- [Calendar of Events](https://worcesterculture.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu8uyBhC6ARIsAKwBGpTv-gf17tkXHGur2aCYa7oahVm83l408M4Otq5bwfW_ChW9g87X_BsaAs5kEALw_wcB)
- [Visitor Guide](https://www.worcesterma.gov/visitor-guide)

Calendar of Events & City Guide

- [Mechanics Hall Concerts & Event Center](https://mechanicshall.org/)
Mechanics Hall is internationally regarded as one of the world's great concert halls for its superb acoustics and inspirational beauty. Regionally, it is considered to be Worcester's finest meeting place.
- [Worcester Art Museum](https://www.worcesterart.org/)
The Worcester Art Museum has a collection of over 38,000 objects, assembled since its opening in 1898. With an excellent mix of art from the local community and the international art world, it serves as a cultural venue for Central Massachusetts and beyond.

- [Worcester Historical Museum](https://www.worcesterhistory.org/)
Founded in 1875, Worcester Historical Museum is the only organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting Worcester’s unique and diverse history from all time periods and subject areas. 

- [American Antiquarian Society](https://www.americanantiquarian.org/)
The AAS has assembled the world’s largest and most accessible collection of books, pamphlets, broadsides, newspapers, periodicals, children's literature, music, and graphic arts material printed before the twentieth century in what is now the United States.

- [Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary](https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/broad-meadow-brook)
A large urban wildlife sanctuary, with over 400 acres. It offers open trails, outdoor programs for kids and adults, and multi-day nature camps throughout the summer.  

- [EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature](https://ecotarium.org/)
The EcoTarium museum of science and nature is an indoor-outdoor experience with three floors of indoor interactive exhibits, live animal habitats, daily Science Discovery programs, hikes through forest and meadow nature trails, outdoor imaginative play, and a train ride (seasonal) around the 45+ acre campus.

Museums & Culture

Worcester has a world-class hospital in [UMass Memorial Medical Center](https://www.ummhealth.org/umass-memorial-medical-center). It’s both an excellent general hospital as well as a teaching and cutting-edge research hospital. You could hardly do better at a city this size. [Saint Vincent’s](https://www.stvincenthospital.com/) is another popular general and emergency hospital in the center of the city so both are convenient for locals with city-based distances all less than 30 minutes.

Health & Hospitals

Worcester has its own [regional airport](https://www.massport.com/worcester-airport), that does a good job getting locals to New England and some more distant East Coast cities, from Maine to Florida. There are some nonstops outside the east coast but this will mostly act as a puddle jumper to Logan Airport in Boston or one of the NYC airports if you’re traveling across country or over the pond.

Worcester has a commuter rail on the [MBTA line](https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Worcester/timetable) running thru Framingham and then on to Boston. Amtrak also runs through Union Station on the Amtrak [Lake Shore Limited Service](https://www.amtrak.com/stations/wor) that runs from Boston out to Chicago with a stop in Worcester. City public transport is limited to the bus line called [the WRTA](https://therta.com/routes-schedules/).

Transportation

The fastest digital connection in Worcester is via [Earthlink Fiber](https://www.earthlink.net/internet-near-me/massachusetts/) at 5Gbps. Others including Spectrum and Verizon offer 1 or 2 Gbps. 

Internet Connections

- [Venture X](https://venturex.com/locations/worcester/)
- [WorkBar](https://www.workbar.com/locations/worcester)
- [WorcLab](https://worclab.org/coworking)

Co-Working Spaces

- [**The City of Worcester**](https://www.worcesterma.gov/)

- [**Executive Office of Economic Development**](https://www.worcesterma.gov/development) 

- [**Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce**](https://www.worcesterchamber.org/) 

- [**The Worcester Regional Research Bureau**](https://www.wrrb.org/)

- [**Worcester County Insights**](https://worcestercountyinsights.org/) 

Government & Commerce

Worcester was a textile and manufacturing center of the region until the 1950s. It went into a steep decline after that and took 50+ years to get a recovery started. A series of fortunate and unfortunate circumstances kept Worcester tantalizing close to full-scale recovery but just a bit out of reach. 

Worcester missed some of the earlier booms in New England in part due to its location just a bit too far from Boston. The fact the Mass Turnpike avoids Worcester meant the city never had the late 20th-century economic boom other cities with direct exits received. 

It also meant the commute into Boston was just long enough to prevent locals from feeling like the city was a reasonable option. That idea of being just a bit too far out of reach also extended to Worcester’s reputation. Always known as a working-class city it was never treated as a first-class option for those living in the suburbs and cities west of Boston.

