Historic charm meets urban convenience in Harvard Square
Puritan Arms, a six-story brick building completed in 1925, stands as a testament to Cambridge's rich architectural heritage. Located in the heart of Harvard Square, this condominium offers 96 units, ranging from cozy studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments. The building's prime location, facing Cambridge Common and Follen Street, provides residents with easy access to the vibrant amenities of Harvard Square while maintaining a sense of tranquility. With nearly a century of history, Puritan Arms blends pre-war charm with modern conveniences, offering a unique living experience in one of Cambridge's most sought-after neighborhoods.
Diverse layouts with classic features and modern updates
Puritan Arms offers a variety of floor plans to suit different lifestyles and needs. Studios range from 286 to 508 square feet, providing efficient living spaces ideal for students or professionals. One-bedroom units, spanning 315 to 1,370 square feet, offer more generous living areas and are priced between $725,000 and $878,000. These units often feature hardwood floors, large windows, and updated kitchens with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops.
Two-bedroom apartments, ranging from 665 to 1,114 square feet, provide ample space for roommates or small families. These units typically rent for around $3,800 per month and may include one or two bathrooms. The largest offerings are the three-bedroom units, approximately 1,000 square feet in size, perfect for families or those requiring extra space.
Many units in Puritan Arms have undergone recent renovations, boasting modern amenities while retaining classic architectural elements. Residents can expect features such as recessed lighting, built-in storage, and in some cases, wood-burning fireplaces with exposed brick backdrops. Kitchens often include gas stoves, ample cabinet space, and eat-in areas. Some units offer stunning views of Cambridge Common, Harvard Yard, or even the Boston skyline.
Monthly HOA fees range from $500 to $600, covering heat, water, sewer, insurance, security, structural maintenance, ground maintenance, snow removal, and reserve funds. This comprehensive fee structure ensures that residents can enjoy a worry-free living experience in this historic building.
Classic comforts with modern conveniences
Puritan Arms offers a blend of traditional charm and essential amenities to enhance residents' daily lives. The building features an elevator, ensuring easy access to all floors. A common laundry facility is available for residents' convenience, though some units may have hookups for in-unit laundry.
The building is professionally managed, with a live-in superintendent providing prompt attention to maintenance needs and ensuring the smooth operation of the property. This on-site management contributes to the well-maintained condition of the building and its common areas.
Security is a priority at Puritan Arms, with a secure entry system in place to safeguard residents. The grand entrance hall, with its polished slate floors, oak furniture, and fireplace, offers a warm welcome to residents and guests alike, evoking the building's historic character.
While the building may not boast extensive luxury amenities, its location and well-maintained facilities more than compensate. The proximity to Harvard Square's numerous attractions and the adjacent Cambridge Common serve as extended amenities for residents to enjoy.
Immersed in the academic and cultural heart of Cambridge
Puritan Arms is situated in the vibrant Neighborhood Nine area of Cambridge, offering residents a perfect blend of academic prestige, cultural richness, and urban convenience. The building's location, directly across from Cambridge Common, provides immediate access to green space and recreational opportunities. This historic park, with its walking paths and open areas, serves as a natural extension of residents' living space.
Harvard Square, the epicenter of Cambridge's intellectual and cultural life, is just steps away. This iconic area is home to numerous bookstores, cafes, and shops that cater to diverse tastes and interests. The world-renowned Harvard University campus is within easy walking distance, offering access to lectures, museums, and events open to the public.
For dining options, residents are spoiled for choice. El Jefe's Taqueria, a local favorite, offers delicious Mexican fare just a short walk away. Shake Shack in Harvard Square provides gourmet fast-food options for those craving a quality burger.
Shopping needs are well-served in the area. The Harvard Square area boasts a mix of local boutiques and well-known brands. Anthropologie, located about 10 minutes away on foot, offers trendy women's clothing and home decor. For groceries, Broadway Marketplace, a charming local grocer, is just a 10-minute walk from Puritan Arms, offering fresh produce, prepared meals, and a curated wine selection.
Cultural attractions abound in the neighborhood. The Harvard Museum of Natural History, home to fascinating exhibits including the renowned Glass Flowers collection, is within easy reach.
For those seeking outdoor recreation, in addition to Cambridge Common, several other parks are within walking distance. Longfellow Park, about 10 minutes away, offers a peaceful green space with historical significance. John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, a 15-minute walk, features open fields, paths, and a fountain inscribed with JFK quotations, providing a serene spot for relaxation or exercise.
The neighborhood's walkability is one of its strongest assets, with most daily needs and amenities accessible on foot. This pedestrian-friendly environment, combined with the area's rich academic atmosphere and cultural offerings, makes living at Puritan Arms an immersive Cambridge experience.
Excellent connectivity for car-free living
Puritan Arms benefits from its prime location in Cambridge, offering residents multiple transportation options that make car ownership optional. The area's excellent public transit infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly streets provide convenient access to Cambridge, Boston, and beyond.
The MBTA Red Line, accessible via Harvard Square Station, is just a 5-minute walk from Puritan Arms. This subway line provides quick connections to downtown Boston, MIT, and other key areas of Cambridge and Somerville. The station also serves as a hub for numerous bus routes, expanding transit options even further.
For those preferring bus transportation, several stops are located within a minute's walk of the building. The Waterhouse St & Massachusetts Ave stop, practically at the doorstep of Puritan Arms, is served by multiple routes including those to Arlington Heights, Belmont Center, and Medford Square. This extensive bus network ensures easy access to various parts of Cambridge and neighboring communities.
Commuter rail access is available at Porter Square station, about a 15-minute walk from Puritan Arms. The Fitchburg/South Acton Line provides service to Boston's North Station and points west, offering another option for longer-distance travel.
The neighborhood's high walkability means that many daily errands and activities can be accomplished on foot, reducing the need for other forms of transportation. For those who enjoy cycling, the area is extremely bike-friendly, with numerous bike lanes and paths available.
For occasions when a car is necessary, ride-sharing services are readily available in the area.
When air travel is required, Logan International Airport is accessible. The journey typically takes about 15 minutes by car, covering approximately 7 miles, though travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, residents can use public transit by taking the Red Line to South Station and transferring to the Silver Line bus service to the airport.
The combination of extensive public transit options, high walkability, and bike-friendly infrastructure makes Puritan Arms an ideal choice for those seeking a car-free lifestyle in a vibrant urban setting. The ease of getting around from this central location adds significantly to the appeal of living in this historic Cambridge building.
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Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
98/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
95/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
78/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Alexander W. Kemp Playground
2 min walk
Playground
Cambridge Common Park
2 min walk
Longfellow Park
8 min walk
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Winthrop Park
9 min walk
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
Sacramento Field
9 min walk
Basketball
Riverbend Park
10 min walk
Trails
River
Edward Alden Park
10 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Joan Lorentz Park
13 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Tennis
John F Kennedy Memorial Park
14 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Schools
Source:
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