Let the numbers do the talking.
Beacon Hill, MA vs Cambridge, MA
Beacon Hill, MA vs Cambridge, MA: What the data shows
Beacon Hill, MA is in Beacon Hill, MA while Cambridge, MA is in Cambridge, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Cambridge, MA is the more affordable option at $1,027,300 median — $646,500 less than Beacon Hill, MA's $1,673,800. WYLT rates Beacon Hill, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Cambridge, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Beacon Hill, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Beacon Hill, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Cambridge, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Beacon Hill, MA has Low flood risk and Cambridge, MA has Low flood risk.
The two neighborhoods are similarly walkable. Beacon Hill, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Cambridge, MA's 100/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Beacon Hill, MA rates 7.5/10 and Cambridge, MA rates 7.5/10.
| Category | Beacon Hill, MA | Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Settle here |
| Median Price | $1.67M | $1.03M ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $3K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $170K ✓ Higher income | $117K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate ✓ More stable | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 | 100/100 |
| Transit Score | 60/100 | 60/100 |
| Bike Score | 65/100 | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 4 min ✓ Shorter commute | 11 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Best for | High‑earning professionalsRemote workers who value downtown proximityRetirees seeking low crime and walkability | Tech professionalsStudentsYoung families |
Bottom line
For high-earning professionals who value a quiet, low-crime lifestyle in a prime downtown location, Beacon Hill is the better choice. However, for those seeking a more affordable, fast-paced community with excellent schools and a strong tech industry presence, Cambridge may be a better fit. Ultimately, both neighborhoods are excellent options for the right person, but the size of your wallet will play a significant role in your decision.
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