One thing newcomers often misunderstand: Cambridge neighborhoods aren't just different vibes — they're different systems. Each square has its own restaurants, its own regulars, its own rhythm. People who live in Inman rarely go to Harvard Square for dinner. The Red Line connects everything, but locals think in terms of their home square.

How to choose a neighborhood: Start with your constraints. Need to be near MIT? Kendall. Want nightlife without Harvard tourists? Central. Prefer quiet streets with good food? Inman. Budget-conscious and car-free? Porter. The right answer depends on what you're optimizing for.

— Guide to Cambridge