West Cambridge Real Estate
West Cambridge, also known as “Area 10,” is a residential neighborhood located west of Harvard Square. Harvard Square is the major commercial and transit center for the area with smaller commercial areas occupying Huron and Concord Avenues. The neighborhood is relatively low density with approximately 8,000 residents. In the 18th century, the area in and around Brattle Street was known as “Tory Row” because of the wealthy pro-British families who built large homes there. Today, the existing estates and generously-proportioned lots are remnants of this earlier time. Other street patterns in the neighborhood follow those of former large farms, especially north of Brattle Street. The Larchwood area, tucked between Fresh Pond Parkway and Aberdeen Avenue features small, winding residential streets, reminiscent of its time as a large estate and working farm. Read more about West Cambridge real estate.
West Cambridge Homes & Condos For Sale
More About West Cambridge Real Estate
West Cambridge Location
West Cambridge is bounded by Concord Avenue on the north; the Charles River on the south; JFK Street on the east; and Fresh Pond; Aberdeen Avenue; and the Watertown line on the west. Historic Mount Auburn Cemetery, a popular site for a breath of fresh air, is located at the southwestern edge of the neighborhood. The closest MBTA Stop is Harvard Square on the Red Line with the Porter Square and Alewife Stops as additional options.
West Cambridge History
The Fresh Pond area of West Cambridge featured a thriving ice industry, and by 1856 was also the main source of the City’s public water supply. The Fresh Pond ice industry accelerated the extension of the Charlestown Branch Railroad to Fresh Pond along what is now the Boston and Maine railroad. Similar to other Cambridge communities, West Cambridge was also home to many brickyards up until the early 20th century. The construction of new bridges into Boston and the new trolley routes opening along Mount Auburn Street paved the way for more residents to live in the area while working in Boston, driving further growth.
