Harvard Square Real Estate
Harvard Square is sometimes referred to as the “Disney World” of Cambridge. Adjacent to Harvard Yard, the Square serves as a commercial center for Harvard students as well as residents of western Cambridge and the Boston suburbs. The term “Harvard Square” refers to the entire neighborhood surrounding the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Brattle Street, including the business district and Harvard University. It’s a thriving neighborhood with many brand-new eateries and chic stores. The newer establishments co-exist nicely with Harvard icons such as the Brattle Theatre and bargain basement at Harvard Books. With its leafy streets, cobblestone sidewalks, and reputation for academia and art, Harvard Square is one of the hottest neighborhoods in the Greater Boston area. The housing stock is small but ranges from new condos on a quiet side street to sprawling colonial revivals priced at upwards of $4 million. Read more about Harvard Square real estate.
Harvard Square Homes & Condos For Sale
More About Harvard Square Real Estate
Harvard Square Location
Harvard Square is a triangular plaza that serves as the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Brattle Street, and John F. Kennedy Street, near the center of Cambridge. Massachusetts Avenue enters from the southeast and veers north at the intersection, dominated by a large pedestrian space. Brattle Street and John F. Kennedy Street merge from the southwest joining Massachusetts Avenue at “Nini’s Corner.” The Square houses the Harvard MBTA Red Line Stop and also is a hub for a number of buses going to other parts of Cambridge and downtown Boston.
Harvard Square History
Harvard Square is rich in literary history as well as being a popular backdrop for many Hollywood films. Some of the greatest literary minds have lived in and around the Square, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, E.E. Cummings, Lois Lowry, and Alice Hoffman. Out of Town News upholds the literary tradition as a newstand that carries papers and publications from around the world and is one of the Square’s most recognizable landmarks. Out of Town is where Paul Allen reportedly purchased a copy of Popular Electronics Magazine that he went on to show his friend Bill Gates, spurring the creation of Microsoft.
Harvard Square appears in "Goodbye, Columbus"; the film "Love Story”; and "The Paper Chase”. More recently, "Good Will Hunting” was predominantly filmed around Harvard Square as well as other Boston locations.