If you’re renting, try to find a place with off street parking. Parking on the street sucks in the winter and there’s a seasonal parking ban between certain hours on some streets even if there’s no snow.

If you're looking for a quiet suburban feel you're going to want to rent West of Park Avenue. I'd stay off the middle and main south neighborhoods due to population density and street parking.

DO: drink McGillicuddy nips. DON’T: call it “the woo” or “woo town”

Thanks mate. Any recommended areas or areas to avoid with regards to renting?

Lovely. Thanks mate. So essential the area more north of the city and even into Holden and West Boylston?

😂 duly noted. Thanks mate

Like others have said you want to avoid the south Main Street area (main south) for crime, bad parking options etc, and honestly anywhere closer to the interior of the city like Vernon hill, Grafton Hill, Belmont or Lincoln street. They’re definitely not anywhere near as bad crime wise as the rough parts of other cities like NYC, LA or San Francisco but if you have the budget and options I’d choose elsewhere. West side (west of Park Ave) near Worcester State University is pretty good, also Burncoat street area or places on the east side close to Lake Quinsigamond. The new apartments downtown at 145 Front street are nice and have all their own a accommodations like a parking garage but super expensive. Another good option would be looking into apartments in surrounding towns if you want a more suburban setting close to the city - places like Leicester, Holden, West Boylston, or Millbury. Shrewsbury is good too but the further east you go in that direction the rent prices increase dramatically.

When people say crime it’s kind of misleading. Worcester is really safe given its size.

Mate - thank you so much. This is superrrrr helpful. Trying to find a location to live in a place you haven’t even been to is stressful so I appreciate the advice.

Totally get that. It’s all relative. I lived in Albuquerque for 8 years and you’d think the cartel runs it the way people talk about it.

I overheard a realtor say recently that 01606, 01602, and 01609 are all “desirable” areas in Worcester. 01602 is expansive and not always located near an easily accessible highway. 01606 typically is, and parts of 01605. I can’t speak for 01609. (Worcester has at least 8 zip codes.)

So what your future place of work? Based on that I would be able to suggest you where you can stay.

This is super helpful to narrow down a search. Thank you!

Golf Professional

although we got absolutely nothing this winter usually they’ll be some decent snowfall and Worcester is hilly in parts, make sure you’re prepared for that either by having a decent snow car or buying a bunch of beer and staying in when it snows

Between cost of living and culture/food, Worcester is probably the best place in the state you could head for. Have a blast.

I came from a quiet town 20 miles outside of Boston, been in the 01603 for over 6 years and have never had any concern or issue for safety…west of heard street has some decent living

What is your price range and how many beds you need?

This is solid advice, thank you. Assuming a sedan is alright for the winters with some adaptations? Or perhaps stay home and sip on the strong stuff? 😂

Mate - thank you 👊🏾

Thanks mate. I appreciate this.

Between $1300-1600. 1 bedroom.

yeah tires make all the difference, I have winter tires I swap out usually nov- mid march or so. The little guy plays hockey so I’m driving in crappy weather a lot!

You most likely won’t be able to afford anything in Worcester in a safe neighborhood for that

Edit: you won’t be able to afford not most likely

Well, I will have to look to make some changes then! But good to know! Thanks mate!

Bollocks. I figured that was the case and was throwing up a Hail Mary. Assuming I move further north in hopes of striking oil in that range or just increase it, which I can do but don’t really want to. Good to know, appreciate the insight!

1606 is a secret gem. Quiet and conveniently accessible.

You might be surprised though. Our second floor of a two decker is at the upper end of his range, in the 01606, and is quite nice. All depends on what you find and where.

Not many single bedrooms on a second floor of a mutlfamily

Ya I’m just being honest. Worcester is getting expensive

Nah I appreciate it. It’s far more expensive than Dallas. Just requires some extra effort now to find a suitable place to live is all.

