Let the numbers do the talking.
Cambridge, MA vs Haverhill, MA
Cambridge, MA vs Haverhill, MA: What the data shows
Cambridge, MA is in Cambridge, MA while Haverhill, MA is in Haverhill, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Haverhill, MA is the more affordable option at $400,300 median — $627,000 less than Cambridge, MA's $1,027,300. WYLT rates Cambridge, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Haverhill, MA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Cambridge, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Haverhill, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Cambridge, MA has Low flood risk and Haverhill, MA has Low flood risk.
Cambridge, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Cambridge, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Haverhill, MA's 11/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Cambridge, MA has the higher school rating — Cambridge, MA rates 7.5/10 and Haverhill, MA rates 7.1/10.
| Category | Cambridge, MA | Haverhill, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Think twice |
| Median Price | $1.03M | $400K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $117K ✓ Higher income | $72K |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 ✓ More walkable | 11/100 |
| Transit Score | 60/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | 18/100 |
| Commute | 11 min ✓ Shorter commute | 49 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.1/10 |
| Best for | Tech professionalsStudentsYoung families | Families with childrenCommuters to BostonStudents and young professionals who prefer a quieter town |
Bottom line
For families with children and those seeking a quiet, more affordable life, Haverhill might be a suitable option, but for everyone else, including tech professionals, students, young families, remote workers, and retirees wanting a more vibrant community, Cambridge is a better choice, despite its significant upfront costs. Cambridge's high cost of living is a major trade-off for its many amenities, but Haverhill's limited walkability and isolation make it less appealing to those who value being able to walk to shops and restaurants. If budget is a top concern and you can make do with limited community amenities, Haverhill might still be worth considering.
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