West Cambridge, Massachusetts facts for kids

Eastern Massachusetts with West Cambridge in magenta and Cambridge proper in yellow.

West Cambridge, Massachusetts is a name that can mean two different places! It's important to know which one people are talking about.

What Does West Cambridge Mean?

The name "West Cambridge" can refer to:

• An old name for the town of Arlington, Massachusetts.
• A neighborhood located in the western part of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

West Cambridge: The Old Name for Arlington

Long ago, the area we now call Arlington, Massachusetts was known as West Cambridge. This shows how names of towns and cities can change over time. Arlington is a town located northwest of Boston. It's known for its history and green spaces.

West Cambridge: A Neighborhood in Cambridge

Today, when people say "West Cambridge," they often mean a specific part of the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts. This neighborhood is in the western section of Cambridge. It's roughly covered by the zip code 02138. Cambridge is a famous city across the Charles River from Boston, known for its universities like Harvard and MIT.