Worcester:  New England’s second-largest city is a
robust, vibrant community located in the heart of the
Commonwealth.  A five-time recipient of the All-
American City Award, Worcester combines the warmth
of a small town with the conveniences of a thriving
metropolis, offering residents affordable housing and
quality public education, coupled with accessible
transportation, trendy restaurants and shops, and
exciting nightlife. 

A manufacturing and innovation giant for more than
200 years, Worcester’s landscape blends impressive
mills and diverse architecture with community-oriented
neighborhoods, inviting green spaces, renowned
colleges and unique cultural institutions.  The City
boasts one of the finest urban school systems in New
England and is rated one of the safest communities in
the country (with population of 100,000 or more).  An
admirable mix of old and new, Worcester is defined by
eclectic neighborhoods with a range of housing
stock - from historic, turn of the century homes to
modern urban lofts.

Worcester’s Neighborhoods

Downtown: The Heart of the City
In the midst of a dramatic renaissance, the downtown
area offers a bustling business district, luxury
condominiums, and dozens of arts and cultural
amenities, including eateries and retail. It features the
premier DCU Arena and Convention Center, the
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health
Sciences’ Worcester campus, the renowned Mechanics
Hall and the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts,
among many other attractions. Located in the center of
all this vibrancy is CitySquare, which offers more than
2.2 million square feet of urban mixed-use
development for upscale residences complemented
by a collection of world-class retail, clubs and
entertainment venues, as well as state-of-the-art
professional, clinical and life science office space, and a
new central plaza.

Salisbury District
The historic West Side boasts many of the city’s turn-of-
the-century homes, and includes the Montvale Historical
District and the Salisbury Mansion, which is now open to
the public for tours.  The American Antiquarian Society,
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
and Assumption College also call this district home.  

Canal District
One hundred years ago, the Blackstone Canal flowed
through this neighborhood. Today, this popular area is
lined with eclectic restaurants, art galleries and trendy
boutique shops.

Washington Square District
Walking distance from downtown is Washington Square
and Worcester’s historic Union Station, with convenient
commuter rail service to Boston and daily Amtrak train
service to Albany, Chicago, New York and
Washington, D.C.

Elm Park District
The city maintains more than 1,215 acres of parkland,
encompassing 53 parks and playgrounds, nine pools
and five beaches. Among its most treasured parkland is
one of the nation’s oldest public parks, Elm Park, which
is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Shrewsbury Street District
Known as Restaurant Row, this close-knit neighborhood
is home to the city’s Fourth of July celebration and is
within walking distance from the DCU Center, and lively
with visitors and residents alike who enjoy the upscale
eateries, taverns, diners, parades, festivals, and more.

Main South District
Anchored by Clark University and the downtown district,
this neighborhood was once the location of Worcester’s
great weaving industry and now offers working artists
loft-style living and gallery space.

South Worcester District
A new Route 146 Connector has created additional
opportunity for this neighborhood, including the
construction of the Blackstone Bikeway and Walking
Trails from Worcester to Providence and the new
Blackstone Worcester Visitors Center. It is also home to
the College of the Holy Cross and top employers, such
as Polar Beverages and National Grid.

Learn more about the City of Worcester:

www.ci.worcester.ma.us

Learn more about the Worcester Public Schools:

www.wpsweb.com