Where to buy and what to do in Worcester? (Boston: apartment, lofts)

[Sephedex]

Hi,

I'm Matt, 30m, and live in Southampton, England. I've been to Worcester, MA several times to see the Sharks play at the DCU centre, visit the freedom trail and commute to Boston. I know Worcester is not a major tourist attraction and has issues with crime and lack of attractions (according to previous posts!), but I'd like to know more about the city, where best to buy, any areas to avoid, and any apartment blocks to consider. I must have been to Worcester 3 or 4 times but have never had the opportunity to visit the Greendale Centre, whats there and whats it like? Is biotech park a nice area to consider living?

If anyone can offer help and advice, I'd be really grateful!

Matt

[MINIcoopKJG]

Originally Posted by Sephedex

Hi,

I'm Matt, 30m, and live in Southampton, England. I've been to Worcester, MA several times to see the Sharks play at the DCU centre, visit the freedom trail and commute to Boston. I know Worcester is not a major tourist attraction and has issues with crime and lack of attractions (according to previous posts!), but I'd like to know more about the city, where best to buy, any areas to avoid, and any apartment blocks to consider. I must have been to Worcester 3 or 4 times but have never had the opportunity to visit the Greendale Centre, whats there and whats it like? Is biotech park a nice area to consider living?

If anyone can offer help and advice, I'd be really grateful!

Matt

I lived in Worcester for 10 years before moving to the suburbs. I actually miss having everything around me and always open.

I personally really like the west side, which would be the Tatnuck Square area. My mother lived in the Webster Square area for many years, and that was a nice neighborhood. I also really like the Salisbury Street area, but it is expensive.

Another option would be to move to Holden, which abuts Worcester. Holden has everything (grocery store, CVS, dollar store, many restaurants etc.), which makes it nice.

[anagrig]

Matt,
A lot depends on some factors like if you are planning to have a family in the future. Then, go for Shrewsbury or Holden. Worcester is definitely not an exciting place to live. Our tenants here were from England. They loved us, but didn't really get used to Worcester, or MA in general, and moved back after 2-3 years.
Are you asking about Greendale Mall? It's almost abandoned...
The only few really nice areas are Salisbury/Tetnuck area. good luck, but I would personally not buy here .

[Sedie]

Hi Matt,

Worcester is an interesting animal and you are right to ask the questions because it's not very easy to navigate. Some of the best areas to buy are the West Side (Tatnuck), Westwood Hills, Mill Street area (near Worcester College), North Side (Burncoat, Brittan Square area), East Side (Lakeview, Bloomingdale). Selecting where you want to buy may vary on what you're looking for.

In looking at your question it seems to me you're looking for a condo option right now and not really a house. If my guess is right, there are a few condo options that are in these areas and would be great options. Some new construction is also available and very affordable in Worcester. There are the Chestnut Place Condos, Kettle Brook Lofts, and many more.

Worcester is an up-and-coming city that was on the Forbes List for "America's Most Livable Cities". It is certainly a city worth exploring.

Sedie