Riverside Real Estate
Located along the Charles River, Riverside, also known as “Area 7,” is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Cambridge. The area is characterized by two, three- and four-story wood frame homes. New condos are springing up by sub-dividing older homes while Putnam Avenue is home to some elegant triple-deckers with exquisite details such as stained glass windows and undulating porch rails. Surrounding the residential areas are the institutional buildings of Harvard University to the west, including Harvard’s student housing as well as academic facilities.The neighborhood is nestled between Harvard and Central Square, providing convenient access to all of Cambridge and Boston. Massachusetts Avenue is the main corridor connecting the two squares and houses much of the retail, dining and entertainment options. In addition to trendy pubs and local neighborhood hangouts, Riverside also abounds with green spaces along the Charles River, including Riverbend Park, Corporal Burns Playground, and Riverside City Park. Riverside historically has served as a melting pot for many different immigrant populations and ethnicities. Read more about Riverside real estate.
Riverside Homes & Condos For Sale
More About Riverside Real Estate
Riverside Location
Riverside is bounded by JFK Street on the north; Massachusetts Avenue on the east; River Street on the south; and the Charles River on the west. Residents can catch Red Line MBTA trains and buses at either Harvard Square or Central Square. Access to and from I-90 (Mass Pike) is just across the Western Avenue and River Street bridges, providing easy access to the western suburbs.
Riverside History
Riverside was largely a salt marsh until the 1850s when Henry O. Houghton set up Riverside Press near the river front; Little Brown and Company opened up a similar book bindery across the street. By 1890 Houghton’s Riverside Press employed 600 people. The success and subsequent expansion of the binderies and presses as well as the growth of Harvard and Central Square attracted new people to the area. Developers filled in the swamp to provide more housing to accommodate the new populations who came from Europe as well as the West Indies. As the factories closed and Harvard, as well as other academic institutions expanded its programs, they built new housing and administrative centers for their growing student bodies. Riverside today is largely distinguished by the presence of Harvard University and its academic institutions while maintaining its diverse character from its early settlers.