Despite its history, Worcester prides itself as a community that has combined the best parts of both large and smaller cities. The growth in biotech in the area, the continued health of the dozen or so colleges and universities, and how smaller “second-tier” cities across the country are growing due to an explosion in costs for major cities, are attracting businesses and people to Worcester.

It’s a city on the rise and within easy reach of the other northeastern hubs but without their costs.

WooSox On The Rise!

LookyLOO Review of Worcester

Worcester is a mix of blue-collar families and rising professional and middle and upper-class families. The dozen colleges in the area give it youthful energy, plenty of bars, and cheap eats for nights out. 

The downtown area, particularly the Canal District, has been completely rebuilt after decades of failed efforts to do so and it now has a good selection of excellent restaurants, upscale gastropubs, and tons of bars and live music. There are other bigger music and event venues including The Palladium and the DCU Arena. Worcester is also the Gateway to western Massachusetts and is surrounded by stunning state parks and freshwater recreation opportunities.

If you want to see what locals do for fun and culture in Worcester check out the [**calendar of events**](https://worcesterculture.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu8uyBhC6ARIsAKwBGpTv-gf17tkXHGur2aCYa7oahVm83l408M4Otq5bwfW_ChW9g87X_BsaAs5kEALw_wcB).

Lifestyle

Worcester has an interesting mix of biotech, health, tech, education, and entrepreneurial businesses all in growth mode. The U Mass Medical School drives excellent health industry jobs and the dozen schools in the area mean there are always 35,000+ students here buying food, spirits, and tickets to shows. 

Despite the economic struggles the region went through, the education backbone of the city always provided security to investments and businesses that took advantage of the in-school and graduate populations. While Boston is only 45 or so miles away, the economy here is more self-contained than you’d think and people tend to work in the area and not commute into the bigger city.


Worcester's entrepreneurial vibe is strong. The roots for this begin with the universities in the area with strong startup cultures. Clark University has an excellent [**Entrepreneur and Innovation Program**](https://www.clarku.edu/departments/entrepreneurship-and-innovation/#:~:text=By%20taking%20classes%20or%20pursuing,to%20see%20your%20idea%20through). and [**WPI**](https://www.wpi.edu/) is an engineering and tech powerhouse with a history of hands-on education and importantly the first Robotics Engineering program. The city scene is supported with good infrastructure for startups via the [**Venture Forum Community**](https://theventureforum.org/), a [**5 Minute Pitch Mentoring Program**](https://theventureforum.org/programs/5-minute-pitch/) and solid coworking and incubator spaces in [**Venture X**](https://venturex.com/locations/worcester/) and [**WORCLab**](https://worclab.org/).

Worklife

The [**Worcester Public School System**](https://www.worcesterschools.org/) has a large city's mix of high and low-performing schools. Increasing diversity in the population, with English as a second language for some, means test scores slide even in schools with excellent programs. Niche.com rates the district with an overall [**"B-" grade**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/worcester-public-schools-ma/) but there are A's and B+'s in the mix, with schools like [**Worcester Tech High School**](https://www.techhigh.us/) and [University Park Campus School](https://www.niche.com/k12/university-park-campus-school-worcester-ma/) getting excellent grades at the high school level. 

It could be the high volume of colleges in the area but the school system performs at a high level for college prep even in schools with lower performance scores. So you've got that going for you. 

Schools

Cities like Worcester, in the 200k range population range, are booming due to lower costs, business incentives, and better community vibes than many major cities provide. In Worcester you also get to be centrally located between all the northeastern majors: Boston is an hour away, Providence is 45 minutes, Springfield is less than an hour and NYC is only 3 hours away. You really can’t beat it for convenience in this area of the country. You also skip a lot of the traffic chaos of the other biggies.

Why Now?

**M Taylor** 
Lived in Worcester
Updated 18 months
★★★★★

"Worcester is the latest “it” city. The transformation in a few short years is astounding. Worcesterites have always had an inferiority complex due to its proximity to Boston and Providence, but the last several years has caused even the most cynical Worcester native to strut just a bit. Years of decay have completely reversed itself as developers from Boston and elsewhere have recognized the potential and comparatively low cost.

Barely a day goes by without an announcement that a new development is in the works or an underused factory area is going to be retrofitted for the latest in technology."

For more reviews of what living in Worcester is like from locals check out: [**Reviews From Locals**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/worcester/reviews)
 





Reviews of Worcester from Locals

Downtown, which was the center of the city in the manufacturing era in the 20th century, reaps the benefits of the massive brick buildings that were abandoned in the late-20th century decline. These buildings now house renovated condos and apartments, groovy new commercial spaces, and restaurants, bars and cafes for the locals.  

