Moving to or from Worcester?
New England's second-largest city. Nine colleges and the UMass Medical Center anchor Worcester's knowledge economy. The Smiley Face was invented here. And Worcester's birth certificate belongs to the first American Revolution (1774's Worcester Revolution, which deposed British officials years before 1776).
- 205,000 City population
- 870,000 Metro area
- 1722 Founded
- Central Massachusetts Region
Why people move to Worcester.
- New England's second-largest city (after Boston)
- Nine colleges and universities including Worcester Polytechnic and Holy Cross
- UMass Chan Medical School — top-rated medical school and hospital
- The smiley face was invented here (1963)
- The Worcester Revolution (1774) — the original American overthrow of British officials
- Polar Seltzer founded here
The smiley face was invented in Worcester in 1963. State Mutual Life Assurance Company commissioned graphic artist Harvey Ball to design a morale-boosting image for employees — he drew a simple yellow smiley in 10 minutes and was paid $45 for it. He never trademarked it, and the smiley became one of the most recognized symbols in the world.
Where people live in Worcester.
A quick guide to Worcester's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Canal District
Revitalized historic district with restaurants and Polar Park (Red Sox AAA).
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Elm Park
Historic walkable neighborhood.
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Shrewsbury Street
Italian-American restaurant corridor.
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Salisbury Park / Institute Park
Established residential.
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College Hill
Near Clark and Holy Cross colleges.
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Tatnuck
West Worcester residential.
Where people spend their time in Worcester.
- Worcester Art Museum Central Worcester
- American Antiquarian Society Central Worcester
- EcoTarium North Worcester
- Polar Park (Red Sox AAA) Canal District
- Higgins Armory (medieval arms & armor) Near WAM
- Hanover Theatre Downtown
Planning a Worcester move.
- College student turnover (May/August) creates peak demand.
- Boston commuter market; MBTA Framingham/Worcester Line serves the city.
- Historic architecture has narrow colonial doorways.
- Massachusetts DPU licensing is required.
Moving in Worcester: FAQ.
How much does it cost to move within Worcester?
Local moves run $750–$2,600 for 1–2 bedroom and $2,500–$5,700 for 3–4 bedroom. Significantly cheaper than Boston proper.
Is Worcester a good Boston commuter city?
Yes. MBTA commuter rail reaches Boston in 70–90 minutes. Many residents use Worcester as an affordable alternative to Boston-metro housing.
Do Worcester movers need a state license?
Yes. Massachusetts DPU licensing is required.
When's the best time to move to Worcester?
April–May and October. Avoid late August (college student peak) and winter Nor'easters.
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