Section Image

Downtown Worcester

Downtown Worcester

Neighborhood in Worcester, Massachusetts

Worcester County 01604, 01605, 01608, 01609

$218,114 Average Value
$332 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

A lively core community

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.
The Grid is a colorful place to live in Downtown Worcester.
Artists contribute to the beauty of Downtown Worcester.
Artists contribute to the beauty of Downtown Worcester.
1/2
Theatre cafe serves Breakfast, Lunch and dinner for those working downtown or to watch a show.
Theatre cafe serves Breakfast, Lunch and dinner for those working downtown or to watch a show.

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.
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.
Polar Park has drawn many fans from all over MA including surrounding neighborhoods.
The Hanover Theatre hosts shows throughout the week and weekends.
The Hanover Theatre hosts shows throughout the week and weekends.
1/3

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.
Besides its continuous growth in modern housing, 20th century apartments still remain Downtown.
Within the mix of its historic architecture, modern buildings rising within.
Within the mix of its historic architecture, modern buildings rising within.
1/2

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.
Turtle boy is a historic landmark of Downtown Worcester's central park.
Worcester Common is the heart of downtown Worcester.
Worcester Common is the heart of downtown Worcester.
1/2
Union Station is one of Worcester's landmark being easily visible afar
Union Station is one of Worcester's landmark being easily visible afar

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.

Worcester East Middle School, near Downtown Worcester, has a classic New England style.
Worcester East Middle School, near Downtown Worcester, has a classic New England style.

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.

Amanda Boivin
Written By
Amanda Boivin
Lisa Dachsteiner
Photography Contributed By
Lisa Dachsteiner
Tyler Cataldo
Video By
Tyler Cataldo

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jose Rojas, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Worcester Regional

12 min drive

Bus

Maj Taylor Blvd & Mlk

Bus

Main St & Wellington St

Bus

Foster St & Waldo St

Bus

Southbridge St & Madison St

Bus

Front Street Inbound

Bus

Belmont St & Fountain St

Bus

Main St & Dmv

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Worcester US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$184,900
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$260,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$184,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$332
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
21
Months of Supply
1.70
Median List Price
$188,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
328
Median Year Built
1900
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,933
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,906
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,000
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
643
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
315
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,573

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jose Rojas, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
6,496
Median Age
32
Population Density
20 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$26,321
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$48,823

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.9%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.5%

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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Downtown Worcester neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Worcester