Located on rolling hills in the heart of Massachusetts, Worcester (pronounced “Wooster”) combines the charm of a small, New England town with the comforts and appeal of a thriving metropolis. First established in 1722, Worcester today spans 38.4 square miles and has a median age 34.6 (2022). Education and healthcare form the foundation of its economy.

When it comes to real estate, Worcester is notable for its 19th-century triple-deckers (boxy, narrow, three-storey houses), and Mediterranean, Craftsman, Colonial, and Cape Cod-style homes. The average price of a home here is $375,387, which is an increase of 9.8% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Residents can spend time outside their homes experiencing one of the city’s annual events. They include celebrations of food, music, the arts, and history.

Worcester is served by I-290, which runs southwest-northeast, and I-190, which runs north-south. West of I-290 is the neighborhood of Piedmont. Many students live in this area, where old houses and a few grand apartment buildings line the streets. Westside, meanwhile, is largely residential and stands as Worcester’s most affluent neighborhood. There’s an Eastside neighborhood, too: It includes the two things most associated with Worcester: hills, and the triple-deckers.

Locals take pride in being from “the Woo.” It’s a city with a diverse population who can access the larger cities of Boston, and Providence, Rhode Island, in a 45-minute drive.