enjoy street performances, public art, and various events. This area embodies Cambridge's spirit by combining academic excellence with a vibrant and welcoming community atmosphere.
Where Culture Meets Play
Cambridge offers abundant cultural experiences, with over a dozen museums dedicated to culture, science, technology, and art. Annual festivals draw students, visitors, and residents alike, fostering a vibrant community. Additionally, the city features numerous green spaces that provide perfect spots for outdoor recreation and physical activities.
Museums
The Harvard Museum of Natural History is the most visited attraction at Harvard, attracting more than 250,000 visitors annually. It is renowned for its collections of fossils and minerals and exhibits on evolution and the natural world. The Great Mammal Hall is very popular with children, but its most treasured collection is the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, better known as the “Glass Flowers."
The MIT Museum is the perfect outing for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) devotees. It is organized into thematic areas, so whatever strikes a techie’s fancy can be found there, from computers to photographs to games, all from its 1.5 million-piece collection.
The Harvard Art Museums are a paradise for art enthusiasts, comprising three connected museums. The Fogg Museum features works by van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and others. The Busch-Reisinger is uniquely focused on art from German-speaking regions of Central and Northern Europe, and it is the only such museum in North America. The Arthur M. Sackler Museum emphasizes Asian art, boasting the largest collection of archaic Chinese jades outside mainland China.
Annual Festivals
Cambridge Science Festival is an annual celebration of STEAM, founded by the MIT Museum. The week-long event attracts over 50,000 visitors annually and prides itself on creating a festival that brings together young professionals, college students, adults, families, and the science community throughout Cambridge. The Cambridge Arts River Festival is a free one-day celebration of local arts with performances, visual arts, food vendors, and community activities, focusing on diverse art forms and artists held on the banks of the Charles River. The event celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.
The Annual Harvard Square MayFair, now in its 40th year, is a one-day cultural event in historic Harvard Square geared toward families, featuring food inspired by cultures from around the world, music, and one-of-a-kind crafts.
Outdoor Recreation
Cambridge Common is a historic 16-acre public park located centrally in Cambridge. As one of the oldest public spaces in the United States, it originated in the 1630s as a communal pasture for cows and sheep. The park played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, hosting a gathering of colonial troops before their march to the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. Today, it remains a favored green space where students, locals, and visitors partake in recreational activities, picnics, and outdoor events. The park features walking trails, shaded trees, and a monument dedicated to George Washington.
North Point Park is an 8.5-acre scenic waterfront park on the Cambridge side of the Charles River. It offers views of the Boston skyline and the Zakim Bridge. The park is perfect for walking along the river or for watching the kids play on the large playground and splash deck. There’s also a skate park for older kids.
Cambridge After Dark
Cambridge is highly walkable and boasts renowned museums and universities, along with a vibrant cultural scene. The Harvard Book Store, operating since 1932, is a notable landmark that hosts nearly nightly free author readings and events. The Brattle Theatre is a favored cinema showing classic, first-run, foreign, and art house films, especially known for its repertory programming focused on specific directors, genres, or themes. The Middle East Club is a key part of Cambridge’s nightlife, a historic music venue and restaurant in Central Square that features a range of performers from local indie bands to international acts. Additional popular live music spots include Club Passim, the Lizard Lounge, and the Cantab Lounge—fondly known as a lively music hub by night and a dive bar by day.
Exploring Cambridge Without a Degree
Cambridge is not just a town for students. Beyond their academic contributions, both Harvard University and MIT foster community engagement with the town’s residents through incentives to attend public lectures, performances, and outdoor sporting events. Harvard University promotes its sports teams (collectively known as the Crimson) as a more affordable, less stressful alternative to attending a professional Boston sports game. Many museums offer discounted rates, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History offers free admission to residents on certain days of the week. Finally, Cambridge consistently ranks on several “Best” lists every year. In 2023, the city topped Fortune’s list at #1 on its “Best Places to Live for Families.” In its 2024 report, Niche ranked Cambridge as the “Best City for Young Professionals.”
Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the top college town in the state, combining excellent education, culture, and a strong sense of community. Home to Harvard University and MIT, it features landmarks like Harvard Yard, famous museums such as the Harvard Art Museums and the MIT Museum, and lively cultural areas like Harvard Square. The city hosts annual events like the Cambridge Science Festival and Harvard Square MayFair, while parks such as Cambridge Common and North Point Park add to its appeal. Its vibrant arts scene, diverse nightlife, and close-knit community make Cambridge popular among students, families, and visitors, and it regularly ranks among the best places to live and explore.
