Worcester, Massachusetts

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, the home of the city's minor league hockey team and other on and off-ice events, and The Palladium, 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 or Belmont Street Community School through sixth grade, and then Worcester East Middle School and North High School. The elite Worcester Academy 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/.

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

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

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, Nick's Woods and the campus of Assumption University. 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.

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.