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Riverside

Riverside

Urban Core Neighborhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Middlesex County 02138, 02139

$1,239,937 Average Value
$971 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Proximity to Harvard Square and Massachusetts Avenue dining

With Harvard University housing at the northern tip and the Charles River meandering past the western edge, Riverside enjoys a legendary setting. “Harvard has a very strongly felt presence in the community,” says Charles Cherney, a top real estate agent at Compass in Harvard Square, who is a Harvard alumnus and Cambridge resident since 1997. “Riverside is well positioned between Harvard Square and Central Square, and it has several lovely parks.” Neighborhood sidewalks allow for a walk to the river or a quick trip over to Massachusetts Avenue and River Street, where restaurants and shops abound. A mix of single-family homes, condos and townhouses provides several buying options. Another draw, especially for families, is the highly rated public schools in the area.

Enjoy food and drinks with an indoor-outdoor vibe at 710 Tavern near Riverside.
Enjoy food and drinks with an indoor-outdoor vibe at 710 Tavern near Riverside.
Harvard buildings maintain a strong presence in the Riverside neighborhood.
Harvard buildings maintain a strong presence in the Riverside neighborhood.
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From fireside dining at Pammy’s to Arabic coffee at Andala Coffee House

Paved sidewalks and crosswalks throughout the community allow for walks to the many area restaurants and stores. Pammy’s, which Cherney describes as “the quintessential Cantabrigian local restaurant,” is one dining spot on Massachusetts Avenue. “It’s sophisticated yet laid back. They have a fireplace and fine wines.” Diners can also enjoy fresh lobster sandwiches from Alive & Kicking Lobsters or grab an Arabic coffee from Andala Coffee House. There are also several major grocery stores within a half mile of the neighborhood, including Whole Foods Market and H Mart. Daily Table Grocery, a nonprofit market in Central Square, is a convenient spot in Riverside to shop for produce and mid-week necessities. Boutiques and stores on Massachusetts Avenue cover most other shopping needs.

You'll love the warm and chill ambiance at Faro Cafe in Riverside.
You'll love the warm and chill ambiance at Faro Cafe in Riverside.
The Plough and Stars is a local Irish bar offering live music and yummy dishes.
The Plough and Stars is a local Irish bar offering live music and yummy dishes.
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Parks along the Charles River

Locals can head to Riverbend Park for a scenic jog or dog walk. Cherney says that crew teams from Harvard are a common sight along the river. Memorial Drive, the road that runs parallel to the park, is closed to traffic on Sundays from April through November, which allows additional space for residents to bike, jog and rollerblade. There are also several green spaces throughout the neighborhood, such as Franklin Street Park, a small, landscaped space with shaded seating. At Corporal Burns Playground, the basketball and street hockey courts provide ample space for recreation, as does the fenced-in playground. On Callender Street, the Cambridge Community Center offers afterschool programs for elementary and middle school-aged students as well as dance classes for teenagers. With a YMCA facility on Massachusetts Avenue, residents have indoor recreation options as well.

Riverbend Park in Riverside is an ideal place for a picnic with friends.
Riverbend Park in Riverside is an ideal place for a picnic with friends.
Bring the kids to Corporal Burns Playground for outdoor fun in Riverside.
Bring the kids to Corporal Burns Playground for outdoor fun in Riverside.
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Mandarin immersion program at Martin Luther King Jr. School

Riverside families may attend highly rated Cambridge Public Schools, two of which sit at the heart of the neighborhood in inviting, contemporary buildings that were designed to be environmentally sustainable. At Martin Luther King Jr. School, which receives an A on Niche, students can build fluency in Mandarin Chinese through their two-way immersion program. Beside it is Putnam Avenue Upper School, which holds a B-plus rating — it offers an array of afterschool activities, including the BioCoding Club and an orienteering club. Students may then attend Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, which earns an A-plus score. For families seeking private schools, there are several in the Cambridge area, including the A-plus-rated Buckingham Browne & Nichols School. With several world-class universities nearby, the community’s educational offerings are second to none.

Welcome to Putnam Avenue Upper School.
Welcome to Putnam Avenue Upper School.
Martin Luther King Jr. School in Cambridge has an overall grade of A on Niche.
Martin Luther King Jr. School in Cambridge has an overall grade of A on Niche.
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Homes and condos with Victorian-style appeal throughout Riverside

Single-family homes with bay windows and Second Empire-style mansard roofs are sprinkled throughout the community. Despite their vintage appearance, some were built within the last decade, though many date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Home prices may range from $1.2 million to $4.5 million. The majority of available housing in Riverside consists of multifamily options, including condos in renovated condominium buildings from the early 1900s and newly constructed townhouses with luxury finishings. These generally list between $800,000 and $2.3 million.

You'll find a wide array of beautiful homes in Riverside.
You'll find a wide array of beautiful homes in Riverside.
There are many uniquely colored homes in Riverside.
There are many uniquely colored homes in Riverside.
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Access to the T in Central Square

Those who need to get into downtown Boston have a bevy of choices for their commute. In Central Square, there is a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (the T) subway station. From there, riders can take the red line straight into downtown and find connections to cities and towns throughout the greater Boston area. Those who prefer to drive downtown can have their pick of routes depending on day-to-day traffic. Bikers can take the designated lanes on the Boston University Bridge or use the John W. Weeks Bridge to safely cross the Charles River.

Catch the subway inbound or outbound at the Central Square station near Riverside.
Catch the subway inbound or outbound at the Central Square station near Riverside.
Residents of Riverside can become members at the nearby YMCA.
Residents of Riverside can become members at the nearby YMCA.
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Enjoying River Festival and the Head of the James Regatta

The two main events that take place near Riverside are the Cambridge Arts River Festival and the Head of the Charles Regatta. The River Festival, which takes place in June, is a free, one-day festival that draws artists from around the region. Attendees can enjoy music and poetry performances and processions that celebrate Cambridge’s multicultural residents. In October, the three-day regatta also brings in a crowd. Elite rowers from all over the world converge along the banks of the Charles. The race begins at the Boston University DeWolfe Boathouse and finishes alongside Herter Park. Riverside residents can head to Riverbend Park for a front-row seat to the action.

Potential concerns

Noise levels in Cambridge and other Boston-area communities are typically high. Additionally, some parts of the Riverside neighborhood lie in areas that are prone to flooding. Homeowners who purchase in a designated flood zone may be required to buy flood insurance.

Ginny West
Written By
Ginny West
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Tyler Cataldo
Video By
Tyler Cataldo

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to ZhiChao Chen, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

14 min drive

Bus

Western Ave & Howard St

Bus

Widener Gate

Bus

Mather House

Bus

Leverett House

Bus

Mt Auburn St & Dewolfe St

Bus

Kennedy School (Northbound)

Bus

Western Ave & Kinnaird St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Riverside US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,250,000
Median Single Family Price
$2,525,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$970,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$679,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$971
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
41
Months of Supply
2.30
Median List Price
$1,095,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
30%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,048
Median Year Built
1916
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,755
Below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,505
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,015
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
720
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
554
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,613

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to ZhiChao Chen, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
11,620
Median Age
29
Population Density
58 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$88,124
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$120,247

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.4%
College Graduates
80.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
50.9%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

99 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

96 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

76 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Riverside
ZhiChao Chen
Space Realty
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