The neighborhood is home to an eclectic mix of young couples and families, grad students, high tech entrepreneurs (Kendall’s a short walk away), and Portugese and Haitian immigrants. We’ve loved the diversity - everyone is friendly and respectful - and the Cambridge vibe which is open, welcoming, and more relaxed than most neighborhoods in Boston.

Most of all, we’ve loved our location: a short walk from Central, Inman, and Kendall Squares. We commute daily from the T at Central (short 8-min walk), can choose from 5+ coffee shops within walking distance, and jog down to the Charles (less than a mile) several times/week. The Kendall Sq movie theater (best in town, hands-down!) is a 10-min walk and we often wind up eating out in Inman Square given all the great options. Finally, with a dog, we love the fact that we can walk to over 4 dog-friendly parks from here.

Here are some additional details (all walking distance times):

• Public tranportation: Central Square T station/Red line (8 min walk) and multiple bus stops: 68 bus (Columbia & Broadway),  83 bus (Prospect & Broadway), 85 bus (Hampshire & Columbia), 91 bus (Prospect & Broadway), and CT2 (Columbia & Cambridge).
• Grocery stores: Whole Foods on Prospect St (5 min walk), Shaw’s at MIT (10 min walk), or Harvest on Mass Ave in Central (8 min walk); in the summer, check out the Farmer’s Market in Central Square on Mondays.
• Coffee shops: Starbucks in Central or Kendall, 1369 in Inman or Central, Clear Conscious Cafe in Central
• Dry cleaners/tailor: Ali Cleaner and Tailoring at corner of Prospect and Hampshire (3 min walk)
• Pharmacies: 24-hr Walgreen and 24-hr CVS both in Central (8 min walk)
• Health Clubs/Yoga: Boston Sports Club in Central, Prana Power Yoga in Central (both 8 min walk)

After almost 6 years in da ‘hood, we’ve tried it all! Here are our local favorites:

• Oleana: Our absolute favorite restaurant! Two blocks away on Hampshire featuring an award-winning chef who specializes in glammed-up Turkish fare. Best outdoor dining in all of Boston. Hint: Don’t pass on the Baked Alaska dessert.

• Toscanini’s: The most amazing, inventive ice cream flavors in town (and they give generous samples)! Five minutes away in Central Square.

• The Druid: Mikey pours a great Guinness and serves up excellent fish & chips. Plus, always a friendly crowd, especially on Irish session night.

• East Coast Grill: Grilled seafood and margaritas are the specialty at this lively restaurant a 10-min walk away in Inman Square.

• 1369 Coffee House: Why we’ve been over-caffeinated us for 6 years!

• Central Kitchen: A local standby with a solid menu and wine list. Say hi to Kevin at the bar for us!

• Cuchi Cuchi: Fun bar scene and great cocktails in a vampy, boudoir setting. A quick 10-min walk from here.

• Dali: Excellent tapas in a cheeky Spanish taverna setting - very lively and fun.

• Wine & Cheese Cask: Best wine inventory and recommendations this side of town! They also sell an amazing assortment of cheese, gourmet crackers, etc.

• Mr. Bartley’s Burgers: A Harvard Square institution next to the Harvard Bookstore and a 25-min walk or a quick T-ride away. My take - best burgers in town hands down!