Worcester, Massachusetts is the second largest city in New England and acquired its name from the city of Worcester located in England. The city is known as the heart of the commonwealth because it is so close to the center of Massachusetts and is located in the midst of major metropolitan areas. Worcester has more than seven hills, several ponds and two lakes. It is a vibrant city with a diverse culture that offers something to please people of various tastes. Worcester residents can live a high quality of life with affordable housing.
Worcester's City Divisions
Worcester is divided into several different neighborhoods. Central City includes Crown Hill, Elm Park, Main Middle, University Park and Beaton Brightly. The Downtown area includes two squares: Federal Square and Lincoln Square. East Worcester includes Bell Hill, Booth Apartments Area, Lake Park, Shrewsbury Street, Britton Square and Hamilton. North Worcester includes Burncoat, Greendale, Indian Hill, North Lincoln Street, Summit and Indian Lake. West Worcester includes Beaver Brook, Tatnuck, Cider Mill, Newton Square, and the two Salisbury areas: Salisbury Street and Salisbury/Forest Grove.
Worcester Culture
Worchester is a great place for those who relish culture, with its festivals, concert halls, famous museums and theaters. Numerous parks provide spacious areas for residents to enjoy sports and recreation, and room for the kids to stretch their legs. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts is one of the most popular spots in Worcester, with its world-class performances and Broadway acts. The Worcester Art Museum boasts thousands of years of art history from Rome, Greece and Egypt. Other points of interest in Worcester include Dodge Park, Elm Park, Washburn Shops, Cristoforo Colombo Park, the American Antiquarian Society, the Worcester Center for Crafts and the Higgins Armory Museum. Shrewsbury Street and The Canal District contain some of the most popular nightclubs and restaurants. Many annual festivals are held in Worcester. These include the Worcester Music Festival, the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, the St. Patrick's Parade and the New Year's Eve First Night celebration. In addition, it is said that Valentine's Day cards were invented in Worcester by Esther Howland.
Worcester is also home to various war memorials. These include the World War II Memorial, which honors local World War II Veterans. The Massachusetts Vietnam War Memorial honors veterans from the Vietnam War who died or are missing. The Korean War Memorial honors local veterans of the Korean War who sacrificed their lives. Finally, the Southwest Asia War Memorial honors those who died during Desert Storm.
Worcester's Education
Worcester has a large education system to serve its more than 23,000 students. The city has 7 high schools, 4 middle schools and 33 elementary schools, as well as special education schools, magnet schools and alternative schools. The city also has 21 private schools, which include the Worcester Academy, Worcester's oldest educational center, and the Bancroft School. The Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is one of 834 schools in the U.S. that offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Worcester has a large selection of colleges and universities that offer significant learning opportunities. These include Assumption College, The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Clark University, Becker College, UMass Medical School, Worcester State University and the College of the Holy Cross, which is one of the oldest colleges in the United States.
Worcester's Economy
The city of Worcester has grown into one of the largest centers of manufacturing in New England. Its economy is made up mainly of the healthcare, education and technology industries. Notable businesses are headquartered there, such as the David Clark Company, which manufactures aeronautical equipment. Polar Beverages is the largest manufacturer of soda bottles in the country. Hanover Insurance and Unum Insurance have offices located in Worcester as well. Both the Greendale Mall and Auburn Mall are home to the city's major department stores. Many of the city's major employers contribute significantly to Worcester's economy, with the biggest of these including UMass Memorial Healthcare, University of Massachusetts Medical School, City of Worcester, Saint Vincent Hospital and Hanover Insurance.
Worcester's Transportation
Accessing the surrounding area is easy because of the city's varying modes of transportation, with access from highways such as I-290, I-190, I-495, I-90 and I-84. Transportation throughout the city includes the Providence and Worcester, a Class II railroad, the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail, Amtrak, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority and the Greyhound and Peter Pan bus lines. Worcester Regional Airport sits atop the city's highest hill and offers a massive terminal with various passenger amenities to ensure comfort and safety. Cab service is available via Yellow Cab and Red Cab.
Finding a Home in Worcester
A booming industrial city, Worcester is a large city with stunning architecture. The city offers many attractions to keep one entertained, such as music venues, restaurants, bars and museums. Worcester has many apartment buildings available for rent, as well as multi-family homes with two or more stories. In the Southern part of town, several warehouses are being converted into lofts and multi-family homes are being renovated. Anyone looking for prestige and style will certainly want to try The West Side, which features stunning Queen Anne and Victorian houses. In addition, the city has townhomes, condominiums, single-family homes, luxury apartments, duplexes and waterfront properties.
Those interested in a home away from home can find a variety of vacation rentals for a time of rest and relaxation. The city offers houses, cottages, lake homes, cabins and secluded waterfront homes that are perfect for a family retreat, featuring private grounds, spacious bedrooms and views overlooking the lake. Many of them feature private decks and docks. Worcester is a large city with many living options to choose from.