Worcester Area - all you need to know (Leominster, Fitchburg: fit in, house)

[centralmassman]

So you need to know about the Worcester area. First, to the locals, its "Wuhstah". Learn how to say that with confidence and you'll fit in quite well.

Second, it's ALL about parking. You see, Massachusetts is the land of the 3-decker. And Worcester (remember, its Wuhstah, or Woohstah) is the epitomy of that. All of Worcester and it's surrounding towns, especially down the Blackstone Valley and in the Fitchburg area, were industrialized and fully developed by 1900, before cars were on the road. Most people lived close to the factory in 3-deckers on postage stamp lots.

Of course that means parking is at a premium, especially during winter months. Believe me, I know. Some time ago, I lived on a side street (in a 3 decker, of course) in the Vernon Hill section of Worcester. Arrived home one winter night with no place to park. I decided to take a chance by quickly removing the sentinal (typically a chair) that was guarding somebody's parking space (a mortal sin). The next morning, all 4 tires were punctured, as flat as can be. Like I said, I took a chance.

So the lessons learned here today?
#1. If you're looking to find a place to live in and around Worcester, or any major town/city in Worcester County, try to make sure you have ample parking (preferrably 2 spaces guaranteed). If you do this, you will be in a desirable place.
#2. Don't ever, ever move a persons parking chair.

Other info you should know:
Different parts of Central Mass (Worcester County) offer different things.
South: generally Milford, Northbridge, Webster. Somewhat congested. Fairly good access to Worcester, 20-35 minute drive (depending on conditions). Good access to Cape Cod and beaches, about an hour away. Here you'll find the Blackstone Valley, the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
North: generally Gardner, Fitchburg and Leominster (the "twin cities"). Less congested than the South. Fairly good access to Worcester, a 25-40 minute drive. Close to the country and skiing. Mount Wachusett Ski Area, a full-service mountain skiing destination, is located in the heart of Northern Worcester County.
East: generally the Westboro area. Congested. However, best access to anything you would ever want or need. Commuter rail service and major E/W and N/S routes (90 and 495) intersect here. It is also the most expensive part of Worcester County.
West: the "boonies". Generally Spencer and the Brookfields. By car, only one way in and out, route 9, a two lane state "highway". However, there is commuter rail service to/from Worcester and points east. If you are not in a hurry to do anything or go anywhere, this is the place to be. Far out on the western edge you'll find the pristine Quabbin Resevoir and very quiet living.

Personally, I would live North (I currently live South), in the Gardner area. I think it offers a good overall balance. But that's coming from the perspective of a "mountain man".

I hope this helps in your decision-making. Good luck.

P.S. a personal note: There are many things to like about Massachusetts and Central Mass. It would take a whole lot of writing to tell you about all the things to see and do. In short, everything is here or you're close to it. In my opinion, all the positives definitely outweigh any negatives. I've lived here all my life (48 years and counting) and have absolutely no desire to be anywhere else.

[mommytotwo]

lol on the chairs.

My brother in law once lived on a street w/triple deckers.

OMG, what a pain in the a$$ to shovel and of course there were chairs of every variety in cleared out spaces.

Eventually the landlord paved the yard which I thought was such a shame but it did end the parking problems for the tenants.

Yes, no one should move anywhere in worcester that doesn't include a couple parking spots. That is definitely a deal breaker!

Oh those were the days.

[WORC]

Memories of Harlem St.. Before it became a one way--

CentralMassMan I enjoyed reading your insights.. It would be a trip for you to continue writing some more. I thoroughly enjoyed it

[centralmassman]

Originally Posted by mommytotwo

lol on the chairs. Oh those were the days.

Yes, those were the days (70's and 80's). Glad I'm alive to tell about it.

BTW, are parking chairs still used? Or did the city ban them? Thought I heard something about that...

[centralmassman]

Originally Posted by WORC

Memories of Harlem St.. Before it became a one way--

CentralMassMan I enjoyed reading your insights.. It would be a trip for you to continue writing some more. I thoroughly enjoyed it

Your not going to believe this... Harlem St, #32. That's where I lived... (Hey, wait just one minute. ... I think you might owe me 4 tires, pal! )

Kidding aside, I do appreciate the compliment.
Hey, remember Martin?

[Northfielder]

we used to play against Worcester Academy- maybe it merged ??

[Concepts]

Centralmassman....really,....Wuhstah? I always tell tell out of towner's it's "Wis tah" Then again you're North and I'm East so maybe it's our different dialects! LOL

Anyway, great post....

[blehman]

Originally Posted by Concepts

Centralmassman....really,....Wuhstah? I always tell tell out of towner's it's "Wis tah" Then again you're North and I'm East so maybe it's our different dialects! LOL

Anyway, great post....

Centralmassman is right. The correct pronunciation is Wuhs-tah. Emphasis on the "tah" part.

[WORC]

Originally Posted by centralmassman

Your not going to believe this... Harlem St, #32. That's where I lived... (Hey, wait just one minute. ... I think you might owe me 4 tires, pal! )

Kidding aside, I do appreciate the compliment.
Hey, remember Martin?

Yep----What a small small world.

Haha I just may owe you 4 tires!!!! oh no.


An aside there is a horse that runs in the New York Circuit named Welcome To Wista----I get the biggest kick outta that--

About Martin? a Martin F yes he found his way to 86 Harlem St all the time------Were you still around when unfortunately the Land Lord there on 86 did himself in? Wow Sad nothing but sad.

Then some years ago that house fire on the st was pretty scary. That would have been as close to you as you can get--Just the odd number side of the road.

Nice stroll down memory lane. be well.

worc.

[anthonyfromMA]

Having lived in Gardner, I would not really recommend it. It's a dying city, and will soon look like Athol.

When I was growing up there was money for parks programs and community activities. They also had Simplex back then, which was a large employer and brought a good deal of jobs and tax revenue to the city.

But all that's dried up, and there's a lot more slummy places throughout the city now. Not to mention they change the downtown traffic setup every few years and just keep making things worse.

Wife and I are moving away from this area down to NC. tired of the ice and snow, the grumpy people, high home prices and ridiculous traffic.