With its location in central Massachusetts, surrounded by natural areas, lakes, and parks, Worcester is one of the outstanding places to live in the state. From historical museums to art galleries and outstanding restaurants, Worcester has much to offer to its residents. For example, the median home sale price is $400,000, while the average rent in Worcester is $1,984.
From College Hill to Webster Square, this bustling city has 16 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re looking to buy a home or rent an apartment in Worcester, you’re sure to find one that matches your personality. To help you with your search, we’ve put together a guide to popular Worcester neighborhoods (listed alphabetically).
1. Biotech Park Area
The Biotech Park Area is home to many medical companies, campuses, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. There are some wonderful hiking and biking trails, and green spaces in the area like Quinsigamond State Park and Green Hill Park. It’s also close to downtown Worcester. However, you’ll likely need a car in the Biotech Park Area as the Walk Score is 42 and the Transit Score is 36. The Biotech Park Area features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses and condos, as well as a few apartment complexes. Many of the homes are in the New England style with large front yards, while many of the condos are more modern in design.
Median Sale Price: $216,000
Homes for sale Biotech Park Area | Apartments for rent in Biotech Park Area
2. Broadmeadow Brook
In the Broadmeadow Brook area, there is a great selection of historic buildings and architecture, as well as a variety of restaurants, businesses, and parks. Even though it is mainly a residential neighborhood, it still has a lot to offer. The types of housing in Broadmeadow Brook encompass it all – single-family homes, apartments, condos, and townhomes. Whether you’re looking for a smaller property, a studio apartment, or a large property with lots of land, you can find it in this Worcester neighborhood.
Median Sale Price: $360,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,675 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,950
Homes for sale in Broadmeadow Brook | Apartments for rent in Broadmeadow Brook
3. College Hill
College Hill is a historic neighborhood home to the College of the Holy Cross and Middle River Park. There are many Victorian-style homes and tree-lined streets throughout the neighborhood. The Walk Score is 39 and the Transit Score is 29, so a car is most-likely needed if you decide to live in College Hill. College Hill has lots of single-family houses, apartment complexes, multifamily apartment buildings, and historic-looking townhomes. There are also modern homes and Victorian-style homes in the neighborhood.
Median Sale Price: $453,000
Homes for sale in College Hill | Apartments for rent in College Hill
4. Crown Hill-Piedmont
Crown Hill-Piedmont is a residential neighborhood east of downtown. There is a great mix of homes and businesses, and you can find lots of great local restaurants. There are also a few parks, including Oread Castle Park. In Crown Hill-Piedmont, you can mainly find single-family homes, although there are some apartments and duplexes.
Median Sale Price: $565,000
Homes for rent in Crown Hill-Piedmont | Apartments for rent in Crown Hill-Piedmont
5. Downtown
Downtown Worcester, also called the Central Business District, is the heart of the city. Home to countless stores, restaurants, and venues like Palladium and the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, there’s plenty to do in Downtown. Throughout the year you can find festivals like the Worcester Jazz Festival, or you can explore the quaint streets to see the historic buildings and architecture.
Downtown Worcester offers a lot of historic homes whether you’re looking for townhomes, single-family homes, or quaint row houses. You can also find some modern high-rise apartments, condos, and converted loft spaces.
Median Sale Price: $277,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,013 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,500
Homes for rent in Downtown Worcester | Apartments for rent in Downtown Worcester
6. Forest Grove
Forest Grove is located on the eastern part of Worcester, some of which borders Indian Lake. For the most part, it’s a residential neighborhood, but there are many green spaces and nature preserves like Nick’s Woods. You can find lots of walking and biking trails, but there is minimal public transit in Forest Grove. Forest Grove has a great mix of older and newer properties, with some early 1900s historic homes and more modern single-family homes.
Median Sale Price: $430,000
Homes for sale in Forest Grove | Apartments for rent in Forest Grove
7. Grafton Hill
Grafton Hill is one of Worcester’s historic neighborhoods, located just west of Downtown and next to Lake Quinsigamond. It’s mostly a residential neighborhood, but you can find some parks, restaurants, and shops. It’s also close to popular spots like EcoTarium. There are about three bus lines that pass through Grafton Hill, and the area is somewhat walkable with a Walk Score of 52.
The Grafton Hill neighborhood has a variety of single-family and multifamily homes. Many of the homes are 19th and 20th century Victorian-style houses, but you can also find Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, and Greek Revival homes in the area.
