“WAR-CHES-TAH?” Nope. “WOO-STER?” Try again. WOO-STAH? Now you're talking like a local – but are you ready to actually be a local?
Woostah comes in seventh on a recent list of "Most Commonly Misspelled Cities in America"
“WAR-CHES-TAH?” Nope. “WOO-STER?” Try again. WOO-STAH? Now you're talking like a local – but are you ready to actually be a local?
Woostah comes in seventh on a recent list of "Most Commonly Misspelled Cities in America". It also has loads of parks, 13 in all – count 'em – 13! Not only that, but large concert venue and a wide array of affordable housing options. So let's start looking!
That depends . . . Will you be working within Worcester proper (or nearby suburbs?) Do you enjoy shoveling snow? Do you have a high insurance deductible? The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) zips all around Worcester, and Boston is within easy reach via the "Commuter Rail" at Union Station. Cabs don't aimlessly roam the streets looking for fares, but they'll come if you call. If you're one of those “I can't live without a car” types, be advised that the typical Massachusetts winter weather can make local roads an icy nightmare.
This is a city with A LOT of apartments, but few high-occupancy apartment buildings, per se. Much of the vacancies you'll run across will be within multi-story, multi-family homes – aka “triple-deckers.” While there has been some factory and warehouse conversion into amenity-laden "loft residences," these properties definitely don't make up the bulk of the market. Most rentals will require first and last month's rent along with a deposit, but not a credit check. Also, competition is basically non-existent. Take your pick!
Main South: Revitalization projects are ongoing, and the area has regularly scheduled farmer’s markets. Warehouses in the area are being redeveloped into lofts and its triple-deckers are being renovated.
The West Side: The West Side includes Salisbury Street, which boasts the priciest and most sought-after real estate within the city proper. Think tree-lined streets and gorgeous Victorian and Queen Anne homes.
East Worcester: The East Side has no lack of diversions: loads of great restaurants, neighborhood bars, Worcester’s largest public park, AND Broad Meadow Brook: a 500-acre Audubon Sanctuary.
Downtown: The Great Recession may have derailed The City Square Project (12 acres of office, medical, retail and residential development) but now it's back on!
There you have it, Worcester in a nutshell. The hardest part about finding a place to live in this place will be pronouncing its name correctly. Don’t worry too much about impressing the locals if replacing your “R”s with “H”s gets too taxing, we’re sure you’ll get the hang of things in no time. Grab your jackets and get hunting!
