The Ultimate Harvard University Off-Campus Housing Guide: Your Insider's Handbook to Finding a Place in Cambridge & Beyond
So, you got into Harvard. HUGE congrats! That’s amazing. Now comes the next big adventure: finding a place to live. If you're venturing off-campus, you’re in for a real treat. The areas around Harvard are some of the most historic, vibrant, & frankly, fun places you could ever hope to call home. But let's be real, the Boston-area housing market can be a bit of a wild ride. It's notoriously competitive & expensive.
But don't you worry. I'm here to give you the complete rundown, the insider scoop on everything you need to know to navigate the process like a pro. From picking the perfect neighborhood to avoiding common pitfalls, consider this your personal guide to finding your new home away from home.
First Things First: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus
For undergrads, Harvard guarantees housing for all four years, which is a pretty sweet deal. You'll be part of a historic House system, which is a core part of the Harvard College experience.
For graduate students, it's a bit of a different story. Harvard University Housing (HUH) offers nearly 3,000 apartments specifically for graduate students, faculty, & staff. These are a pretty solid option for a few key reasons: utilities are often included, you won't have to pay a security deposit or a pesky finder's fee, & the rent can be paid through your student bill. Plus, many of these buildings are super close to campus & have great amenities. The Graduate Commons Program also hosts a ton of events, making it easy to meet people outside your program. The application process for HUH is first-come, first-served, with the peak application window between March & May, so it pays to be on top of it.
But, even with these options, the demand for on-campus spots is high, & many students choose to live off-campus for more flexibility, space, or a different kind of living experience. That's where this guide comes in.
Where to Live: A Breakdown of the Best Neighborhoods
The neighborhood you choose will have a HUGE impact on your Harvard experience. Do you want to be in the heart of the action, or in a quieter, more residential area? Are you looking for a vibrant nightlife, or a more family-friendly vibe? Here's a look at some of the most popular neighborhoods for Harvard students.
Cambridge: The Heart of it All
Living in Cambridge means you're right in the thick of it. The city is a patchwork of historic squares, each with its own unique personality.
Harvard Square: This is the epicenter of Harvard life. It's bustling with cafes, bookstores, restaurants, & street performers. If you love being in the middle of everything & want to be able to roll out of bed & onto campus, this is the place for you. But be warned: it's also one of the most expensive areas, & apartments can be small. Parking is also notoriously difficult, so if you have a car, you might find yourself circling for hours.
Central Square: Located between Harvard & MIT, Central Square is a bit grittier & more eclectic than Harvard Square. It has a lively music scene, a ton of great, diverse food options, & its own Red Line T stop, making it super convenient for getting around. The rent here is generally a bit more affordable than in Harvard Square.
Porter Square: Just one T-stop north of Harvard, Porter Square is a popular choice for graduate students, especially those at the Law School or the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. It's a bit quieter than Harvard & Central Squares but still has plenty of amenities, including a shopping center with a grocery store & a CVS.
Inman Square: Tucked between Cambridge & Somerville, Inman Square is a charming neighborhood with a more local feel. It's known for its fantastic restaurants & quirky shops. It's a bit of a walk to the T, but it's well-served by buses.
Cambridgeport: This neighborhood, located south of Central Square, offers a mix of residential streets & industrial lofts. It's a bit more off the beaten path, but you can often find larger apartments for your money.
East Cambridge: Close to the Charles River & the Galleria Mall, East Cambridge has seen a lot of new development in recent years. It's a bit further from Harvard, but it's well-connected by public transit.
Somerville: Cambridge's Cool Neighbor
Just north of Cambridge, Somerville has become increasingly popular with students in recent years. It offers a more laid-back, artsy vibe & is generally more affordable than Cambridge.
Davis Square: This is Somerville's answer to Harvard Square. It has a T-stop on the Red Line, a great independent movie theater, a ton of bars & restaurants, & a lively, youthful energy.
Union Square: Like Inman Square, Union Square has a more local, neighborhoody feel. It's known for its fantastic farmers market & a growing number of excellent restaurants & breweries. It's not on the T, but several bus lines run through the square.
Prospect Hill: This historic neighborhood is full of beautiful Victorian houses & offers stunning views of the Boston skyline. It's a bit quieter than Davis or Union Squares, but it's still within walking distance of a lot of great stuff.
Allston & Brighton: Across the River
Located across the Charles River from Cambridge, Allston & Brighton are popular with students from both Harvard & Boston University. These neighborhoods are known for their affordability & lively student scenes.
Allston: This is a classic student neighborhood. It's packed with restaurants, bars, & music venues, & the rent is some of the most affordable in the Boston area. The trade-off is that it can be a bit noisy, & the commute to Harvard can be a bit of a trek, usually involving a bus ride on the #66 or #86.
Brighton: Adjacent to Allston, Brighton has a slightly more residential feel. It's a bit quieter than Allston but still has plenty of amenities & is well-connected by public transit.
Brookline & Beyond: Quieter Options
If you're looking for a quieter, more family-friendly neighborhood, you might want to consider looking a bit further afield.
Brookline: This leafy suburb is known for its beautiful parks, great schools, & charming brownstones. It's a bit more expensive than Allston or Brighton, but it offers a more peaceful living experience. It's particularly convenient for students at the Harvard Medical School.
