Woerster cost of living/quality of life? (Boston, Worcester: rentals, condo)

[insearchof]

I have heard woosta is very nice, can someone tell me what I would expect to pay in rent there?
I would like to go back to school, I am a very decent & strict single mom
good schools, possibly catholic or charter, my kids are a son, age 13 and a daughter age 9.

It would be preferable for me to rent a house, say 3 bedroom.
we REALLY want to make friends, get involved with our community, I love volunteering, my ds is into basketball, swimming, dd loves to dance, gymnastics. I do have a physical disabilty but get around just fine

Currently, we live in Alaska I moved up here 6 yrs ago and realize now that it was a BIG mistake!! I am from CA, Santa Barbara to be exact but will never return there as I had enough!
I want American History for my children, cultural events and learning experiances...

Any input on woosta, would be much appreciated

Sonia

[MAtoNC!]

There are plenty of rentals in Shrewsbury (Route 9 area, Worcester line). The schools are better. I recommend living east of Worcester (coummuting distance to Framingham, Boston, etc).

[nooneknowsmyname]

Originally Posted by insearchof

I have heard woosta is very nice, can someone tell me what I would expect to pay in rent there?
I would like to go back to school, I am a very decent & strict single mom
good schools, possibly catholic or charter, my kids are a son, age 13 and a daughter age 9.

It would be preferable for me to rent a house, say 3 bedroom.
we REALLY want to make friends, get involved with our community, I love volunteering, my ds is into basketball, swimming, dd loves to dance, gymnastics. I do have a physical disabilty but get around just fine

Currently, we live in Alaska I moved up here 6 yrs ago and realize now that it was a BIG mistake!! I am from CA, Santa Barbara to be exact but will never return there as I had enough!
I want American History for my children, cultural events and learning experiances...

Any input on woosta, would be much appreciated

Sonia

There is a thread at the Massachusetts site you can consult entitled Where in MA that has quite a bit of information about Worcester.

[skytrekker]

'Woosta or Wooster' Worcester

Is a medium sized New England city- some 30 miles or so west Of Boston. Population over 175,000.

Like all cities in New England-perhaps outside of Boston and to a lesser degree Providence, it is in the process of rebuilding its core center.

The city is better then a decade or so ago- but has some 'rough areas'. The city has much more of a 'blue collar working class' feel to it then Boston.
Housing prices in the city and especially to the east, south and northwest will be much less then Boston.

Some areas nearby to consider include Shrewsbury, Auburn, Millbury, Leicester and Grafton.

Good luck! New England is a great place to live- and while you are looking consider central Connecticut!

[chick]

Anyone from around here pronounces it WISTA. I can always tell when someone is not from here when they try to pronounce it.. lol

The King St., to main St., area is where there are less than desirable triple decker's, subsidized housing and is the area to stay away from. (west side)

Shrewsbury/RT 9 area is nice as the other poster stated, better schools etc...

[LeavingMA]

The burncoat area of Worcester is also one of the nicer areas. Worcester is growing but certaintly has its share of problems also. The job market in Worcester has done fairly well compared to the rest of the state. Some of the suburbs around Worcester can be quite pricey though...such as Holden, Sterling, Shrewsbury, Boylston, Paxton, and Grafton.

Most people don't believe it, but Worcester is actually the 2nd largest city in New Enland behind only Boston. I've never really felt unsafe in Worcester, but there are some shady areas.

[scarletfire]

St John's High School is a well regarded Catholic school in nearby Shrewsbury
Saint John's High School: June 12, 2007

[bluewatergirl]

Originally Posted by chick

Anyone from around here pronounces it WISTA. I can always tell when someone is not from here when they try to pronounce it.. lol

The King St., to main St., area is where there are less than desirable triple decker's, subsidized housing and is the area to stay away from. (west side)

Shrewsbury/RT 9 area is nice as the other poster stated, better schools etc...

May I respectfully disagree . . .

I grew up in Worcester and have lived here for more years than I care to
admit to . . . and I've never pronounced it "Wista" in my life.

The "less than desirable" area you are referring to is known as the
"Main South" neighborhood: roughly, Main Street as it runs south of
Madison Street (122A) and the side streets that run off of it, King Street included amongst many others. It is a place to be avoided . . . though
to give Worcester credit, they have been trying (for years) to clean up
Main South. It should be noted, however, that the gorgeous new Boys &
Girls Club has been built in the heart of this blighted area, a number of
new - nice - single family homes have been built nearby, as affordable
housing for low-income families. Clark University is also in this area, and
maintains a strong presence; they have had a program for a number of
years, in an attempt to attract young families to revitalize the area, where
they will provide a tuition-free education to the children of people who
purchase a home within the area. I think it is still on-going.

The "West Side" is generally used to refer to the Salisbury/Flagg Street
neighborhoods, which are the most desirable (and the priciest) areas
in town. There are some stunning homes, quiet, safe, neighborhoods -
very kid-friendly, and the schools in the "West Quadrant" including
Flagg, Tatnuck, Nelson Place, West Tatnuck, Forest Grove and Doherty
are the most sought-after. (That being said, I have a pretty low opinion
of all Worcester public schools . . . there are a few very well-reputed
private schools, including Bancroft K-12 and Worcester Academy 6-12.)

[chick]

oh your right, got my N & S mixed up and referred to the west side when in fact it's the south side. I really like Worcester compared to other cities on the larger scale. It has allot to offer and many beautiful areas.

I, and anyone else from around here, me being 50 years (Northboro, Marl., Hudson, Fram) have always called pronounced it Wista. I think I got that from my mother who was from Worcester, and others growing up?

[Micah Girl]

Originally Posted by bluewatergirl

The "West Side" is generally used to refer to the Salisbury/Flagg Street
neighborhoods, which are the most desirable (and the priciest) areas
in town. There are some stunning homes, quiet, safe, neighborhoods -
very kid-friendly, and the schools in the "West Quadrant" including
Flagg, Tatnuck, Nelson Place, West Tatnuck, Forest Grove and Doherty
are the most sought-after. (That being said, I have a pretty low opinion
of all Worcester public schools . . . there are a few very well-reputed
private schools, including Bancroft K-12 and Worcester Academy 6-12.)

There are some very nice (and more affordable) neighborhoods also south of the airport off of Goddard Memorial Drive - Ledgecrest, Nutmeg & Parsons Hill. It's got a nice family vibe and there are lots of kids. You can buy into that neighborhood for the low 200's--a bargain in Worcester! There are townhomes (1/2 duplex & no condo fees) and small homes--both good options.