1648–1654 Mass Ave
1648-1654 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
1648–1654 Massachusetts Ave, Income-Restricted Apartment Rentals, nestled in Cambridge's highly desirable Neighborhood Nine, offers the perfect blend of timeless New England character and unbeatable urban convenience. Situated directly between the vibrant cultural and transit hubs of Harvard Square and Porter Square, this classic brick apartment community puts world-class universities like Harvard and Lesley just minutes from your front door.
The sun-drenched interior spaces showcase meticulous historic craftsmanship, featuring original hardwood flooring throughout, soaring ceilings, elegant built-in china cabinets, and spacious living rooms. Select layouts are thoughtfully designed for modern flexibility, offering private attached offices, functional fireplaces, small guest rooms, and a rear three-season porch perfect for seasonal relaxation. Complete with on-site laundry facilities and a welcoming, cat-friendly policy, this property delivers the quintessential, highly walkable Cambridge lifestyle in a neighborhood rich with boutique shopping, historic parks, and diverse dining options.
What makes this home
Convenient elevator service throughout the building.
Washers and dryers in the basement for resident use.
Cafés and shops right at your doorstep.
Steps from the MBTA Red Line and major bus routes.
Between Harvard & Porter Square
The neighborhood surrounding 1648–1654 Mass Ave is a vibrant, historic, and highly walkable urban hub situated directly between Harvard Square and Porter Square. Local cafés, diverse restaurants, and daily necessities sit right at your doorstep, with Harvard University and Lesley University campuses a short walk away.
Commuting is effortless with immediate access to the MBTA Red Line and major bus routes, making downtown Boston reachable in minutes. Fitness studios, specialized athletic shops, and scenic paths along the Charles River blend into charming tree-lined residential streets and historic brick architecture.
Application Process
This is not a lottery. Applications for 1648–1654 Mass Ave are processed on a first come, first served basis as apartments become available.
- 1
If there is no current availability, applications are added to the waiting list and reviewed upon receipt for completeness and proper documentation.
- 2
Applications are reviewed for eligibility when they are reached on the waiting list.
- 3
Applicants will be emailed upon receipt of their application and upon each application review — please check your email regularly.
Priorities for Unit Placement
CHA Marathon LLC accepts applications when a vacancy is anticipated or exists, or to establish or maintain a waiting list for turnover units. Eligible applicants are selected for placement at the property based on the following priorities.
- 1Current CHA Residents (Administrative Transfer)
First priority is given to current residents of CHA or a CHA affiliate who have been approved for an administrative transfer to the property and who meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the Plan.
Unit placement: Households with a voucher — or with no voucher and income below 80% AMI — are placed in an 80% AMI unit. Households without a voucher earning 80–100% AMI are placed in a 100% AMI unit, provided the 20% cap has not been met. - 2Housing Choice Voucher holders
Second priority is given to Housing Choice Voucher holders who meet the eligibility requirements. This includes households seeking to relocate with mobile voucher assistance.
Unit placement: All households with a Housing Choice Voucher will be placed in an 80% AMI unit. - 3Other Eligible Applicants
Final priority is given to other eligible applicants who apply and meet the eligibility requirements, consistent with applicable fair housing and program requirements. Under this priority, CHA Marathon LLC may market to non-voucher households earning at or below 100% AMI.
Unit placement: Non-voucher households earning 70–80% AMI may be admitted to an 80% AMI unit. Households earning 80–100% AMI may be admitted to a 100% AMI unit, provided the 20% cap on 100% AMI units has not been reached.
Cambridge Resident & Worker Preference
Within each priority above, CHA Marathon LLC ranks applicants who qualify as Cambridge residents or who work in Cambridge higher than non-residents, to the extent permitted by applicable law and program requirements. These terms are defined in CHA's Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan, subject to the documentation requirements set forth therein.
The preference also covers households involuntarily displaced from Cambridge — those who previously maintained a primary residence in Cambridge and were displaced due to circumstances beyond their control, including no-fault eviction, building condemnation, or loss of subsidized housing. Current CHA Housing Choice Voucher holders who previously resided in Cambridge but subsequently relocated outside the city are also considered Cambridge residents for this preference.
Availability & Eligibility
1648–1654 Mass Ave is a mixed-income community offering affordable apartment rentals. Eligibility and income restrictions and maximum asset limits apply. Minimum income limits apply unless the household receives mobile housing assistance (including but not limited to VASH, Section 8, and MRVP).
Households without a voucher must earn above 70% AMI and below 80% AMI, OR above 80% AMI and below 100% AMI.
Unit Mix
| Unit Count | Unit Size | Rent* | AMI % | Accessibility Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 1-Bedroom | starting at $2,100 subject to 30% of income | 80% | — |
| 8 | 2-Bedroom | starting at $2,400 subject to 30% of income | 80% | — |
*Heat & Hot Water Included. Tenants responsible for all other utilities.
2026 HUD Income Limits
Boston–Cambridge–Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area
| Household Size | 70% AMI | 80% AMI | 100% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $84,000 | $96,000 | $105,000 |
| 2 Person | $96,040 | $109,700 | $120,000 |
| 3 Person | $108,010 | $123,400 | $135,000 |
| 4 Person | $115,220 | $137,100 | $150,000 |
| 5 Person | $129,640 | $148,100 | $162,000 |
| 6 Person | $139,230 | $159,050 | $174,000 |
Request a rental application
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is no current vacancy, you'll be added to the waitlist in the order received.
Free language assistance is available for those whose primary language is not English or have limited English proficiency. Reasonable accommodations available for persons with disabilities.