Let the numbers do the talking.
Cambridge, MA vs Lynn, MA
Cambridge, MA vs Lynn, MA: What the data shows
Cambridge, MA is in Cambridge, MA while Lynn, MA is in Lynn, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Lynn, MA is the more affordable option at $286,000 median — $741,300 less than Cambridge, MA's $1,027,300. WYLT rates Cambridge, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Lynn, 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. Lynn, MA has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Cambridge, MA has Low flood risk and Lynn, MA has High flood risk.
Cambridge, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Cambridge, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Lynn, MA's 58/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, Cambridge, MA has the higher school rating — Cambridge, MA rates 7.5/10 and Lynn, MA rates 7.3/10.
| Category | Cambridge, MA | Lynn, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Think twice |
| Median Price | $1.03M | $286K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | N/A |
| Median Income | $117K ✓ Higher income | $21K |
| Price Volatility | High | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 ✓ More walkable | 58/100 |
| Transit Score | 60/100 ✓ Better transit | 49/100 |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | 57/100 |
| Commute | 11 min ✓ Shorter commute | 20 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.3/10 |
| Best for | Tech professionalsStudentsYoung families | Low‑income buyersStudents or young professionals needing cheap housingCommuters who can tolerate higher crime |
Bottom line
For those prioritizing quality of life, safety, and top-rated schools, Cambridge is a better choice. If affordability is paramount and you're comfortable with potential trade-offs, Lynn might work, but the higher crime levels, flood risk, and lower quality of life are significant drawbacks. For most people, however, Cambridge's high cost will be a barrier that outweighs Lynn's cheaper prices.
Share this comparison