Cambridge has some of our country's best centers of science, medicine and technology in remarkable proximity to one another, along with the cultural ambiance you'd expect when those factors are present. Across the Charles River you can see Boston, where crewing and boating are common sites on the river. Inside Cambridge are numerous little shops, including bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants. The streets are filled with people from students to professors to scientists.

Across any number of short bridges is the historically significant seaport of Boston, where our famous sports teams are cheered regularly – win or lose. Our local sports fans are some of the most loyal anywhere, and even as a newcomer it's hard not to get excited about the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bruins and Revolution.

Boston is a great walking town with charming sections. The beauty and tranquility of the public gardens are relaxing, and the Freedom Trail that includes Paul Revere's home, the Old North Church, and Fanueil Hall (the Cradle of Liberty) is like walking the pages of history books. Newbury Street in the Back Bay has fine shopping, as do many neighborhoods.

For gusto and great food, the Italian North End with all the pastry shops, delis, restaurants and open-air bistros is a place locals go back to again and again. And so is the South End, with its diversified cuisine and fine dining.

But what lies on either side of Boston deserves mention, too. To the East we have the world-renowned beaches of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. To the West is skiing just hours away by car.