Toggle Side Panel

42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139

Cambridge, MA 02139 • Central Square
$1,710,000
Est. $9,101/month
3
Beds
1.5
Baths
2,007
Sq Ft
$852
Price/Sq Ft
0.05
Acres
1873
Year Built
Single Family Residence
Type
19
Days on Market
Closed Listed Sep 26, 2025 • MLS# 73360322

About this home

Built in 1873 by notable builder and politician Rufus Lamson for former mayor George Stevens, 42 Essex Street is a stunning example of late 19th-century Italianate architecture located in the Cambridgeport neighborhood. This sun-soaked home features vintage deep-crown molding, nine-foot ceilings, and quarter-sawn oak flooring. The spacious layout spans three levels, offering over 2,100 sq ft of finished space, plus a high-ceilinged unfinished lower level. The second floor includes three bedrooms, a study, and a full bathroom, while the third floor boasts two additional rooms accessible by a steep staircase. The property also features a charming rear yard and a paved two-car driveway. With its historic charm and endless possibilities, this unique property is ready for the next visionary to transform it into their dream home or development project!

Sale Statistics

Sale Overview
Original List Price: $1,480,000
Final Sale Price: $1,710,000
Difference: +$230,000 (+15.5%)
Performance Metrics
115.5%
List to Sale Ratio
Sold above asking price
19
Days on Market
Quick sale
Price per Square Foot Analysis
Original $/sq ft: $737
Sale $/sq ft: $852
This property sold for $852 per square foot
Sale Summary

This property sold for 15.5% above the original asking price, indicating strong buyer demand.

With only 19 days on market, this was a quick sale compared to typical market conditions.

Facts & Features

Property Overview

Property Type
Single Family Residence
Property Category
Residential
Year Built
1873
Bedrooms
3
Full Bathrooms
1
Half Bathrooms
1
Living Area
2,007 sq ft
Total Rooms
10

Interior Features

Flooring
Wood
Heating
Hot Water, Natural Gas
Has Heating
Yes
Cooling
None
Has Cooling
No
Has Fireplace
No
Appliances
Gas Water Heater, Water Heater, Range, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer
Interior Features
Walk-up Attic
Basement Details
Full, Walk-Out Access, Interior Entry, Concrete, Unfinished
Window Features
Storm Window(s), Screens
Door Features
Storm Door(s)
Accessibility Features
No

Exterior & Structure

Construction Materials
Frame
Architectural Style
Italianate
Roof
Shingle
Foundation
Stone
Exterior Features
Deck, Rain Gutters, Screens, City View(s), Garden
Patio/Porch Features
Deck
Has Spa
No
View
City View(s), City
Has View
Yes
Waterfront Property
No

Lot & Land

Lot Size
0.05 acres
Lot Size
2,300 sq ft
Lot Size Area
0.0500
Lot Features
Corner Lot, Level
Road Surface Type
Paved
Road Frontage Type
Public

Parking & Garage

Has Garage
No
Total Non-Garage Parking Spaces
2
Parking Features
Paved Drive, Off Street, Tandem, Paved

Utilities & Systems

Water Source
Public
Sewer
Public Sewer

Community & HOA

Subdivision
Central Square
Community Features
Public Transportation, Shopping, Pool, Tennis Court(s), Park, Golf, Medical Facility, Laundromat, Bike Path, Highway Access, House of Worship, Private School, Public School, T-Station, University, Sidewalks
HOA
No
Senior Community
No

Financial & Tax Information

Annual Tax Amount
$8,347
Tax Year
2025
Tax Assessed Value
$1,314,500
Tax Lot
93
Tax Map Number
90
Parcel Number
403552
Zoning
Res

Additional Details

Year Built Source
Public Records
Year Built Details
Actual
Attached Property
No
Disclosures
All information from source deemed reliable but accuracy not guaranteed. Buyer and buyers agent to perform due diligence. Some photographs are virtually staged.

Location

Loading map...

Neighborhood

Central Square

42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139

Cambridge, MA 02139

Walkability

Loading Walk Score...

Schools

Elementary School
Lottery
Rating information coming soon
High School
Rindge & Latin
Rating information coming soon

Monthly Payment Calculator

%
%
Estimated Monthly Payment $0

Payment Breakdown

Principal & Interest $0
Property Tax $696
Homeowners Insurance $200
PMI $0

Property History

Market Insights

13.5%
Price Range
21
Total Days on Market

Property Timeline

✓
Sold
May 23, 2025
$1,710,000
Property sold
Days on Market: 21
🏠
Listed for Sale
Apr 16, 2025
$1,480,000
Original listing
Agent: Laura Palumbo-Hanson Office: Gibson Sotheby's International Realty

Price & Status History

Date Event Price Change
Apr 16, 2025 New Listing Added $1,480,000 —

Market Statistics

Days on Market
19 days
Price per Sq Ft
$852

Tax History

Year Taxes Assessment
2025 $8,347 $1,314,500

Financial Details

Annual Property Tax
$8,347
Tax Year 2025
Assessed Value
$1,314,500

Listing Information

Listing Agent Laura Palumbo-Hanson
Listing Office Gibson Sotheby's International Realty
Agent MLS ID BB901250
Office MLS ID AN2064

Similar Homes

42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 1 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 2 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 3 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 4 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 5 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 6 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 7 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 8 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 9 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 10 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 11 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 12 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 13 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 14 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 15 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 16 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 17 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 18 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 19 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 20 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 21 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 22 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 23 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 24 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 25 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 26 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 27 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 28 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 29 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 30 42 Essex Street, Cambridge MA 02139 - Photo 31

Contact Agent

Schedule a Tour