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I think both areas are very interesting in their own unique ways, although I'm inclined to say that NL/Fishtown have more of an eclectic, finely-grained and still-evolving vibe.
Cambridge/Somerville generally are pretty heavily university-influenced and are generally a bit more institutional and "built out" in feel. West Philly is the more obvious analogue.
Maybe true of places like Harvard Square and Kendall Square. Even Davis Square. But Central and Union are still very much eclectic and evolving. Union especially doesn't feel too heavily university influenced to me. But Central still has an edgier, grittier vibe (though that's also evolving) than Harvard or Kendall by far.
Which is the more interesting/urban neighborhood? Philly's Northern Liberties/Fishtown area or the Central Square/Inman Sq/Union Sq area of Cambridge/Somerville?
Northern Liberties and Fishtown were mainly sleepy working class neighborhoods for a very long time. However, it has turned into a hot spot for young people. Northern Liberties has gone from being a hipster neighborhood to a yuppie one over the last 10 years. The hipsters moved to Fishtown and now that neighborhood commands yuppie prices. So Old/East/South Kensington whatever the next neighborhood north of it is called is where the hipster/grungy people hangout now.
Cambridge/Somerville generally are pretty heavily university-influenced and are generally a bit more institutional and "built out" in feel. West Philly is the more obvious analogue.
Central and (especially) Union hardly feel university-influenced. These areas largely cater to Camberville's young professionals.
As an aside, the best Central joints:
1. Pammy's
2. Little Donkey
3. Viale
4. Waypoint
5. Lamplighter
6. Brick & Mortar
7. Craigie on Main
8. Cuchi Cuchi
9. Rangzen
10. Miracle of Science
And Union Square:
1. Tasting Counter
2. Field & Vine
3. Highland Kitchen
4. Sarma
5. Aeronaut Brewing
6. Juliet
7. Celeste
8. Brass Union
9. Casa B Tapas
10. Remnant Brewing
I actually like Union's offerings on paper as much as I do Central. I'm not sure how I'd rank the rest: Harvard Square, Inman, Davis, and Kendal/Area 4. I think a lot of my favorite spots actually fall between neighborhoods.
Central and (especially) Union hardly feel university-influenced. These areas largely cater to Camberville's young professionals.
As an aside, the best Central joints:
1. Pammy's
2. Little Donkey
3. Viale
4. Waypoint
5. Lamplighter
6. Brick & Mortar
7. Craigie on Main
8. Cuchi Cuchi
9. Rangzen
10. Miracle of Science
I've been eating at India Pavilion in Central Square since the mid-1980s when it was one of the few Indian restaurants in Boston/Cambridge. The transformation of Central Square from 1985 to now is pretty remarkable. Around 1985, the MBTA had just finished renovating the T station but the neighborhood was still pretty edge-y.
As was noted before, NL has a history of being a very edgy/artsy area that feels objectively more "hipster," I believe, than the comparison areas of Boston. It's a neighborhood that just screams "creative." Objectively, I think most would find that more fascinating.
Certainly Cambridge, while lovely, feels incredibly staid and conservative by comparison, though perhaps less so in Somerville. Although even it has become pretty influenced by the conservative sensibilities of the MIT/Harvard crowd.
There is really nothing conservative about Somerville or Cambridge, check out their voting records which are the most liberal in MA, Clinton got 90% in both cities, Weed legalization was over 75% in both cities.
There is really nothing conservative about Somerville or Cambridge, check out their voting records which are the most liberal in MA, Clinton got 90% in both cities, Weed legalization was over 75% in both cities.
I was referring to social environment, not politics. In other words, I don't think anyone would describe Cambridge as an edgy and raucous place. Leftist, sure. But also pretty reserved due to strong academic/STEM industry influences.
There is really nothing conservative about Somerville or Cambridge, check out their voting records which are the most liberal in MA, Clinton got 90% in both cities, Weed legalization was over 75% in both cities.
Politically, Cambridge is Berkeley-East. The least conservative places in the country.
I was referring to social environment, not politics. In other words, I don't think anyone would describe Cambridge as an edgy and raucous place. Leftist, sure. But also pretty reserved due to strong academic/STEM industry influences.
this is accurate
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