Recently moved to worcester I was renting a STUDIO near boston $1600 and moved into a condo with a mortgage of 1300! Worcester is FAR safer than boston area but agree with looking at outskirts for great deals I have a friend who lives in Leominster (a bit far but north) and she pays 1300 for a one bedroom

Hey that’s great! Congrats on your home ownership. Seems like I’m going to have to do that, unfortunately. I can up my budget but I don’t want to be house poor or have no life. Thanks for sharing!

So I moved to Worcester about 10 years ago from the West Coast. Not the same as Texas, but hear me out on a few things:

If you’re BIPOC, be prepared for a lot of awkward interactions with white people here. They mean well. Edit: for context, due to the history of New England, I later learned that a lot of white people here simply grew up never interacting with people different from them ethnically.

I’m assuming you’re used to good food in Texas. Just know you can’t always trust Google reviews. People will rave about a place here, and the food can be super underwhelming especially when the food has been died down or stripped of authenticity to cater to the demographics here.

Also, get a good coat!

Ehhh, I don’t know about cost of living. I mean it’s not Boston expensive but definitely a runner up for #1 out of any city west of the 495 belt.

>01609

Sorry, I missed this - Mainly looking for safety, and access to do/see different things. I can drive to explore things closer to the center of town or outside of it. But moving there without seeing it is pretty difficult so I want a stable base initially as I learn about the city.

Good call on the food. New to Mass, and the watered down ethnic food is a serious buzz kill. But, good middle eastern and pho options at least. Probably more, but I don’t get out much.

Currently living in 01606. Takes me about 5 mins to get the the highway every morning and have tons of parks and businesses around me while still having a suburban feel.

PS. Definitely try Brattle Stop Pizza while you’re here

Back when I drove a 2005 Toyota Camry it absolutely sucked in the snow with only front wheel drive, so after that car I only bought cars that have either all wheel drive or 4wd

What I did with my Corolla is that I had a separate set of rims with the winter tires mounted on them. I would take the car to the shop and have them swap the rims out from November to March. It was cheaper than mounting and dismounting tires.

Buy some duck boots and a good jacket before all else. If you can, rent an Airbnb for a month and use that time to explore neighborhoods and window shop apartments. There is a little bit of everything from city to suburban to rural. It's a city where you can get access to just about anything in under a 20 minute drive.

$1600 is reasonable for a 1 BR. Too bad my apts in Holden are occupied, I’d cut a deal for some instruction.

01609, look for listings near WPI, Worcester State and Tatnuck Square, or Newton Square. In MA “squares”. Are the neighborhoods within a few blocks of a named intersection.

I have an Airbnb in Holden. A private 1 BR apartment. I’ve currently blocked out from July on this year so it’s available after June. But message me I can make you a reasonable deal for a couple months while you get settled. 15 - 20 min from Tatnuck CC and Wachusett CC. 3 min from Holden Hills.

But if you can get a 2 bedroom for the same budget in a safe place, Im sure OP can make use of an office

Very different places. I live north of Worcester but go to Plano a decent amount. Apples and oranges

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All season tires and front wheel drive are sufficient unless you live on a steep road on one of Worcester's hills. I prefer AWD myself

Where are you planning to work,? That would decide on where you should look South of Worcester or west will help you decide what works for you.

Lol I hear ya. I am BIPOC but I’ve spent a week in New England every year for the last 6 and have been always been treated really well. Never had any issue there thankfully but I get what’s you’re saying! Good looking out on the food! Are you recommending Canada Goose or just a decent, heavier coat? 😂

Cheers mate. Seems to be the place to search in and around at. Don’t need the city life standard of living but proximity is important to me. Thanks for the insight!

The irony is that I drive a camry 😂. Is it that bad with a sedan or just recommended that 4wd/awd is the way to go?

Thanks for this. Super helpful!

This is a good idea. Didn’t think about going down that avenue. Cheers mate!

This is helpful since I had no idea that was the case. Thank you!

If you’re talking about Plano, TX then yeah, totally different! I live south of Plano in Dallas proper so looking for a place to live has been a challenge.

Cheers mate. Seems like my first stop might be a tire shop 😂😩!

