Brattle Street, also known by the nickname 'Tory Row,' is considered one of the oldest and most expensive addresses in Cambridge. The name, derived from the prominent Loyalist families who built grand mansions during the colonial era, reflects the character of this street.

Even looking at recent listings, one can gauge the caliber of Brattle Street. One mansion is listed at $15.7 million, while another is listed at $13.9 million, and there is even a historical home of 9,600 square feet on the market for $14 million. The proximity to Harvard University seems to support these prices.

The areas of West Cambridge near Fresh Pond and Huron Village are also classified as upscale. While they do not reach the extreme price levels of Brattle Street, the quiet residential environment centered around single-family homes and excellent public school districts create consistent demand.

Avon Hill, located north of Harvard Square, is another historic district known for its concentration of 19th-century Victorian homes, frequently appearing on lists of upscale neighborhoods in Cambridge.

The median home price in Cambridge recently ranged from $1.15 million to $1.31 million, which is already considered quite high in the U.S. Nevertheless, Brattle Street forms a price range several times higher than the city average, highlighting a clear disparity within the city.

This gap is analyzed to be influenced by the academic and capital demand generated by world-class universities like Harvard and MIT, along with strict development restrictions due to historic district designations. The supply of new homes is virtually blocked, maintaining the scarcity value of existing homes.

For Korean scholars and researchers affiliated with universities and research institutions in the Cambridge-Boston area, it seems that rather than seeking the top-tier properties like those on Brattle Street, many consider condos or townhouses in West Cambridge or nearby Belmont as more realistic alternatives. Based on over 20 years of observing the local market, it appears efficient to first determine school districts and commuting distances, then narrow down housing options that fit the budget.