178 Richdale Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 For Sale

ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY

The Property is a short walk from Porter Station, which links directly to the MBTA Red Line subway and the Fitchburg Line commuter rail, enabling quick trips into downtown Boston and Boston’s North Station as well as convenient access to other parts of Cambridge and Somerville via intersecting bus routes. Nearby Massachusetts Avenue and connecting surface streets feed into Route 2, Memorial Drive, and ultimately Route 128/Interstate 95 and I 90 (Mass Pike), supporting straightforward highway access to both suburban employment centers and the broader Greater Boston region.

Cambridge’s close-in location means that both driving and rail travel from the property to central Boston typically fall well within a sub 30 minute window, making the location highly attractive for daily commuters and frequent travelers who rely on direct, multimodal connectivity.

NEARBY HIGHER EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT HUBS

The Property sits just north of Harvard Square and near Harvard University, Lesley University, and a short Red Line ride from MIT, generating sustained demand from faculty, graduate students, researchers, and staff who seek rental housing within an easy commute of campus.

Citywide, Cambridge hosts more than 250 biotech companies and tens of thousands of life sciences employees, many clustered in Kendall Square and nearby districts, which has pushed housing demand beyond the existing housing stock and contributed to consistently high pricing and low vacancy in transit served neighborhoods like Porter Square.

Recent large life sciences leases in Cambridge, including a major commitment by BioGen, signal continued confidence in the Boston–Cambridge innovation market and reinforce long-term demand for well-located multifamily assets that can serve this highly educated, well-compensated workforce

AREA AMENITIES & DEMAND DRIVERS

The Property sits in Cambridge’s Neighborhood Nine area near Porter Square, an established residential district characterized by tree-lined streets, well-kept housing stock, and walkable access to daily conveniences, parks, and transit.

Residents are within walking distance of the Porter Square Shopping Center and nearby retail along Massachusetts Avenue, which together offer supermarkets, everyday services, cafes, and a range of dining options from national brands to local favorites. The broader Porter/Harvard corridor also includes a dense cluster of destination restaurants and independent eateries that draw patrons from across Greater Boston, reinforcing the neighborhood’s reputation as a vibrant, urban residential hub.

Recreational and cultural amenities such as Danehy Park, Fresh Pond-area retail, and nearby Harvard-related museums and historic sites are all accessible within a short walk or drive, adding lifestyle value for households that prioritize green space, culture, and walkability.

HIGH UPSIDE POTENTIAL

In-place rents are significantly below the current market rates; the opportunity exists to continue to drive rents to the top of the market in the competitive and desirable Cambridge multi-family market.

The Property has been well maintained and features large units with generously sized common and kitchen areas, offering a highly desirable and functional layout.

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

Taking advantage of the new Cambridge zoning, the large relatively square lot could also lend itself to a high density redevelopment.

SEPARATELY METERED UTILITIES

The Property is separately metered for oil powered hot water, steam powered heating, and individual electricity, which tenants pay directly. The Landlord is responsible for providing city water and sewer, which they pay directly.

LARGE OFF-STREET PARKING LOT

The Property offers ample off-street parking with sixteen (16) spaces available via a large lot to the side and rear of the Property.

STRONG RENTAL DEMOGRAPHICS & DEMAND

More than 58,300 people live within 1 mile of the Property with an average household income of $213,483. Over 381,700 people reside within 3 miles of the Property with an average household income of $176,314.

QUALITY OF LIFE AMENITIES

The immediate area features a wide range of dining options in and around Porter Square, from ramen and Southeast Asian eateries to Italian, Cuban, and farm to table restaurants, giving residents convenient access to both casual and destination dining experiences.

Danehy Park, a large multi-use urban park with walking paths, athletic fields, and open lawns, is located a short drive or bike ride away, providing ample opportunities for jogging, dog walking, and informal recreation.

Residents can also reach the Fresh Pond Reservation and surrounding open space and retail cluster within a few minutes by car or bike, adding access to additional trails, water views, and everyday shopping.