Our apartment is on the Charles River which is the border between Boston and Cambridge.  The apartment is large (150sq.m) and sunny with two balconys, one overlooking The Society of St. John the Evangilist Monastary and the river, the other overlooking the courtyard and the river.
Harvard Square is a five minute walk, where there are restaurants, bookstores and retail stores of every description.
The subway ("the T") station is in Harvard Square from which you can get to Boston, Logan airport and most sites in the Boston area, known for its educational institutions, libraries, museums and cultural facilities. 
One block from the apt is Darwins a small deli and market with fresh fruit and vegetables, wine, sandwiches, pastries and coffee/tea as well as dry cleaners.  A large supermarket is one mile away on the bus line which stops in front Darwins.
Cape Cod is 75 miles (1.5 hour  drive) away, from which Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard can easily be reached by ferry.  All three of these destinations are famous for their beaches, towns originally supported by whaling, and their ambiance.  Also within easy reach is the famous coast of Maine, which is spectacular.
To the north are New Hampshire and Vermont which are well known for their New England charm and in the Fall, for their colorful foliage.