Let the numbers do the talking.
Cambridge, MA vs Lawrence, MA
Cambridge, MA vs Lawrence, MA: What the data shows
Cambridge, MA is in Cambridge, MA while Lawrence, MA is in Lawrence, MA — both in the same state. WYLT rates Cambridge, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Lawrence, MA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Cambridge, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Cambridge, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Lawrence, MA has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Cambridge, MA has Low flood risk and Lawrence, MA has Low flood risk.
Cambridge, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Cambridge, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Lawrence, MA's 25/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Cambridge, MA has the higher school rating — Cambridge, MA rates 7.5/10 and Lawrence, MA rates 7.1/10.
| Category | Cambridge, MA | Lawrence, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Think twice |
| Median Price | $1.03M | N/A |
| Median Rent | $3K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $117K ✓ Higher income | $31K |
| Price Volatility | High | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 ✓ More walkable | 25/100 |
| Transit Score | 60/100 ✓ Better transit | 20/100 |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 11 min ✓ Shorter commute | 38 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| 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 | Budget‑conscious familiesCommute to BostonPeople who prefer a suburban feel over urban amenities |
Bottom line
For tech professionals and those prioritizing walkability and amenities, Cambridge is the better choice despite its high cost. For budget-conscious families looking for a low-cost, low-traffic suburb with decent schools and a commute to Boston, Lawrence may be worth considering, but be aware of its significant crime and car-dependent lifestyle issues. Overall, if you can afford it, Cambridge is a better long-term fit, while Lawrence is a more affordable but rougher-around-the-edges option.
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