Cambridgeport vs. Riverside: Best Bets for a Sub-$1M 2-Bedroom (2025)
Buying under $1M in Cambridge means a few smart trade-offs. Cambridgeport tends to offer more small walk-ups and the occasional garden-level that slip under that mark. Riverside can dip under $1M too—just less often, especially in concierge buildings close to the Charles. Here’s the quick read so you don’t waste weekends.
At-a-Glance
• Median sale price (all types): Cambridgeport \$1,325,000; Riverside \$1,489,750
• Median days on market: Cambridgeport ~18; Riverside ~17
Who Each Area Fits
• Cambridgeport: MIT/Kendall/Central commuters; buyers willing to trade a bit of space or parking for location.
• Riverside: Quieter blocks by the river; strong Harvard access; fewer sub-$1M 2-beds in amenity buildings.
How Buyers Stay Under $1M
• Smaller footprint (often 600–900 sf) in an a location.
• Or a larger place that needs light cosmetic work.
• Garden-level in a prime spot (trade light for location).
Local Watch-Outs
• HOA health: reserves, capital plans, and any special assessments.
• Parking: deeded vs. street permit; snow-emergency rules.
• Insurance/flood: proximity to the Charles can affect premiums.
Commute Notes
Walk/bike to MIT, Kendall, and Harvard. Red Line via Central/Harvard; frequent buses on Mass Ave and Western. Magazine Beach and Dana Park make weekends easy.
FAQ
Q: Is sub-$1M realistic?
A: Yes—especially in Cambridgeport. Riverside has under-\$1M options but fewer.
Q: What are the common trade-offs?
A: Square footage, garden-level placement, or no deeded parking.
Q: Do assessments affect financing?
A: Lenders look closely at HOA health. Low reserves or big projects can change terms.
3 Condos Worth Seeing in Riverside & Cambridgeport (August 2025)
The picks:
14 Salem St #3, Cambridgeport — $860,000
Top-floor 2-bed with a private balcony a few minutes from Central Square; 894 sq ft, 1 bath. Quiet side street, bright living/dining, and in-unit laundry hook-ups.
155 Brookline St #2, Cambridgeport — $1,150,000
Loft-style 2-bed/2-bath (~1,369 sq ft) tucked inside a gated courtyard steps to MIT & the Charles; HOA reported 461/mo; 1990 construction with garage parking.
950 Massachusetts Ave Apt 417 (Bay Square), Riverside/Mid-Cambridge edge — $849,000
2-bed, 1.5-bath (approx. 861 sq ft) in a full-service building with 24/7 concierge, pool, fitness center; between Harvard & Central with quick Red Line access.
Want a short list of 2-beds actually worth seeing? I’ll send active and coming-soon picks with notes on fees, parking, and offer angles. Contact me to get started!