If Worcester is known as “The Heart of the Commonwealth,” Downtown Worcester is the heartbeat of the city. Once a center for manufacturing that struggled after the end of the industrial age, the area is now a vibrant hub for art, culture, business and community. “Downtown has gone through a resurgence in recent years. New developments and apartment buildings have been popping up,” says Erin Zamarro, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential who has lived in Worcester for most of her life. Art murals brighten up the urban landscape, and downtown’s walkable streets lead to entertainment venues and historic landmarks. The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District strives to support local businesses and enhance daily life by planting bright blooms in the flowerpots around the neighborhood and hosting regular activities.
The Grid is a colorful place to live in Downtown Worcester.
Artists contribute to the beauty of Downtown Worcester.
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Wings and beer at Worcester Beer Garden
Trendy dining spots and upscale eateries take up residence in Downtown Worcester’s historic buildings. “Brew on the Grid is a great place for coffee and breakfast or a quick lunch,” Zamarro says. Residents grab soup and a sandwich for lunch at Theater Café or indulge in elevated ramen and other Japanese dishes at Chashu Ramen and Izakaya. After work, neighbors can meet to share appetizers and sip beers on the patio at Worcester Beer Garden and Taproom. Locals spend Saturday mornings browsing eclectic small businesses, like Joe’s Albums, a vinyl record store, and Sweet Jane’s Designer Consignment, a designer resale shop. Residents must travel out of the neighborhood to shop at a large supermarket, as the nearest option is Price Chopper, which is a mile northwest.
Theaters, stadiums and art galleries downtown
Locals have their pick of visual art galleries, off-Broadway productions, live musical performances and sporting events. “World-class shows come to the Hanover Theater, and people walk to sporting events at Polar Park and the DCU Center,” Zamarro says. At the DCU Center, fans cheer on the Worcester Railers ice hockey team while others attend concerts and comedy shows. Most weekends, residents can catch concerts at The Palladium, a historic concert hall that hosts a mix of indie musicians and famous artists. If they’re in the mood for contemporary visual art, locals browse the galleries or attend public artists receptions at ArtsWorcester. The community gathers for seasonal activities on Worcester Common, like the Out to Lunch Festival and farmers market, which features live music, local artisans, food trucks and farm-fresh produce vendors. Winter brings cold weather, but it also brings Ice Skating on the Oval at Worcester Common, where residents skate on the large rink surrounded by holiday lights.
The DCU Center in Downtown Worcester is home to the Worcester Railers Hockey Team.
Polar Park has drawn many fans from all over MA including surrounding neighborhoods.
The Hanover Theatre hosts shows throughout the week and weekends.
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Condos and 20th century duplexes
As residents stroll the core of Downtown Worcester, they’ll see tall buildings boasting late 19th and early 20th-century designs, including the Gothic architecture of Saint Paul’s Cathedral and the Renaissance Revival stylings of Worcester City Hall. While the vast majority of downtown residents rent apartments, there are some condos and duplexes on the market. Condos from the early-to-mid 20th century cost between $140,000 and $185,000. Colonial Revival and Victorian multi-family properties are priced between $450,000 and $700,000.
Besides its continuous growth in modern housing, 20th century apartments still remain Downtown.
Within the mix of its historic architecture, modern buildings rising within.
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Festivals and picnics on Worcester Common
Worcester Common is a centrally located green space rooted in history and community. Framed by city hall and decorated with war memorials and a fountain boasting the popular Turtle Boy Statue, the park, which appears on the National Register of Historic Places, has hosted town gatherings since the 1700s. Minute Men even trained on the Common during the Revolutionary War. Today, residents walk dogs or take peaceful moments on the park’s benches, and the neighborhood gathers for lively events on the Common. Downtown Worcester also has a vibrant creative scene, so residents peruse art at local galleries or develop their own skills at community workshops. Technocopia is a non-profit makerspace offering training classes and a wood shop, textile studio, metal shop, laser cutter shop and more.
Turtle boy is a historic landmark of Downtown Worcester's central park.
Worcester Common is the heart of downtown Worcester.
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Walkable streets lead to Union Station at Washington Square
Residents benefit from downtown's high walkability, allowing them to conveniently commute to work or run errands on foot. “You can easily walk to both restaurants and entertainment options,” Zamarro says. Healthcare employees who work at the Saint Vincent Hospital have an easy commute, as the hospital is centrally located downtown. There are also public transportation options; locals catch the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s Framingham/Worcester rail line at Union Station to travel 50 miles east to Boston. Residents can catch a bus operated by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority to travel throughout Worcester or merge onto Interstate 290. Downtown Worcester has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 8 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Students prep for engineering careers at Doherty Memorial High
Kids can begin at Chandler Elementary and progress to Worcester East Middle; both schools earn C ratings from Niche. Older students can continue learning at Doherty Memorial High, which has a B rating and offers career-oriented pathways through the Engineering and Technology Academy. High school students in the academy can take courses like engineering design, computer-integrated manufacturing and digital electronics.
Worcester East Middle School, near Downtown Worcester, has a classic New England style.
Doherty Memorial High School is the home of the Highlanders.
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Transition from renting to ownership today! You will enjoy all utilities included! Welcome to a well-maintained studio condo offering convenience and value in downtown Worcester! With 315 square feet of efficient living space, this unit features a full bathroom, a clean and bright interior, and a functional layout.Located just minutes from Polar Park, home of the WooSox, you’ll enjoy quick
This one bedroom, one bathroom unit at Madison Towers offers a flexible layout with an extra room that could work as a home office or guest space. Featuring a newly updated bathroom, this turn key condo is move in ready. The condo fee includes everything including heat, air conditioning, electricity, water, hot water, internet, cable, and maintenance. Residents enjoy access to a pool and gym,
Fantastic 1BR condo with an open floor plan in the heart of downtown Worcester in close proximity to Polar Park, The Hanover Theatre, Worcester Public Market, top-rated restaurants, St. V's Hospital and several colleges. Perfect for professionals, students or anyone seeking convenience and urban living. This is a secure building with elevator access, in building laundry and a fitness center.
NOW LEASING STUDIOS, ONE-, AND TWO- BEDROOMS! No place in Worcester is like downtown. Thats what makes it such a great place to be. And what makes 145 Front at City Square such a unique place to live. Its the only apartment home in Worcester that lets you live right in downtown with all the space, style, and amenities you expect from a brand new home. Walk to local restaurants. Hang out at local
Available now! Renovated 1-bedroom apartment offering approximately 600 sq.ft. of bright, comfortable living space with hardwood floors throughout. Located near Kelly Square, the WooSox stadium, shopping plazas, restaurants, and Main Street bus line. Easy access to I-290, local universities, hospitals, and downtown Worcester. The unit features an updated kitchen and bathroom, off-street parking,
Historic Downtown Location | Spacious Studio | Accepting Applications Now! - Spacious studio featuring stainless steel appliances, stylish slate-grey flooring, modern bathrooms, high ceilings and much more located in heart of growing Downtown Worcester.A hotel style lobby, 24/7 Fitness Facility, On-site Laundry, 24/7 Concierge & Security all in the building. Just minutes away from local
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
6,007
Median Age
32
Population Density
19 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$23,727
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$47,237
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80.8%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.2%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.6%
% Population in Labor Force
63.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
45''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
55/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
90/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
59/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