Work is located in 01606. Everyone seems to have recommended living in the central/northern part of the city or outside of it in Holden or West Boylston. Looks like moving East is truly outrageous in terms of rent cost 🥴

WELCOME TO WORCESTER, DOLLAR TWENTY-FIVE PLEASE! $1.25 .....Adam Sandler

There's some decent spots in Worcester for sure. But just going to be much less busy and less options overall

Cars usually come with all season tires, so you are probably fine. However, sports cars may have summer tires which you definitely don't want, and RWD which you may be able to live with.

😂

Gotcha. Thanks for the help!

I’ll be living on the edge in my 09 Camry then 😂. Didn’t even think about my car being up there but this is good information to know! Thank you.

Not the person you were responding to but you definitely don't need to spend Canada goose kind of money to get a decent coat (some of them run into the thousands of dollars). That said, down coats, esp ones that cover your butt/ upper legs are a god send when it gets below 30F. LL Bean has a lot of good options, or something like Eddie Bauer/Patagonia.

The other advice I'd give you is to drive a stick shift, but that's no longer universal knowledge!

I have 20 years of knowledge in a manual so I’m good! 😆

I was sort of being obnoxious about the CG jacket since they’re so inflated in price. But thanks for the advice, I appreciate it!

Gotcha, lol!

We live in a great part of the country, I think

The trash and recycling program takes a bit to get used to. You have to buy specific yellow bags from a gas station or the trash won’t be picked up

This is the stuff I need to know. Thank you mate! Any other little nuisances I need to be mindful of?

There's a bad rodent problem.. other than that it's not bad

They said “between cost of living and culture/food.” Yes it’s still an expensive city, but it’s #2 in culture/food behind Boston. So you’re paying a lot less but still getting a decent city living experience.

What kind of food do you like?

Oh, then you actually could find on older one for cheap, because people don't know how to drive them! Between the snow tires and the stick shift, my Corolla was like q tank in the snow.

I used to drive in snowstorms with that car.

I'm from the Midwest and never did the winter tires thing and have been fine. If you get a good set of all weather tires you're good. Plus, you won't have to switch them out twice per year. And my truck is RWD. Haven't had winter tires for the entire 7 years I've lived in New England.

I'd second Holden, or near it. We live about two minutes from Holden in Worcester on a dead end street. Its quiet, near the highway, and Holden is a nice little town. Worcester is pretty safe, outside a few small pockets, but being in the upper part of the diamond (shape of Worcester) has it's perks in the quiet, family friendly, neighborhood way.

A lot of folks mentioned about driving in snow.

Some tips also to add (and this is also to even the locals in New England now) is don’t drive so close to other person in front—especially during slippery conditions such as snow, ice, and even wet leaves during the fall. You’ll have some time to steer away if you start slipping. You’ll slide with any tires whether you have great tires or shitty tires.

Set some extra time if you need to hit the road during slippery conditions so you don’t rush. Shit ton of New Englanders here are always rushing—we drive aggressively at times but overall not overly reckless like other states. There are Masshole drivers out there of course, just let it be.

AWD/FWD with good all season tires or snow tires, you’ll have good traction but keep in mind, it’ll still slip during a hard brake.

I’d highly recommend snow tires and swap during the warmer season (PITA) to do it but it’s worth it. If you decide to buy an AWD vehicle, all season suffices.

Cheers

Seems like the bases are pretty well covered.

I made a Nissan Sentra work living on top of a hill without snow tires, but I tell you that AWD was worth it when it was time to let that car go. So much less stress.

I've lived in multiple spots in 01606 and 01603 and zero complaints about the neighborhoods. The "bad" areas aren't that bad. Off-street parking is a must in some neighborhoods, though, as mentioned.

Actually! I lived in Main South for over a year and nothing happened and have since moved to a “nicer” location and have almost gotten robbed 6 times. Mind your business and you’ll be fine living in any area of the city. There is a lot of great culture in the areas that the person above this comment mentioned. Amazing people, amazing food, amazing community. Don’t listen to every piece of advice.

