The Best College Town In Massachusetts

Widely regarded as one of the states with the most prestigious colleges in the United States, Massachusetts is home to approximately 100 renowned institutions of higher education. No town exemplifies this more than Cambridge, which boasts two of the world’s most celebrated universities: Harvard University, the U.S.’s oldest institution of higher learning, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a leader in science, technology, and innovation. Across the Charles River from Cambridge is the state capital, Boston—the largest city in Massachusetts and one of the oldest cities in the U.S. While both cities are famous for their robust student populations, Cambridge may have the edge on Bean Town, thanks to its lively arts scene, world-renowned museums, eclectic architecture, street art, and mix of urban and green spaces.

Cambridge’s Vibrant Campus and Community Life

Harvard University was founded in 1636, and its campus crosses the Charles River from the center of Cambridge to the Allston campus in Boston. The campus comprises 5,667 acres and is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Cambridge, including the National Historic Landmark, Memorial Hall; one of the most famous symbols of Harvard and a key feature of the skyline, Dunster Hall; and the Widener Library, named after George Dunton Widener who died on the RMS Titanic.

The campus's oldest and most symbolic part is Harvard Yard, a 25-acre pastoral square with historic buildings under a canopy of old trees, enclosed by fencing and 27 gates. One of the most iconic landmarks at the university is the John Harvard Statue in the Harvard Yard. Legend has it that rubbing the statue’s left foot brings good luck.

The symbolic Harvard Yard stands in contrast to the nearby Harvard Square, a cultural and commercial hub with plenty of bookstores, cafés, restaurants, theaters, and funky shops. The Square attracts students, locals, and visitors who watch street performers, see public art installations, and attend events. The area truly represents the spirit of Cambridge, blending academic prestige with a dynamic, inclusive community vibe.

Where Culture Meets Play

Cambridge has no shortage of culture. Over a dozen museums are devoted to culture, science, technology, and art. Annual festivals bring students, visitors, and residents together, and there are plenty of green spaces for outdoor recreation and physical activity.

Museums

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is the most visited attraction at Harvard, attracting more than 250,000 visitors annually. It is renowned for its collections of fossils and minerals and exhibits on evolution and the natural world. The Great Mammal Hall is very popular with children, but its most treasured collection is the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, better known as the “Glass Flowers."

The MIT Museum is the perfect outing for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) devotees. It is divided into thematic areas, so whatever strikes a techie’s fancy can be found there, from computers to photographs to games from its 1.5 million-piece collection.

The Harvard Art Museums are a haven for art lovers. It is three museums in one. The Fogg Museum showcases the works of van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and others. The Busch-Reisinger is the only museum in North America dedicated to studying art from the German-speaking countries of Central and Northern Europe. The Arthur M. Sackler Museum highlights Asian art, with the widest collection of archaic Chinese jades outside China.

Annual Festivals

Cambridge Science Festival is an annual celebration of STEAM, founded by the MIT Museum. The week-long event attracts over 50,000 visitors annually and prides itself on creating a festival that brings together young professionals, college students, adults, families, and the science community throughout Cambridge. The Cambridge Arts River Festival is a free one-day celebration of local arts with performances, visual arts, food vendors, and community activities, focusing on diverse art forms and artists held on the banks of the Charles River. The event celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.

The Annual Harvard Square MayFair, now in its 40th year, is a one-day cultural event held in historic Harvard Square geared towards families, with food inspired by cultures all over the world, music, and one-of-a-kind crafts.

Outdoor Recreation

Cambridge Common is a historic 16-acre public park in the heart of Cambridge. One of the oldest public spaces in the U.S., it dates back to the 1630s when it was used as a communal pasture for cows and sheep. It was the site of several key events during the American Revolutionary War, including a gathering of colonial troops before they marched to the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. Today, Cambridge Common is a popular green space where students, residents, and visitors enjoy recreational activities, picnics, and outdoor events. There are walking paths, shady trees, and a monument to George Washington.

North Point Park is an 8.5-acre scenic waterfront park on the Cambridge side of the Charles River. It offers views of the Boston skyline and the Zakim Bridge. The park is perfect for walking along the river or watching the kids play in the large playground and splash deck. There’s also a skate park for older kids.

Cambridge After Dark

Cambridge is a very walkable city, and it is home to celebrated museums and universities, as well as a thriving cultural scene. On the top of the list is the Harvard Book Store, a landmark since 1932, which hosts primarily free author readings and events almost every night of the week. The Brattle Theatre is a popular movie house that shows classic first-run films and foreign and art house films. It is well-known for its repertory programming, which consists of films from a particular director, genre, or subject. The Middle East Club is a cornerstone of Cambridge’s nightlife, a legendary music venue and restaurant in Central Square. It hosts everyone from local indie bands to international artists. Other popular live music venues include Club Passim, the Lizard Lounge, and the legendary dive bar by day, a music hotspot by night, Cantab Lounge x Underground.

Exploring Cambridge Without a Degree

Cambridge is not just a town for students. Beyond their academic contributions, both Harvard University and MIT foster community engagement with the town’s residents with incentives to attend public lectures, performances, and outdoor sporting events. Harvard University promotes the university’s sports team games (collectively known as the Crimson) as a more affordable, less stressful alternative than attending a professional Boston sports game. Many museums offer discounted rates or, in the case of the Harvard Museum of Natural History, free admission to residents on certain days of the week. Finally, Cambridge consistently ranks on several “Best” lists every year. In 2023, the city topped Fortune’s list at #1 on its “Best Places to Live for Families,” In its 2024 report, Niche ranked Cambridge as the “Best City for Young Professionals.”

Cambridge, Massachusetts, stands out as the best college town in Massachusetts, blending world-class education, culture, and community. Home to Harvard University and MIT, the city boasts iconic landmarks like Harvard Yard, renowned museums such as the Harvard Art Museums and the MIT Museum, and vibrant cultural hubs like Harvard Square. Annual festivals like the Cambridge Science Festival and Harvard Square MayFair, alongside historic parks like Cambridge Common and North Point Park, offer a mix of tradition and recreation. With its lively arts scene, eclectic nightlife, and strong community ties, Cambridge appeals to students, families, and visitors alike, consistently ranking as one of the best places to live and explore.