Median Sale Price: $417,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,200 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,900
Homes for sale in Grafton Hill | Apartments for rent in Grafton Hill
8. Great Brook Valley
Great Brook Valley is a small residential neighborhood on the north side of Worcester. One of the biggest attractions in the area is Great Brook Valley Park, where you can spend a nice day outside. You won’t find that many bike lanes in Great Brook Valley, and for the most part, it’s a car-dependent area. You can mainly find single-family homes, duplexes, and some apartments in Great Brook Valley.
Median Sale Price: $319,125
Homes for sale in Great Brook Valley | Apartments for rent in Great Brook Valley
9. Greendale
Greendale is a vibrant neighborhood filled with plenty of local restaurants ranging from pubs to pizzerias and Mediterranean. The area is also home to Quinsigamond Community College, as well as numerous shops and parks. Greendale is relatively walkable with a Walk Score of 54, but you’ll likely need a car since there’s minimal public transportation. Greendale has a variety of housing options ranging from single-family homes, condos, and apartments.
Median Sale Price: $377,500
Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,700
Homes for sale in Greendale | Apartments for rent in Greendale
10. Indian Lake East
Indian Lake East is a residential area bordered by Indian Lake. There are many lakefront activities to do in the area, whether that’s spending the day at Shore Park Beach or Indian Lake Park. Indian Lake East is pretty walkable with a Walk Score of 62 and there are about six bus lines in the area. The homes in Indian Lake East are typically single-family homes and condos, with many of the homes in Colonial, Greek Revival, or Victorian style.
Median Sale Price: $390,000
Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,500
Homes for sale in Indian Lake East | Apartments for rent in Indian Lake East
11. Main South
Main South is located southwest of downtown and is home to Clark University. There are lots of great local restaurants in the neighborhood as well as some beautiful parks like University Park. Main South has a variety of housing options from walk-up apartments to duplexes, multi-family homes, and Cape Cod style and Tudor-style homes.
Median Sale Price: $455,000
Homes for sale in Main South | Apartments for rent in Main South
12. Newton Square
Newton Square is located west of downtown and home to a lot of great green spaces and parks. Most notably, Newton Hill is a great place to walk, hike, or spend the day outside. You can also find some outstanding local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants located throughout the neighborhood. Newtown Square has plenty of multi-family homes, single-family homes, and apartment complexes.
Median Sale Price: $425,000
Homes for sale in Newton Square | Apartments for rent in Newton Square
13. Salisbury Street
Salisbury Street is located just north of Newtown Square. It’s primarily a residential neighborhood home to some great parks and trailheads including Moreland Woods Conservation Restriction. You can also find a few historical landmarks including Bancroft Tower and the Harry Goddard House. Most day-to-day errands and transportation require a car in the Salisbury Street area. Salisbury Street has a great mix of historic Colonial and Victorian homes, along with modern apartments and condos.
Median Sale Price: $453,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,675 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,950
Homes for sale in Salisbury Street | Apartments for rent in Salisbury Street
14. South Worcester
South Worcester is located between Main South to the north and College Hill to the South. It’s a residential neighborhood, but there are a lot of great local restaurants and cafes to check out. Make sure to stop by Crompton Park, which features a swimming pool, skate park, and basketball court. The South Worcester neighborhood has a lot of housing options including single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, and triplexes.
Median Sale Price: $370,000
Homes for sale in South Worcester | Apartments for rent in South Worcester
15. Quinsigamond Village
Quinsigamond Village is located at the south end of Worcester, bordered by the Blackstone River and divided into North and South Quinsigamond Village. The Quinsigamond Village area is mostly residential, but you can find some local bakeries, parks, and green spaces like Greenwood Park. Or you can take your bike out along the Blackstone River bikeway.
Median Sale Price in North Quinsigamond Village: $370,000
Median Sale Price in South Quinsigamond Village: $325,000
Homes for sale in North Quinsigamond Village | Apartment for rent in North Quinsigamond Village
Homes for sale in South Quinsigamond Village | Apartments for rent in South Quinsigamond Village
16. Webster Square
The Webster Square neighborhood is located on the southwest side of the city. It is a neighborhood filled with parks, green spaces, and nature preserves like Parson’s Cider Mill, Kettle Brook Conservation Area, Coes Pond Beach, and God’s Acre. Make sure to take a hike, City of Worcester Overlook Trail Head at Tetasset Ridge. Webster Square has lots of historic single-family homes, ranging in design from modern to New England Colonial homes.
Median Sale Price: $370,000
Homes for sale in Webster Square | Apartments for rent in Webster Square
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during December 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during December 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during January 2023.
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