Nestled in central Massachusetts, Worcester is a bustling and lively city. Located approximately 47 miles southwest of Boston, and about 40 miles north of Providence, the area is in a convenient locale. The city is the second most populated in all of New England, and is situated in Worcester County.
Worcester was first incorporated as a town in 1722, and later as a city in 1848. Today, the area is well-known for its excellent public schools and universities, great public transportation, arts and culture scene, and highly-rated restaurants and shops. Residents of nearly all surrounding communities appreciate living so close to such an impressive selection of conveniences and amenities.
If you are planning to relocate to Worcester in the coming months, you are likely searching for the best Worcester neighborhoods. As a large city, there are plenty of options for every preference and lifestyle. Explore our picks for the top Worcester neighborhoods.
West Side — Affluent and idyllic with top-rated schools
Lauded as being one of the best places to live in all of Massachusetts, Worcester’s West Side neighborhood is safe, idyllic, and peaceful. Known as one of the Worcester neighborhoods with the best schools, this area is especially preferred among families with children and teens.
The West Side (which is also referred to as West Worcester) is also known for being an upscale and historic part of town. Median home values are some of the highest in the entire city. It isn’t uncommon to find homes selling for as much as $1 million in the area. However, for those who are looking to reside in the best part of the city, the investment is well worth it.
What makes living on the West Side so unique? Aside from the qualities already described, this neighborhood contains two of Worcester’s three historic districts. Visitors and locals often describe the area as picturesque and storybook-like due to its gorgeous homes and beautiful landscaping. Many of the residential properties in the area were constructed at the turn of the 20th century, adding extra character and appeal. Suburban and idyllic, the West Side is a highly desirable place to relocate to in Worcester.
- Population: 29,375
- Median home price: $469,900
- Homes for sale in West Side, Worcester MA
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Downtown Worcester — Lively arts and culture hub
Individuals who prefer to reside close to Worcester parks and things to do should consider relocating to the city’s downtown neighborhood. Charming with historic appeal, this area is approachable yet sophisticated.
Downtown Worcester is an ideal locale for individuals wanting to move into a condo unit. Available in various styles and sizes, finding real estate for your lifestyle and budget is effortless. As an added bonus, this community is extra walkable, making it easy to get from work and leisure destinations without a car.
Top attractions in Worcester’s downtown neighborhood include the Palladium, the Worcester Historical Museum, The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, ArtsWorcester, and Worcester Common. Around the neighborhood, you’ll also find top-rated bars, restaurants, and the Worcester Public Market.
- Population: 4,155
- Median home price: $195,000
- Homes for sale in Downtown Worcester MA
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Forest Grove — Cozy neighborhood located along Indian Lake
Tucked away in the northwest corner of the city, Forest Grove is easily one of the best areas to live in Worcester. Suburban and secluded, this neighborhood is perfect for families, retirees, and anyone wanting to reside in a quiet setting.
Homes in Forest Grove are ultra spacious, providing ample interior square footage for those who desire it. Median values for residential properties often exceed the price of homes in other Worcester neighborhoods. This is primarily due to the size of homes, as well as their upscale features and the desirability of the community.
Key features of Forest Grove include access to Indian Lake, Assumption University, and a large outdoor space known as Nick’s Woods. Toward the southern edge of the neighborhood, there is a selection of shops, restaurants, and other businesses. This includes Bean Counter Bakery Cafe, Starbucks, Boston Market, and Oak Barrel Tavern.
- Population: 7,313
- Median home price: $445,000
- Homes for sale in Forest Grove, Worcester MA
Shrewsbury Street — Trendy and bustling community with top restaurants and places to visit
Occupying a single street, Shrewsbury Street is considered its own neighborhood in Worcester. Lined with hip restaurants and bars, and home Cristoforo Colombo Park, living in this area is a pleasure. It is a great neighborhood for young individuals, working professionals, and those who enjoy being in the center of it all.
What’s special about living in this Worcester neighborhood? Getting to and from your favorite community restaurants, bars, and hotspots is a breeze thanks to its fantastic walkability. Along Shrewsbury Street, make plans to check out the eclectic range of restaurants, including Vintage Grille & Gourmet Pizza, Cafe Reyes, Grill 352 & Kabab, Flying Rhino Cafe, and La Scala Ristorante. At Cristoforo Colombo Park — a large community green space — locals can partake in the many available amenities, including a playground, splash pad, picnic area, and sports fields.
- Population: 7,799
- Median home price: $449,900
- Homes for sale in Shrewsbury Street, Worcester MA
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Canal District — Youthful, trendy, and highly walkable neighborhood with an outstanding shopping and dining selection
Want to reside in one of the Worcester neighborhoods with the best shopping and dining scene? Centered around trendy local stores and restaurants, this hip and walkable community is a great place to relocate. The area also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts and themed festivals.
Whether walking through the neighborhood by day or night, the Canal District has an unmatched charm and vibrant atmosphere. Support nearby businesses such as Canal District Wines, Haberdash clothing store, and John Shays Custom Upholstering. Feeling hungry? Grab a bite to eat at popular Canal District restaurants such as The Banner Bar & Grille, The Hangover Pub, The Broadway Restaurant Catering & Ice Cream, Smokestack Urban BBQ, Maddi’s Cookery & TapHouse, and Suzette Creperie & Cafe.
- Population: N/A
- Median home price: $325,000
- Homes for sale in Canal District, Worcester MA
Tatnuck — Picturesque suburban community that is home to Worcester State University
Great for individuals, couples, and families who want to live in an idyllic suburban community, Tatnuck is a peaceful and relaxed part of the city. Featuring the Worcester State University campus, tranquil, tree-lined roads, and the Patch Reservoir, it is easy to see why this is considered one of the best Worcester neighborhoods.
Many of the homes in this community were built in the 1930s through the 1950s. Nearly every property in the neighborhood has been well-maintained and preserved throughout the decades. Featuring retro exteriors with updated interiors, finding a desirable home is always a breeze when moving to Tatnuck. This neighborhood is almost exclusively residential, with few businesses in the immediate area. Aside from the university, all parts of the community feel tucked away from the hustle and bustle of daily life — which is a welcome quality for its residents.
- Population: 5,176
- Median home price: $375,000
- Homes for sale in Tatnuck, Worcester MA
Salisbury Street — A private suburban oasis
Coveted and highly desirable, Salisbury Street is a premier Worcester neighborhood. Featuring stately homes, immaculately manicured lawns, and towering evergreens, this is an excellent community for those wanting the height of privacy and high-end living in the city.
Unlike Shrewsbury Street, the Salisbury Street neighborhood occupies a wide stretch of land, encompassing numerous roads and multiple subdivisions. This area is fully residential, which helps create its quiet and pristine ambiance. Individuals who enjoy getting outdoors will appreciate residing minutes from the Moreland Woods Conservation Restriction. Here, visitors can go for a leisurely walk or hike on a small wooded loop.
- Population: 6,087
- Median home price: $500,000
- Homes for sale in Salisbury Street, Worcester MA
Best Worcester Neighborhoods Map
Check out this interactive Worcester neighborhoods map:
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