How Low Can You Go?

We just featured the most expensive single-family homes in Cambridge. Here are the cheapest.

18 Harrington Road, Cambridge

289 Broadway, Cambridge

69 Gore Street, Cambridge

$439,000
18 HARRINGTON ROAD, CAMBRIDGE

SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,349
LOT SIZE 2,291 square feet
BEDROOMS 2
BATHS 1 full
2008 TAXES $1,311
LAST SOLD FOR $229,000 in 1999

PROS The large living room and open dining room make this 1891 clapboard home seem larger than it is. Off the dining room, double glass doors lead out to a wooden deck and a private, landscaped yard with hot tub. A half-wall opens up the large eat-in kitchen. Upstairs, the master bedroom and guest room share a newer full bath. Since the larger bedroom looks out over the roof of the kitchen, a second-floor deck could be easily built. CONS There's no bath on the first floor, though the kitchen is large enough to accommodate one. Contact Paul Griffin, Griffin Properties, Cambridge, 617-413-6299, visitgriffin.com.

$499,000
289 BROADWAY, CAMBRIDGE

SQUARE FOOTAGE 3,026
LOT SIZE 3,866 square feet
BEDROOMS 4
BATHS 3 full
2008 TAXES $3,768
LAST SOLD FOR $579,000 in 2008

PROS This bank-owned attached Georgian has huge potential and an excellent location near Inman and Central squares and across from a dog park. The upstairs is in fair condition and could be lived in while work proceeds on the first floor. The layout offers possibilities beyond its legal single-family status: a first-floor rental with owner's duplex above, or two condos with two separate entrances. The existing kitchens are large, the first two floors have double parlors, and there's parking. CONS This is a job for a developer or an individual with vision, fortitude, and deep pockets. Contact Joanne Arneman, Century 21, Somerville, 617-697-1417, commonmoves.com.

$499,000
69 GORE STREET, CAMBRIDGE

SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,850
LOT SIZE 1,300 square feet
BEDROOMS 3
BATHS 1 full, 1 half
2008 TAXES $1,560
LAST SOLD FOR $180,000 in 1987

PROS This button-cute 1845 clapboard row house has a modern, practical layout and has been well maintained. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are open plan, there are several working fireplaces, and many rooms have whole walls of exposed brick. The second floor has two bedrooms and one full bath, but there is space to give each bedroom its own en-suite bath. The finished third floor could make a nice master or playroom. CONS The floors tilt a bit in places, and the house does need minor cosmetic work. Contact Gary Seligson, eplace, Cambridge, 617-864-4600, eplacehomes.com.