Is Worcester, MA a Good Place to Live in 2024?

What is Worcester, MA known for?

Worcester is located in central Massachusetts, around 40 miles west of Boston. The city has a legacy as an industrial hub but is now gaining recognition for its flourishing arts scene, leading medical facilities, and diverse higher education institutions. The city has a sense of small-town charm amidst its urbanization.

Worcester has a predominantly liberal lean, with diversity manifesting across multiple spectrums, including race and sexual orientation. Worcester boasts a population that is a patchwork of multiple ethnicities, rendering it a hotspot of cultural diversity. An LGBTQ+ community also adds to the city's diverse landscape.

Retirees in Worcester can find solitude and a sense of community in quiet suburban areas. Students have numerous options for higher education and activities. Couples and singles are spoiled for choice with dining and entertainment venues, while families can benefit from strong public schools. People of different backgrounds will find numerous cultural organizations and festivals to celebrate diversity.

Highlights

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Pros and Cons

The Pros of living in Worcester, MA, include educational options, arts and culture, healthcare facilities, and more. While some Cons are around winter weather, public transport, and job market.
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Safety and Crime

Worcester, MA is ranked 120th out of the top 333 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 127th on safety from violent crime, and 95th on safety from property crime.
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Cost of Living

Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Worcester, MA is 15% lower than the national average.
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Discretionary Income

A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Worcester, MA leaves $1,665 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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Climate and Weather

The average daily temperature in Worcester, MA in January is 27°F and 74°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average -16°F cooler in January and is on average -5°F cooler in July.
Read more in Climate and Weather.

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Politics and Voting

Worcester, MA voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 57.2% of the votes counted going to this party.
Read more in Politics and Voting.