Cambridge, Massachusetts is a city located in the greater Boston area. Named after Cambridge University in England, the city is home to two internationally acclaimed institutions: Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The city was founded by the original Puritan settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The original Puritan village is located in what is now Harvard Square, a popular shopping destination. Residents call Cambridge "The City of Squares" due to the major street intersections forming merchant districts.
Located west of Boston, the city is home to the Cambridge Commons, a stretch of parkland on the Charles River. Beautiful fall weather of Massachusetts attracts many tourists during this time. Perhaps the most popular destinations for nature lovers are Harvard Yard and MIT's Great Lawn. Winters in Cambridge can be quite frigid due to the sea breeze from the nearby river. Wind and snow are common winter nuances, enhanced even more by global climate change. July is the hottest month, and can get quite humid.
Cambridge is the fourth most populous city in Massachusetts, no doubt due to its numerous universities. The majority of the city's inhabitants are college students or recent graduates. Harvard University is the number one employer in the city. Most residents live in apartment buildings due to the high population in Cambridge. Public transit is the main mode of transportation for tourists and residents alike. Most of the city's populous areas are served by the Metro Red Line.
Cambridge has a rich cultural scene, with multiple museums and art galleries. Being one of the earliest populated cities in Massachusetts, historic buildings are numerous. Visitors can tour the Longfellow National Historic Site, previously the home of poet Longfellow and before that, George Washington. For those interested in architecture, Strata Center and Simmons Hall at MIT are popular attractions. For a variety of ethnic dining be sure to visit Central Square. Locals enjoy the large collection of public art in galleries and on the Harvard campus. Street performers can be seen throughout the city during warmer months.
Written by Lyndsey Morgan
