Strawberry Hill Neighborhood Guide
Living Near Fresh Pond in Cambridge: A Hidden Gem for Homebuyers
Looking for peace, trails, and proximity to everything? Living near Fresh Pond might be your next best move. This lush corner of Cambridge, anchored by the Fresh Pond Reservation, offers a rare blend of city convenience and nature-soaked calm—especially in the neighborhood known (to locals, at least) as Strawberry Hill.
Where is Strawberry Hill?
What’s It Like Living Near Fresh Pond?
Tucked between Fresh Pond, Belmont, and Watertown, this area—technically called Strawberry Hill—is one of Cambridge’s best-kept secrets. You’ll find:
Tree-lined streets and residential calm
Easy access to trails, cafes, and public transit
A vibe that’s more porch swing than power lunch
And yes, it sits at the highest elevation in Cambridge, which might explain why it feels just a little bit above the city fray.
Map of Strawberry Hill
Strawberry Highlands Parks and Playgrounds
Fresh Pond Golf Course (Thomas P. O’neill, Jr. Municipal Golf Course)
Golf, walking, sledding, cross-country skiing, lessons, indoor simulator
Haggerty School Playground
110 Cushing St
Playground
Glacken Field
Huron Ave/Holworthy St
Playground, Tot Lot, Water Play, Foot/Bike Paths, Little League Baseball, Basketball, Tennis, Extended Hours
Fresh Pond Life: Your Backyard Just Got Better
Living near Fresh Pond Reservation means you’ve got an urban wild right outside your door. It’s a 155-acre lake encircled by trees, trails, and wildlife—and it’s where this neighborhood truly shines.
Fresh Pond highlights include:
A 2.25-mile loop trail that’s ideal for walking, running, and biking
Morning off-leash hours for dog lovers
Frequent bird sightings, including hawks, warblers, and red-winged blackbirds
Access to Fresh Pond Golf Course and the Waterworks Museum
It’s a built-in reset button that makes city life feel a whole lot greener.
Real Estate Snapshot: Homes Near Fresh Pond
Buyers are drawn to this area for the nature access, but they stay for the housing stock. Here’s what you’ll find:
Two- and three-family homes—many turned into charming condos
Single-family homes with driveways and backyard space
Newer townhomes near the Belmont line with modern amenities
Inventory is limited and demand is high, so if you see something, move fast.
Favorite Local Spots Near Fresh Pond
One of the biggest perks of living near Fresh Pond is walkable access to Cambridge’s indie food scene:
Sofra Bakery & Café – Middle Eastern pastries + cult following
Formaggio Kitchen – Cheese, charcuterie, and picnic-perfect goods
Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s – Back-to-back grocery options
Mount Auburn Cemetery – Surprisingly one of the best walks in the city
It’s a neighborhood where weekend errands feel like a lifestyle upgrade.
FAQs: Living Near Fresh Pond, Cambridge MA
Q: Is this area considered Strawberry Hill or Fresh Pond?
A: Officially, it’s Strawberry Hill. But most people just say they live near Fresh Pond—and that’s what buyers search for.
Q: Is it walkable?
A: Extremely. Most errands, coffee runs, and weekend strolls can be done on foot.
Q: What’s the vibe like?
A: Peaceful, tree-filled, and friendly. It feels more like a village inside the city.
