Top photo: Photograph by George H. Cushing, Historic American Buildings Survey, Wikimedia Commons, public domain
By Jenna Caldwell, The Boston Report. Updated Oct. 27, 2026.
Cambridge sits directly across the Charles River from Boston and is home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The 2020 U.S. Census counted 118,403 residents, making it one of the largest cities in Greater Boston. The city runs under a council-manager charter: nine city councilors are elected citywide, they choose the mayor from among themselves, and a professional city manager runs day-to-day operations.
This page collects The Boston Report’s Cambridge coverage, from City Council votes and Harvard Square changes to restaurant openings and MBTA service, along with links to the official city services residents use most.
- Population (2020 Census): 118,403
- Getting there: The MBTA Red Line stops at Kendall/MIT, Central, Harvard, Porter and Alewife, and Porter also has Fitchburg Line commuter rail. Harvard Square is a hub for MBTA buses.
Latest Cambridge news
- Cambridge Restaurant Openings and Closings: What’s New This Fall Oct 27, 2026
- Kendall Square Lunch Guide: Eastern Edge Food Hall and Nearby Spots Oct 27, 2026
- Harvard Square Cheap Eats: Student Deals, Late-Night Slices and More Oct 27, 2026
- Cambridge Takes a Third Look at a Free Route 1 Bus From Harvard Square to Nubian Oct 26, 2026
- Cambridge Council Weighs New Operator for Harvard Square Kiosk, Return of Out of Town News Sign Oct 26, 2026
- Harvard Book Store Readies Downtown Boston Shop on Union Street Oct 24, 2026
- Cambridge Coffee Shops: 14 Cafes Worth the Trip Oct 22, 2026
- Cambridge 2026-27 Season Calendar: Street Cleaning, Snow Bans and Trash Holidays Oct 22, 2026
- Kendall Square Biotech Slump: Layoffs Mount, Lab Availability Hits 59% Oct 22, 2026
- Cambridge Snow Emergency Guide 2026-27: Parking Ban, Free Garages and Shoveling Rules Oct 22, 2026
Official Cambridge resources
- City of Cambridge (official website)
- Cambridge City Council
- Cambridge Public Schools
- Cambridge Public Library
- Department of Public Works (trash, recycling, streets)
- Cambridge Election Commission
Related Boston Report guides
- Harvard Square cheap eats for students
- Cambridge businesses in our local directory
- All Boston-area news
- Boston City Hall decisions tracker
- Best restaurants in Boston
- Boston weather
- MBTA guide
- All Local Towns pages
Cambridge FAQ
Is Cambridge part of Boston?
No. Cambridge is a separate city with its own city council, city manager, schools and services. It borders Boston across the Charles River.
Who runs Cambridge city government?
Cambridge uses a council-manager system. Nine councilors are elected citywide, the council picks the mayor, and an appointed city manager runs city departments.
How do I get from Boston to Harvard Square?
Take the MBTA Red Line to Harvard station. Trains run from downtown stops such as Park Street and Downtown Crossing.
Sources
Have a local news tip? Email contact@thebostonreport.com.