Across the river from Boston and with a waterfront which is actually more impressive and more accessible than Boston's.
Who hasn't heard of Cambridge? From Harvard University and MIT to the CambridgeSide Galleria, to Harvard Square to Grendels Den, Cambridge is a happening place. Across the river from Boston and with a waterfront that is actually more impressive and more accessible than Boston's, Cambridge has a big city urban feel that is more diverse and eclectic than Boston proper, as well as more livable for all but the true Back Bay urban dweller. Cambridge has experienced many resurgences in several neighborhoods, the most notable of course is Kendall Square which is the biotech capital of the world. Central Square, is very modern, yet with an earthy Bohemian side especially in the area between Harvard and Central Squares. Cambridge has several top-notch private schools such as Shady Hill and Buckingham Brown and Nichols. Many families live in Cambridge in spite of it having problems typical of any big city. Cambridge has its own subway line, the Red Line, which runs from its outskirts at Alewife, through the big squares, and then finally into Boston itself. Cambridge is full of art museums, unique restaurants, big and small box stores, and residents from all over the world. Its proximity to Universities means Cambridge has a fair number of foreigners, who are visiting professors, giving it a very intellectual feel. The truth is that if you like the city, Cambridge has something for everyone. However, it does not have the large skyscraper feel of Boston and the fashionable feel of Newbury Street shopping. Cambridge is Birkenstock and dreadlocks rather than high heels, and the only tuxes you will see are probably worn at Harvard functions.