Our home city of Worcester, Massachusetts offers cultural, professional and recreational opportunities for students of every interest — from the masterworks displayed in the Worcester Art Museum to the one-of-kind restaurants on Shrewsbury Street. And with the ski slopes of Vermont and New Hampshire, the stunning beaches of Rhode Island and Cape Cod, and the cities of Boston and Providence all within striking distance, there’s much to discover throughout this dynamic six-state region.
Worcester is in the heart of New England, located 38 miles from Boston, 43 miles from Providence and 178 miles from New York City. There are shuttles and other transportation options available for those interested in making the trip.
The New England region is renowned for its beauty, which takes on a new character with each season – from the first buds of spring and the heat of the summer to spectacular fall foliage and pristine winter snowfalls.
- One of the in the country, according to Livability.com
- No. 18 on Business Insider’s list of
- One of the nation’s top 10 , according to Axios
- One of the nation’s , according to Expedia
- Among the top 25 , according to WalletHub
- No. 10 on Forbes’ list of
- No. 1 on Apartment Guide's list for
- Five-time recipient of the
Over the past few years, Worcester has garnered regional and national attention for its job opportunities, cost of living, restaurants and cultural offerings, among other characteristics. Read the stories in the , , , and .
Welcome to Worcester
The second-largest city in New England, Worcester is a hub of activity. students take advantage of the many valuable opportunities the city provides by pursuing internships and gaining hands-on experience with local institutions such as UMass Medical Center, the Hanover Insurance Group and the United Way of Central Massachusetts, and by giving back to the greater community through service activities with organizations like Abby’s House and the Boys and Girls Club.
Worcester was founded in 1722 and boasts more than its fair share of history: President John Adams, composer Cole Porter and comedian Denis Leary have all called Worcester home; one of the nation’s first public parks opened on Highland Street in 1854; even the iconic yellow smiley face originated here.
These days Worcester’s star continues to rise, as and a — thanks to the city’s nine colleges and universities — create even greater opportunity for residents and students alike. From 2010 to 2020, Worcester's population grew 14% to 206,518, faster than any other major city in New England, according to the U.S. Census.
In spite of what the “C” may make you think, Worcester is pronounced “WUUSS-TER.”
Entertainment
Whether your idea of a good time is a no-holds-barred arena rock show, an elegant performance by a string quartet or something in between, Worcester has you covered. The 15,000 seat hosts everything from NCAA sporting events and monster truck rallies to performances by the likes of Elton John, Carrie Underwood and Michael Bublé. For an evening that’s a little more low-key, historic has welcomed artists that include Yo-Yo Ma and Livingston Taylor, and the regularly features Broadway tours and nationally recognized performers. The , a professional minor league baseball team, began their first season in 2021 at the new Polar Park in Worcester. Worcester is also home to the , a collegiate summer baseball franchise, who play their home games at ’ own Fitton Field.
Attractions
Worcester features an impressive mix of history, art and outdoor fun. The historic offers events, clubs, restaurants, and retail. The award-winning holds the largest collection of printed materials dating from the arrival of the first European settlers to 1876. The hosts world-class exhibitions and displays masterworks by Renoir, Monet, Matisse and Cezanne. Or for something a bit more natural, you can explore the , a unique indoor-outdoor environmental museum, or venture out of town to ski, bike, hike, rock climb or kayak at nearby , , , , and .
Restaurants
No matter if it's Chinese food, pizza, pasta or a sandwich you crave, the in Worcester will satisfy the most discriminating eater — usually at prices anyone can afford. The Worcester Lunch Car Company made the city famous for its beautifully crafted diner cars, and you can still step into the Boulevard, the Kenmore or the Miss Worcester diners for an authentic taste of the past. The is a European-style marketplace featuring mostly food vendors. Unique ethnic neighborhoods offer a range of cuisines, and is a popular destination with more than 40 restaurants and shops.
Buzzfeed recently named Miss Worcester the top diner “you should eat at before you die.”
Shopping
In central New England, there’s no shortage of opportunities to indulge your inner shopaholic. Worcester has a variety of stores and sellers to match its eclectic character — from the diverse merchants of to the vendors of the — and many are within walking distance of the College. If you’re looking for a more traditional shopping center, we’re also just minutes from the and the . The — the largest in New England with more than 200 stores — is about 45 minutes away, as are the .
Learn More
- — Worcester’s official website provides detailed information regarding citywide initiatives and policies.
- — Tourism entity that helps attract events, conventions and meetings to the city.
- — Greater Worcester features 10 colleges and universities. See how they work together, from cross-registration to inter-campus transportation services.
- — Lead organization for economic development serving the region's business community
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