Highly Desirable Boston Neighborhoods Right Outside the Metro Area

If you’re looking for an alternative to metro Boston and prefer a more traditional neighborhood community, you don’t have to look too far.  Cambridge and Somerville are two HOT areas easily accessible by public transportation with an exciting, unique vibe. Living in Somerville and Cambridge is very popular and therefore buyers have to be realistic in terms of the offers they make on any given property.

Buying a Boston Home in Cambridge or Somerville
Cambridge is not only an attractive Boston home to students, but also to young professionals and families who prefer larger homes and a yard. Cambridge residents can take advantage of ample space and enjoy the convenience of city living without moving to the outer suburbs, like Newton or Weston. Cambridge is full of delicious, award-winning restaurants, jazz bars and non-stop cultural activities and events, not to mention the allure of Harvard, MIT and all the hi-tech and bio-tech startup companies.

Next to Cambridge is Somerville, and this Boston neighborhood is hopping. In recent years, Davis Square has become THE PLACE to go for hot, new restaurants, specialty shops and arts and crafts stores. Somerville was recently referred to as the Happy City – who wouldn’t want to live here?

Whether you’re searching for homes in Cambridge or Somerville, it’s important to do your homework before buying. Depending on your budget, don’t waste your time looking at properties that are over your budget hoping you can negotiate down the price. When the real estate market is hot, there isn’t much room for negotiation.

In the last year, properties in both Cambridge and Somerville have sold very close to asking prices if not over the asking price. Like any high activity market, there will most likely be multiple offers on a single property. If you have seen enough real estate, don’t shy away from offering the asking price or going a few dollars over for a property you love. Otherwise, you will keep losing out to more aggressive buyers.

Prices will be going up in the future, so at this point, paying a few dollars more wouldn’t hurt, provided that it is still within your budget and you’re not stretching too thin. Do not overextend, and don’t spend too much time looking for a bargain, since they don’t exist in the best Boston neighborhoods.

Curious what is on the market now? Browse my current real estate listings and contact me to explore your home buying options.