Safe and desirable areas around Worcester

[KellyCrash]

I lived in Worcester for a few years and I would live there again if it weren't for having children and needing decent public schools. I am not fearful my children getting knifed or anything crazy like that, but just seeing how the schools consistently have low ratings. I lived on Institute Rd. across Park Ave from the football fields. Anything on that side of town would be fine - around Salisbury Street or off of it. I lived off Burncoat Street too & never felt unsafe there either.

Worcester has a lot of nice things - the public library is huge! The Worcester Common has free concerts during the summer, the Hanover theatre is a treasure! Regular events at the DCU center,etc. Christmas Parades, Saint Patrick's Day Parades, Veteran's Day parades. It's got a lot going on. The Art Museum is nice. Several public pools that are free, spraypads, etc.

But it is a city. It has bad areas and good areas. Sometimes bad things happen in good areas.

I understand not wanting to live there because I myself moved out the the 'burbs before starting a family, but the availability of affordable housing is a big draw.

Someone mentioned Northborough. Lovely town! I lived there for awhile too. For commuting it's Rt. 20 for east & west or 290 into Worcester or Rt. 20 to Marlborough where you can pick up 495. When I lived in Northborough I worked in Framingham. It wasn't a horrible commute by any means.

Good luck to all who are looking for a place to live.

Holden is a nice town too, no doubt. I looked at houses there too when I was house hunting and we preferred my town of Charlton due to it's accessibility to Rt. 20, 395/290 & short trip to the Mass Pike for commuting.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by SimplyMelz

Hello all! My son will be attending Clark University this Fall and me and the fam looking to relocate to Worcester. Getting mainly negative feedback but I just need some constructive feedback. I am from Chicago so not intimidated by a city having crime. There is no such thing as a city that is 100% crime free. Looking to rent not purchasing a home right now. Which areas of Worcester should I focus on? I am not driving, so would be relaying on public transit. Any and all input is truly appreciated. Thanks

I really recommend having a car when living in Worcester. The city is a bit sprawling with less desirable pockets (e.g., main south) tucked between the city's many worthwhile destinations. Main south, the area surrounding Clark, remains a hell hole despite the city's continued revitalization efforts.


Salisbury/Flagg street and WPI areas are, IMO, the most desirable and a relatively quick drive to Clark depending on traffic. (10-15 minutes max).