Agree with off street parking tho

Would Northampton be cheaper?

I think this is a huge problem about food for transplants. Do not expect the ethnic food you are used to. Mass does other ethnic foods really well. While there are none in Worcester check around for Portuguese restaurants (most will specialize in Azorean cuisine), there are plenty of different African restaurants here, Jamaican in Mass is so good, Puerto Rican and Dominican food is crazy good here in Worcester. There are others but those are my go tos.

Don’t move to any hilly area So try the suburbs because Wormtown is mostly all hills!

Ffs 😑

I’ll eat pretty much eat anything mate. Not particularly fussy but do like to eat as healthy as possible.

350k is the number to buy if you can find something. Look in the North End of Worcester. Or rent in a new complex 2- 3800k a month.

This might be a good idea if the budget allows for it.

Look in Auburn and Millbury!

Time to beef up the shoes on the Camry is all I’m hearing you say 😂

Thank you. Super helpful!

Mate thanks for all of this. This whole vehicle issue is another issue I don’t want to have to deal with but I’m sure there’s some way around it. Thanks again!

Thank you! I appreciate the insight, everything is all relative isn’t it.

Luckily used car prices have been dropping. This is not 2021 or 2022's environment anymore. There is no real easy way to slice it either. You basically need a car to engage with normal life in Worcester and Central Massachusetts. You might be able to get away without it in specific parts of the city, but you will be stranded anywhere else, since the WRTA (bus system) is, uh, lacking.

Cheers mate 👊🏾👊🏾

Wormtown? Can you break that down for me 😂😩

Thank you 👍🏾

Hope u love our beautiful city!

How’s the commute from those areas to the 01606 area?

I needed to read that because I want to make sure I’m prepared for the winter and life in general there. Thank you mate!

Me too. I’m quietly excited about it tbh. Thanks again for the advice!

Have you ever experience a proper winter before? I am not sure what the weather is like where you've lived, but for some the winter can be tough. Normally, it's cold and snowy, but that hasn't been totally true in the past few years.

The shortest day of the year ends at 4:30ish. Normally wintery weather can be expected between November and March. There are freak events, like the once in a lifetime ice storm, or 2021's snow in May with 90 degree weather next week. Springs are nice, falls are nice, summers can get hot, but they might be mild to you!

If you rent, you might get away with not needing to shovel, but you will need to deal with snow and ice existing!

Just a little knickname those of us who love Worcester use for the city

Truthfully, no lol. I’m actually intrigued by how ridiculous it could get especially since life hits a wall down here in Dallas at the sight of a snowflake 😂. I am really looking forward to the seasonality of Massachusetts and the distinct seasons. Like you said, should be okay for the summer! Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it!

Thanks. Now I won’t get embarrassed if someone mentions it 😆.

Unlikely to find that in a good neighborhood

Easy commute except a little back up sometimes on route 290 that goes right through the center of Worcester

Great, thank you!

During the Punk Rock hey days, a local DJ bestowed that nickname on Worcester.

You'll be driving through the core of the city on I-290 all the time.

In the afternoons, going south it is backed up from about 3:30 - untill 6:00 PM going Southwest towards Auburn. (01606 is the Northeast side of the city.) I can't speak to what the morning commute is like coming Northeast.

Do not put too much stock on the people telling you to flee towards the suburbs. I moved to the city in 2014 (01609) and have loved it here. It is nice to be able to walk to places when we want.

But if you do choose to look outside the city limits, then given your work zipcode, then West Boylston or Holden would be better choices. The burbs to the east (Shrewsbury, Northborogh, etc...) are much more expensive.

We found that. Two bedrooms plus a smaller room that works as an office when I work from home. And it's in the '06.

Thanks for letting me know 😂

Thank you mate, I appreciate this. Growing up in London, I value walking and access to things so much more than the average person. Dallas is so car-centric and it’s gross. Looking forward to the daily jaunts around town. Thanks again 👍🏾