Cambridge Community Development Department
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Real Estate Information

Commercial Real Estate in Cambridge

The real estate environment in Cambridge is characterized by both commercial districts composed of mixed-use retail and office centers and by development districts composed of R&D and office cores, with strong residential neighborhoods located in between. Commercial real estate development in Cambridge combines attractive characteristics of the old and the new: the innovative reuse of existing structures and the construction of highly efficient new facilities. The commercial rental market offers competitively priced office space and specialized R&D facilities, as well as a variety of retail venues managed by well capitalized and knowledgeable owners.

The City guides development through an orderly process, utilizing control over infrastructure, planned unit development, and zoning strategies. Growth is expected to continue in the City’s development districts, which have been rezoned as mixed-use districts in response to the demands of the new economy.

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Programs

The Economic Development Division offers the following services for those interested in locating a business in Cambridge or learning more about current real estate conditions:

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About the Commercial Districts

Cambridge’s compact geography and population density allows the City’s vibrant commercial districts to offer a healthy retail mix to serve residents and visitors. The existing commercial districts are Fresh Pond Shopping Center in Concord-Alewife, Harvard Square, Porter Square, the Upper Mass Avenue Corridor, the Lower Mass Ave Corridor, Central Square, Inman Square, and the Cambridge Street Corridor.

Click link toGo to Map of Commercial and Development Districts.

Click link toGo to Commercial District Staff Contacts

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About the Development Districts

Cambridge’s five development districts are major employment centers, offering a mix of office, research and development, and manufacturing space to high and low technology companies. Much of the new commercial real estate parcels under development are in these districts. The development districts are located at Concord Alewife, Lower Cambridgeport, Memorial Drive, North Point, and University Park.

Click link toGo to Map of Commercial and Development Districts.

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For More Information

For more information about the retail survey please contact Estella Johnson, estellaj@cambridgema.gov, at 617/349-4616. The Community Development Department TTY line is 617/349-4621.

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