Let the numbers do the talking.
Cambridge, MA vs Westborough, MA
Cambridge, MA vs Westborough, MA: What the data shows
Cambridge, MA is in Cambridge, MA while Westborough, MA is in Westborough, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Westborough, MA is the more affordable option at $530,000 median — $497,300 less than Cambridge, MA's $1,027,300. WYLT rates Cambridge, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Westborough, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Westborough, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Cambridge, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Westborough, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Cambridge, MA has Low flood risk and Westborough, MA has Low flood risk.
Cambridge, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Cambridge, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Westborough, MA's 6/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Cambridge, MA has the higher school rating — Cambridge, MA rates 7.5/10 and Westborough, MA rates 7.3/10.
| Category | Cambridge, MA | Westborough, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Settle here |
| Median Price | $1.03M | $530K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $117K ✓ Higher income | $108K |
| Price Volatility | High | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 ✓ More walkable | 6/100 |
| Transit Score | 60/100 ✓ Better transit | 30/100 |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | 34/100 |
| Commute | 11 min ✓ Shorter commute | 79 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | A ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.3/10 |
| Best for | Tech professionalsStudentsYoung families | Families with young childrenThose seeking a traditional suburban lifestyleCommuters to Boston with a car |
Bottom line
If you're a young tech professional or student with a flexible budget, Cambridge is worth the investment for its unbeatable quality of life, top schools, and fast commute. For families with young children or those seeking a traditional suburban lifestyle without a car, Westborough is likely a smarter and more affordable choice, offering good schools and relatively easy access to Boston with a car. Ultimately, it comes down to your individual priorities and budget.
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