Worcester is the second-largest city in New England, with about 214,000 people, a large college population, and housing that costs far less than Boston. It sits about 40 miles west of the city with commuter rail to South Station. For many people it is worth the move. The median home value is about $374,400, compared with prices more than twice that in many Boston neighborhoods, and median rent is about $1,487 a month. The trade-off is distance: a daily commute to Boston is long, so Worcester works best if you work locally, work remotely, or only go into Boston a few days a week. Plan for older triple-deckers and hilly streets, check your new street’s parking before move day, and book the move early if it falls in late summer.
Stark Moving and Storage is based in the Boston area and moves households to Worcester, Framingham, and the rest of central and eastern Massachusetts. Many of our Worcester customers are leaving Boston for more space and lower costs. Here is what to know about living in Worcester and how to plan the move.
Worcester by the Numbers
From the U.S. Census Bureau’s Worcester QuickFacts:
| Measure | Worcester |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | About 213,862 |
| Median household income | About $70,102 |
| Median home value | About $374,400 |
| Median rent | About $1,487 per month |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | About 43 percent |
| Average commute | About 24.1 minutes |
| Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher | About 35 percent |
Why People Leave Boston for Worcester
Cost
Housing is the main reason. A household priced out of Boston can often buy a house in Worcester. Our guide to the Boston cost of living is a useful comparison.
A Real City
Worcester has its own downtown, restaurants, arts scene, and Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox. It is not a quiet suburb.
Colleges and Hospitals
Worcester has several colleges, including WPI, Clark University, and the College of the Holy Cross, plus UMass Chan Medical School and a large healthcare sector that employs many residents.
Still Connected to Boston
The Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line runs from Worcester’s Union Station to South Station in Boston. The Mass Pike and Interstate 290 connect by car.
If you are still deciding where to go, our guide to moving out of Boston shows where Boston residents most often move.
Best Neighborhoods in Worcester
| Area | What it is like | Move notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | Apartments and new development near Union Station | Building rules, street parking |
| West Side | Larger older homes near colleges and parks | Long driveways, big houses |
| Tatnuck and Westwood Hills | Residential, single-family homes | Easier access |
| Shrewsbury Street area | Restaurants and apartments | Busy parking in the evenings |
| Grafton Hill | Triple-deckers and older homes | Steep streets and stairs |
| Burncoat and Greendale | North side, family neighborhoods | Driveways common |
Housing
Worcester calls itself the City of Seven Hills, and the hills shape the move. Many neighborhoods have steep streets and driveways, and much of the housing is older triple-deckers like those in Boston and Somerville.
- Narrow staircases in multi-family homes
- Steep driveways in hilly areas
- Single-family homes with basements and garages on the west side
- Newer apartments downtown with elevators
Tip: In winter, ask the new landlord or seller to keep the driveway and walkway clear of snow and ice on move day. On Worcester’s hills, an icy driveway can stop a loaded truck.
The Commute
The commuter rail ride from Worcester to Boston takes over an hour, and driving the Mass Pike at rush hour can take as long or longer. For a daily Boston commute, that is a real cost in time. For a hybrid schedule, remote work, or a local job, it is very manageable.
Cost of Living in Worcester
Worcester is one of the more affordable cities in Massachusetts. BestPlaces gives it a cost of living score of about 112, where 100 is the national average, compared with about 128 for the state. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates these yearly costs for Worcester County:
| Yearly cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Housing, one adult | $18,011 |
| Food, one adult | $4,685 |
| Transportation, one adult | $8,838 |
| Income needed before taxes, one adult | $56,050 |
| Income needed before taxes, two working adults and two children | $148,870 |
Compare the housing line with Boston, where a typical one-bedroom alone can cost more than that each year.
Weather in Worcester
BestPlaces lists these climate averages:
| Measure | Worcester | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| July high | About 80 degrees | Varies by region |
| January low | About 14 degrees | Varies by region |
| Snow per year | About 51 inches | 28 inches |
| Rain per year | About 48 inches | 38 inches |
| Sunny days per year | About 197 | 205 |
Worcester sits higher than Boston, so it runs colder in winter and gets more snow. Plan for icy hills from December through March.
Schools in Worcester
Worcester Public Schools is a large district with about 24,800 students and a student-teacher ratio of about 13 to 1. Niche gives it an overall grade of B minus. Quality varies by school, so look up the specific schools for your address.
Crime and Safety
NeighborhoodScout, using FBI data for 2024, reports these rates:
| Crime per 1,000 residents | Worcester | National median |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | About 5.9 | About 4 |
| Property crime | About 17.4 | About 18 |
Violent crime is above the national median, while property crime is close to it. Rates vary a lot by neighborhood, and the west side and north side tend to be quieter.
What the Move Costs
A move from Boston to Worcester is about 40 miles, so the drive time is part of the bill. Our guide to Boston moving costs explains the pricing, and booking a morning start keeps the truck out of the worst Mass Pike traffic.
Timing the Move
College move-in at the end of August and move-out in May bring heavy rental turnover in Worcester. Summer is the busiest moving season overall. Our guide on booking movers ahead covers lead times.
Comparing Other Options
Worcester is one of several lower-cost places Boston residents consider. Providence, about the same distance south, is another. Our guide to Boston to Providence compares that move.
Your First Month in Worcester
- Learn your trash and recycling rules
- Set up utilities and internet
- Find Union Station and the commuter rail schedule if you will ride it
- Register children for school
- Update your address with the Registry of Motor Vehicles
Pros and Cons of Living in Worcester
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Much lower housing costs than Boston | Long commute to Boston |
| Colleges, hospitals, and a real downtown | Colder, snowier winters |
| Commuter rail to South Station | Higher crime in some neighborhoods |
| Bigger homes and more yards | Steep streets and old triple-deckers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Worcester a good place to live?
For many people, yes, especially those who want lower housing costs and a real city with colleges, restaurants, and sports.
How far is Worcester from Boston?
About 40 miles west. The commuter rail runs from Union Station to South Station.
Is Worcester cheaper than Boston?
Yes. The median home value is about $374,400 and median rent is about $1,487 a month.
Can I commute from Worcester to Boston?
Yes, but it is long, usually over an hour each way. It suits hybrid or occasional commuters best.
What is the hardest part of moving in Worcester?
Steep streets, triple-decker stairs, and icy driveways in winter.
When is the busiest time to move to Worcester?
Late summer and the end of the college year in May.
Moving to Worcester
Stark Moving and Storage provides local and long-distance moving services throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Washington, DC. Our services include packing and unpacking, storage, custom crating, and specialized piano and fine art moving. Whether you’re relocating within Worcester or moving to the city from another area, our team helps keep your move organized and efficient.
Our Worcester Movers prioritize honesty, transparency, and efficiency throughout the moving process. Contact us at (866) 656-6029 to discuss your relocation needs and request an estimate for your move to Worcester, MA.