>It’s nice that you helped and came to brag about it on Reddit tho

Just for that, I'm gonna help somebody out today.

You’re trying to solve the bystander effect and it’s just not gonna happen. People for the most part just mind their own business. It’s nice that you helped and came to brag about it on Reddit tho

You will be fine. There are some rough sleepers and idle folks who hang around Central Square who may ask for money but you can just say no or keep walking. Cambridge is very safe. If the area in downtown Boston where you will be is near the Boston Common, just make sure to be alert around that area as well after dark.

Hi Servus, ich bin deutscher der seit fast 10 Jahren in Boston lebt und das letzte Jahr in Cambridge. Cambridge ist einer der sichersten Nachbarschaften in Boston und da würde ich mir keine großen Sorgen machen. Wie andere schon erwähnt haben, ist Central Sq. ähnlich wie an einem HBf in Deutschland mit obdachlosen usw. den man dort über dem Weg läuft. Die können auch mal aggressiver betteln, aber ich hatte noch nie wirklich Probleme, meistens parkt dort eh immer ein Polizeiauto.

Nur zur Info, die Züge in Boston haben in letzter Zeit immer mehr Probleme und daher verspäten sie sich gerne, also immer bissal mehr Zeit einplanen.

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Club Dante's in Brookline

I think that the location in Cambridge is probably very safe. That area has the same issue with homeless population that many cities have, but not anything that I would be concerned about personally. Also, the streets are pretty busy with students, so I think it's rare you will be walking down dark streets all alone if you know what I mean.

It is also, in general, a nice area with cafes, interesting restaurants, etc. Personally, I would prefer it to something that was more downtown.

If you're looking for the "safest" place to live, I would look into Brookline

I’m a single woman and I’ve never felt unsafe in that neighborhood. Boston in general is one of the safer cities in the US and Cambridge is one of the safer areas of Boston. You’ll need to follow basic city safety rules but shouldn’t have any issues (don’t wear both headphones, don’t pull out valuables or money on the sidewalk, don’t engage with any panhandlers, etc.).

If it’s particularly late (or you’ve been drinking) I would maybe recommend getting an Uber (likely under $20) but that’s not based on any specific risk to that neighborhood. Just a general safety tip. Also remember that the T stops running by 1am (so if you plan to stay out late make sure you budget for an Uber).

Yeah, I agree with this 100%. I think that's exactly why people are behaving this way.

Idk this other guy in the thread is saying that cars no threat to your health and that drivers are responsible.

Ah, ok! That makes more sense.

So, central square is by no means dangerous, but the area does have a few homeless people who tend to congregate around the bus stop near the train station. For the most part, they will leave you alone as long as you mind your own business. They may approach you to ask for money. I think you will be fine commuting from that area but just something to keep in mind.

In general Cambridge is exceptionally safe.

“Why should I have to pay to bring my 4000 box of steel with a living rooms worth of furniture into downtown Boston”

Pizzeria rustico or cafe Quattro. Same owner/pizza for both places, I know the owner he’s a super nice guy. Great pizza as well and takes catering orders very seriously.

I walk a lot in the city. I sometimes ride a bike. I sometimes take the T. I even occasionally take a bus. I disagree with your opinion.

I will fight a congestion tax, along with many others. We’ll see how it goes.

Seconding Picco. I've never had a bad meal there and the ice cream is great too.

Thanks for pointing that out! The correct station is Central :)

Picco

Only a person who drives everywhere would claim that statement isn’t true. Go ride a bus and see how effective they are when stuck behind a bunch of cars. Or ride a bike on mass Ave and see how safe you feel. Hell try crossing a crosswalk and deal with idiots running red lights.

Every statistic under the sun disagrees with your assessment of the situation.

And it will not be long before Boston implements a congestion tax.

Corrected the stop name - its Central not Braintree

“Cars make it impossible for anyone not in a car to effectively and safely use the streets” is simply wrong.

Yes, we should have better transit, but I doubt we agree on what that means.

Good thing we both get to vote.

What's insane is that there's no consequences for all the reckless driving. I saw a state trooper ignore a DRAG RACE IN THE RAIN on 93 last weekend. If there was a single thing I wish cops would do it would be get these lunatics off the street

Double check the location of that Airbnb, or the name of the nearest stop. The Braintree stop is not in Cambridge. The Braintree stop is on the opposite side of the city from Cambridge.

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I think you are confused. Braintree is quite far from Cambridge, like the opposite end of the red line. Is the Airbnb in Cambridge or Braintree? Both are quite safe but Braintree is considerably less walkable, so you might want to be cautious of the route you’ll need to take to get to the Braintree stop if that’s where you’ll be staying

Streets exist to allow for the movement of people and goods, what are you on about that they exist for cars? And yes, there is an injustice. Cars make it impossible for anyone not in a car to effectively and safely use the streets. They take more space than any other mode of transit but simultaneously are the least efficient way of moving people around.

If streets in boston were exclusively designed to move the largest number of people most quickly, cars simply would not be allowed. There would be dedicated lanes for buses, streetcars, and/or light rail. You can look up any statistic on transit flux for various modes of transit.

But you’re right, nothing is going to change. That is until Boston decides to implement a congestion tax, which I promise you is not far away.