The neighborhood is also home to the most exciting entertainment venues with [**DCU**](https://www.dcucenter.com/), the home of the city's minor league hockey team and other on and off-ice events, and [**The Palladium**](https://thepalladium.net/), the major music, events and Broadway traveling show venue. 

Housing in the neighborhood includes some single family and 2 and 3-decker homes, but much more condo/apartment options in the historical buildings and new developments. One great benefit to the neighborhood is its walkability to Worcester Common, the city park that hosts movie nights and other outdoor cultural events and Union Station, the region's premier train center. Prices for housing in Downtown run from $650k for homes, $400k for duplexes and $170k for condos. Rents for apartments average $1,900 per month.  

Families send their kiddos to either [**Union Hill School**](https://worcesterschools.org/school/union-hill-school/) or [**Belmont Street Community School**](https://worcesterschools.org/school/belmont-street-community-school/) through sixth grade, and then [**Worcester East Middle School**](https://worcesterschools.org/school/worcester-east-middle-school/) and [**North High School**](https://worcesterschools.org/school/north-high-school/). The elite [**Worcester Academy**](https://www.worcesteracademy.org/) is also in the neighborhood for those favoring private school. It's a day/boarding school for grades 6-12 that scored an [**"A+" on niche.com]**(https://www.niche.com/k12/worcester-academy-worcester-ma/.  



Young Professionals/Young Families

Downtown Worcester

Canal District is the hottest spot in the city with the neighborhood constantly opening new restaurants, bars, music and community events for the growing young population to enjoy. It’s also home to The Public Market, the Worcester Ice Rink, and the newly opened Polar Park, where the Triple AAA Worcester Red Sox play. If it’s happening in Worcester chances are it’s happening here. Highland Street is another popular area in part due to its proximity to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a nationally renowned engineering school. The area features restaurants, nightspots and stores that cater to college kids and young professionals who want to live amidst the college scene. 
- Canal District
- Highland Street
- Downtown


College Students/Young Professionals

Canal District

The neighborhood known as the West Side is the most “posh” choice a family can make in Worcester. Notable for big beautiful homes, winding tree-lined streets and excellent public schools it also has a beautiful park, cafes and a country club for those who want to be close to the links. Shrewsbury Street is another interesting option. Known as “Little Italy” because Italian immigrant families set up shop here in the early 1900s the area is now notable for both the density of families living here as well as booming commercial district that lines Shrewsbury Street. 
- West Side
- Salisbury Street
- Tatnuck Square
- Shrewsbury Street



Families

West Side

Forest Grove is one of the most coveted family neighborhoods in Worcester. It's built for those who crave beautiful outdoor spaces and larger homes on secluded tree-lined streets. Outdoor gems in the area include [**Indian Lake**](https://www.worcesterma.gov/city-parks/indian-lake-beach), [**Nick's Woods**](https://www.gwlt.org/nickrsquos-woods.html) and the campus of [**Assumption University**](https://www.assumption.edu/). Indian Lake  has a wonderful beach, boat dock, tennis court and a trail for those craving a gentle hike. Nick's Woods  is part of the Worcester Land Trust and has a number of hikes/walking trails alongside a coldwater creek filled with brook trout. 

The neighborhood has a small commercial district, Grove Street,  with restaurants and the Oak Barrel Tavern and a nice cafe spot: [**Bean Counter Bakery Cafe**](https://www.beancounterbakery.com/). 

Average home price for Forest Grove is $530k which is reasonable  considering the size of the large colonial estates and half-acre + yards. Students are zoned for Nelson Place Elementary, Forest Grove Middle School and Doherty High School. Doherty rates the highest, at a [**B on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/doherty-memorial-high-school-worcester-ma/).

Forest Grove

Worcester

P Shelley / Living in Worcester / 2y
★★★



**What advice would you give to someone who is moving to Worcester, MA?**

So you’re moving to Worcester? I am a Worcester Swede - historically an Eastern US city with a large Swedish population. Due to the metal manufacturing in Worcester in late 1800s and later Swedes were recruited for employment. Most of the Swedish heritage is gone unless you know where to look for it. Now Worcester is a large city with a large minority population.

It has always been, and still is, a city of two faces. There are neighborhoods of lovely homes, theatre, music, restaurants, universities, many things to like, and it is a city with the issues of a city. Close to Boston and not too far from the ocean, there is a lot to offer. The cost of living is dramatically lower than Boston.

