Let the numbers do the talking.
Cambridge, MA vs Lowell, MA
Cambridge, MA vs Lowell, MA: What the data shows
Cambridge, MA is in Cambridge, MA while Lowell, MA is in Lowell, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Lowell, MA is the more affordable option at $398,900 median — $628,400 less than Cambridge, MA's $1,027,300. WYLT rates Cambridge, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Lowell, MA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Cambridge, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Lowell, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Cambridge, MA has Low flood risk and Lowell, MA has Low flood risk.
Cambridge, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Cambridge, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Lowell, MA's 20/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Cambridge, MA has the higher school rating — Cambridge, MA rates 7.5/10 and Lowell, MA rates 7.2/10.
| Category | Cambridge, MA | Lowell, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Good for now |
| Median Price | $1.03M | $399K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $117K ✓ Higher income | $79K |
| Price Volatility | High | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 ✓ More walkable | 20/100 |
| Transit Score | 60/100 ✓ Better transit | 14/100 |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | 3/100 |
| Commute | 11 min ✓ Shorter commute | 41 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 | 7.2/10 |
| Best for | Tech professionalsStudentsYoung families | commutersstudentsfamilies |
Bottom line
If affordability is your top priority, Lowell might be a more realistic choice, given its lower median home price. However, if you're willing to pay for the luxury and convenience of a top-rated school district and fast commute, Cambridge could be worth considering, particularly for young families and remote workers. Ultimately, Cambridge wins narrowly if you're in the tech industry or a student, but Lowell edges out as a better value for families and commuters on a budget.
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