Worcester versus Santa Cruz, CA (Boston, Amherst: neighborhoods, school, college)

[seahorse216]

I'm thinking of taking a job that's in Worcester. I'm a native New Yorker, moved to Santa Cruz in 1984 and been here ever since. Debating about taking the job because the cost of living here is insane. $400K+ for an 850 sqft attached home!

But I love the weather (perfect, Mediterranean climate--dry, never too hot, never too cold) and the vibrant arts community that's here. I'm only an hour from San Francisco, 40 minutes from Carmel, 30 minutes from Silicon Valley. The scenery is gorgeous and I'm in love with the ocean. Very liberal community (a little out there—Santa Cruz was the first city to declare itself a nuclear-free zone), snobby about their "liberalness." But it's laid back, funky, casual beach lifestyle and I love it.

Any advice on what to expect in Worcester? I'm scheduled to fly back there at the end of the month for the first round of interviews. Your thoughts would be most welcome. I'm single, my kids have grown, married and on their own.

[jake4c]

Yikes.....have you ever been to Worcester? I am not one to talk smack about areas since I don't want to make anyone feel bad. But, I live about 15 minutes east of Worcester right off of 290...and it is a far cry from Santa Cruz. It might be cheaper to live but it is not really pretty, not close to the beach, the weather is cold (think of heat bills!!!) and Worcester needs a total make over. I am not sure how it is for singles....but if I was still single I would not want to live there. My husband went to college in Worcester and he did not care for it. I guess it all depends what you are looking for but if I had a choice I would stay in CA...
Sorry to not be so positive but I an just giving my view.

Good Luck in your search.

[skytrekker]

Worcester is a post industrial 'larger' New England former mill town /city that is a bit on the gritty side. It has some good areas, and some worn out places best to avoid.

The city is not without culture by any means, has an improving downtown, and more then enough good restaurants to eat in. It is less then an hour from Boston- so you are not far from what that famous city has to offer.

There is no ocean or beach- but the Massachusetts coast including Cape Cod and the Islands are not far off. Providence RI another very pleasant city is less then an hour away. Newport and the Rhode Island beaches are close by Providence. The beautiful Maine coast is 2 hours away.

If you are used to the temperate climate of Santa Cruz, coming back east to the 4 season climatic extremes of New England will be an adjustment.

Housing in the Worcester area will be much cheaper; median price for a single family hime, 1st quarter 2008 NAR 248K. Boston was 360K.

Worcester is liberal, put not as politically correct as parts of California.

[scarletfire]

I agree with Jake. I lived in Santa Cruz a few years ago (over near Pleasure Point). I can't imagine you'd like Worcester after living in Santa Cruz. Don't get me wrong, there are lovely places to live around here in MA, but Worcester is lacking in just about every thing that you like about your current hometown, and it certainly does not have the flavor of Santa Cruz.

There are parts of the north shore that have nice seaside artist communities but that would be way way too far to commute to Worcester and even still, the ocean water is freezing cold, and the vibe is certainly not the same. I like both but there's something about the liberalness, laid back nature of Santa Cruz that is just not replicated here in MA. And certainly not in Worcester.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by seahorse216

I'm thinking of taking a job that's in Worcester. I'm a native New Yorker, moved to Santa Cruz in 1984 and been here ever since. Debating about taking the job because the cost of living here is insane. $400K+ for an 850 sqft attached home!

But I love the weather (perfect, Mediterranean climate--dry, never too hot, never too cold) and the vibrant arts community that's here. I'm only an hour from San Francisco, 40 minutes from Carmel, 30 minutes from Silicon Valley. The scenery is gorgeous and I'm in love with the ocean. Very liberal community (a little out there—Santa Cruz was the first city to declare itself a nuclear-free zone), snobby about their "liberalness." But it's laid back, funky, casual beach lifestyle and I love it.

Any advice on what to expect in Worcester? I'm scheduled to fly back there at the end of the month for the first round of interviews. Your thoughts would be most welcome. I'm single, my kids have grown, married and on their own.

I would try looking for a place outside of Worcester but it still won't be anything like the location of Santa Cruz or the weather but that's why you pay the highest prices in the country!

[scarletfire]

One thing I don't miss about Santa Cruz is that crazy Rt 17. I was terrified to drive there!

[curlystraight]

Otherwise known as Wormtown is not a good place to live. We are looking for places to live in Mass again, and my motto is "anywhere but Worcester" - I attended undergrad and graduate school there a few years ago and it is just a dreary city with the feel of a small depressed town. The housing prices are great, and some of the people are just outstanding, down to earth, do anything for you types, but I just don't see it becoming a vibrant city anytime soon.

Sorry.

Now Boston, on the other hand, is a very cool, very hip, very happening place to be. Even Northampton and Amherst, way further out west I would recommend. But Worcester? Nope.

[Capt. Dan]

Originally Posted by scarletfire

One thing I don't miss about Santa Cruz is that crazy Rt 17. I was terrified to drive there!

or that road runs off 17 up to Saratoga. Yikes!

[Greendale]

Keep an open mind when you visit. I get amused reading about all the negative comments from people & wonder if it is the same place I live. I have had friends & relative visit from other parts of the country & they are expecting far worse than what they find & most are pretty impressed with the quality of life we have.

[scarletfire]

Greendale, I'm not saying Worcester is a bad place to live. I love some of the neighborhoods off Salisbury Street and some aspects of the area. But from what the OP said it sounds like everything they like about Santa Cruz they'd certainly lose by moving to Worcester. I've lived there and think it would be a pretty big culture shock and not in a good way. Didn't mean to offend though.