M Taylor / Lived in Worcester / Updated 18m
★★★★★

**What is Worcester, Massachusetts like nowadays?**

Worcester is the latest “it” city. The transformation in a few short years is astounding. Worcesterites have always had an inferiority complex due to its proximity to Boston and Providence, but the last several years has caused even the most cynical Worcester native to strut just a bit. Years of decay have completely reversed itself as developers from Boston and elsewhere have recognized the potential and comparatively low cost . Barely a day goes by without an announcement that a new development is in the works or an underused factory area is going to be retrofitted for the latest in technology. The luring of the Boston Red Sox triple A farm team from Pawtucket has spurred a $240 million project in the already booming Canal District. College grads are actually opting to stay in the “heart of the Commonwealth” due to the many good paying jobs in the burgeoning biotech field and elsewhere. The word “hip” and Worcester were never used in the same sentence, but that has all changed. New restaurants and clubs open weekly and it’s now known as a destination for foodies. Against all odds, the former “utility closet of New England” as once described by the New York Times is once again flexing its muscles as New England’s second largest city.


Dubswho / lived in Worcester / updated 1y
★★★★

**Life in Worcester for young professionals?**

As far as cities in MA go, Worcester is just fine, and I’d even say it’s great. It’s come a very, very long way.

I live 25 minutes from Worcester, and I typically go there for nightlife/food and other activities, especially since it’s such a hassle getting into Boston. Yes, you will be trying new restaurants forever, as there are always new ones opening up. Very diverse ethnically.

No shortage of bars, clubs, and basically any other establishment you can think of. Amenities and grocery stores are plentiful. Gyms, venues, parking, you name it.

They have the commuter rail which sucks but is set to get better. I have no idea about the buses. Beautiful parks and old architecture.

The city is actively being revitalized and being heavily invested in. There are many people that love Worcester and want to see it develop. It’s one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. There are several colleges/universities and lots of young people. I see them every time I go.

The thing to keep in mind is that Worcester is, at root, a working class mill town. These are cities in the Northeast that were built and sustained by the blood sweat and tears of blue collar workers. Once all the industries moved out, these cities were mostly left for ruin. You still see that in Worcester. But it’s not nearly as bad as some other cities in MA. Some neighborhoods are trashy. Lots of triple deckers that used to house the mill workers. Lots of these neighborhoods ended up housing low income families. But of course now most apartments are unaffordable for these people, so within the next century you’ll see Worcester become completely gentrified in my opinion. The next Boston.

There are 200,000 people in Worcester. It’s small but very populated. There’s something and someone for everybody.

Just don’t shy away from that working class feel and charm. People who hate on Worcester either have lived there for decades or are from a yuppie white suburb in metro west and have never so much as set foot in a real city with real people.

It’s very down-to-earth. You’ll meet plenty of awesome and friendly people!

wormtowndude / living in worcester / updated 2y
★★★

**I'm thinking of moving to Worcester! Tell me pros and cons**

I'm in my mid-30s, but I've lived in Worcester a long time now, after living in Boston for a while. I still work in Cambridge, and the main difference to me is just how small Worcester feels. It's actually pretty big and spread out, but there's lots of parts I just don't go to. Not because they're dangerous or anything, but because there are huge parts of the city that are just super-residential and boring and have nothing going on... maybe Worcester is sort of like a giant Hyde Park with a couple of tall buildings.

I don't really think of "going out" here the same way I did in Boston, where my friends and I would basically pick an area and spend the afternoon or night shopping, dining, drinking. IE, go to Pour House on Boylston St and hit up Bukowski's stroll down Newbury St, etc. or hang in Allston Village where there's a bunch of food, bars, dessert, shops. When I go out in Worcester, it usually involves driving or ubering from one place to another.

I definitely felt a dip in quality in terms of nightlife, but there are a handful of really cool bars here (thinking Nick's, Vincent's, Ralph's, Hotel Vernon, Electric Haze, Armsby Abbey), and the restaurants are really good and more coming up. The bummer part is that it feels like a lot of new places (especially downtown) are very corporate and not very good, and the negative effects of gentrification are a bit worrisome (people and businesses being priced out).

Walkability and the 'connectedness' of the city has been a major gripe for me... so many spots where sidewalks just end and it just seems like this place is pedestrian-hostile. Like drivers are shocked that people would actually be out walking in the city.

As others have said, the prices here are great, and I was able to buy a big house and a big yard, but I can't walk anywhere since it's so residential where I'm at for at least like 1.5 miles in every direction. I do not feel like I live in the 2nd biggest city in New England.

To me, driving into Cambridge has definitely worked better than trying to take commuter rail because of the flexibility, but I think it depends where you're headed. I'm able to be really flexible with my schedule, working at home 2-3 days a week. On days I do go in, I try to leave Worcester early (like 6am), and head home when my in-person meetings are over... either mid-day or afternoon so I don't get stuck in evening commute. My wife also works, and we have a young child, and it's actually worked OK.

Worcester, Massachusetts

Woo-Town

Looklyloo Score: 84