Watertown & Belmont: These suburbs, located to the west of Cambridge, offer a more traditional suburban feel. You'll likely need a car to get around, but you'll also find more space for your money & plenty of on-street parking.
The Nitty-Gritty: Budgeting for Your New Place
Let's talk numbers. The Boston area is one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. As of August 2025, the average rent for an apartment in Cambridge is a whopping $3,792. Here's a rough breakdown of what you can expect to pay per month for different apartment sizes in Cambridge:
- Studio: $2,844
- One-bedroom: $3,331
- Two-bedroom: $4,228
- Three-bedroom: $5,380+
These prices can vary pretty dramatically by neighborhood. For example, the average rent in East Cambridge is around $4,310, while in West Cambridge it's closer to $2,879. Somerville is generally a bit more affordable than Cambridge, & Allston & Brighton are even more so.
But rent is just the beginning. You also need to factor in a bunch of other costs:
Finder's Fee: Most apartments in the Boston area are listed by real estate agents, who typically charge a "finder's fee" of one month's rent. It's a tough pill to swallow, but it's often unavoidable.
Security Deposit: Landlords will typically require a security deposit of one month's rent. You'll get this back at the end of your lease, as long as you leave the apartment in good condition.
First & Last Month's Rent: You'll also likely need to pay your first & last month's rent upfront. So, all in, you could be looking at paying four months' rent before you even get the keys to your new place.
Utilities: Unless you're in a Harvard-owned apartment, you'll probably be responsible for paying for your own utilities, which can include heat, hot water, electricity, gas, & internet. Be sure to ask the landlord which utilities are included in the rent.
Furnishings: Most apartments come unfurnished, so you'll need to budget for furniture & other household items.
The Hunt is On: How to Find Your Perfect Apartment
The apartment hunt in the Boston area can be intense, but with a little preparation, you can make it a whole lot less stressful. Here are some tips to help you on your way:
Start Early
The rental market in the Boston area has a very specific cycle, with most leases starting on September 1st. This means that the competition for apartments is fiercest in the spring & summer. I'd recommend starting your search at least three to four months before you plan to move.
Know Where to Look
Here are some of the best resources for finding off-campus housing:
Harvard's Off-Campus Housing Website: Harvard has partnered with a company called Off Campus Partners to create a website specifically for Harvard affiliates. You can find listings from private landlords, search for roommates, & even find sublets in Harvard-owned buildings.
Popular Rental Websites: Websites like Zillow, Trulia, HotPads, PadMapper, & Apartments.com are all great resources for finding apartments in the area.
Craigslist: Craigslist can be a bit of a mixed bag, but it's still a popular platform for finding apartments, especially if you're looking for a room in a shared house. Just be wary of scams – if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Real Estate Agents: As I mentioned earlier, many apartments in the area are listed by real estate agents. While you'll have to pay a finder's fee, a good agent can be a valuable resource, especially if you're not familiar with the area. They can help you navigate the market, schedule viewings, & negotiate with landlords.
Be Prepared to Act Fast
When you find a place you like, you need to be ready to pounce. The good places get snapped up QUICKLY. This means having all your paperwork in order, including a completed rental application, a copy of your ID, proof of income (or a letter of acceptance from Harvard), & your checkbook.
Read the Lease Carefully
Before you sign anything, make sure you read the lease carefully. This is a legally binding contract, so you want to make sure you understand all the terms & conditions. Pay close attention to the lease term, the rent amount, the security deposit, the policy on subletting, & any rules about pets or guests.
Don't Forget About Parking & Storage!
Two things that are notoriously scarce in the Cambridge area are parking & storage. Many apartments don't come with off-street parking, & on-street parking often requires a resident permit, which can be a hassle to get. If you have a car, you'll quickly discover that finding a reliable parking spot can be a major headache.
This is where Prked comes in. It's a pretty cool service that connects people who have extra space in their driveways & garages with people who need parking. You can often find a spot that's more convenient & affordable than a traditional parking garage. It's a lifesaver, honestly.
Similarly, many apartments in the area, especially the older ones, are lacking in storage space. If you find yourself with more stuff than you have room for, Prked can also be a great solution for storage. You can rent out someone's empty garage, attic, basement, or even a closet to store your extra belongings. It's way more convenient than a traditional storage unit, & you can often find a space right in your own neighborhood.
Moving In: A Few Final Tips
Once you've found your new place & signed the lease, it's time to start planning your move. Here are a few final tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
Set up your utilities: Make sure you set up your utilities before you move in. You don't want to spend your first night in your new apartment in the dark!
Get renters insurance: Your landlord's insurance won't cover your personal belongings, so it's a good idea to get your own renters insurance policy. It's relatively inexpensive & can protect you in case of theft, fire, or other disasters.
Explore your new neighborhood: Once you're all moved in, take some time to explore your new neighborhood. Find your local grocery store, coffee shop, & T-stop. Take a walk around & get a feel for the area.
Finding off-campus housing at Harvard can be a challenge, but it's also an exciting opportunity to find your own little corner of Cambridge or Somerville to call home. With a little planning & perseverance, you're sure to find a place you'll love.
I hope this guide was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck with your search!
