Worcester, Massachusetts

The healthcare provider is located in Worcester, Massachusetts. One of the most trusted medical centers in the region, the provider is known for its advanced technology for diagnostics and treatment, as well as surgical assistance. The facility’s specialties include women’s health, cancer, and children’s medical services.

Worcester, MA, is a large-sized town (city) of 205,900 people and is the second-largest city in the state. Located in Central Massachusetts, Worcester is pronounced “wu·str.” 

Worcester is a beautiful, lush city that offers some of the state’s best arts and cultural opportunities, including several renowned performing arts spaces. Worcester features a cost of living similar to the national average. However, housing costs are lower than in other areas of Massachusetts. Worcester residents find it affordable with various housing options, many within close access to grocery shopping and schools. The city’s easily navigable public transit and highway systems make it easy to travel within the area to dining, shopping, and attractions, plus other Central Massachusetts areas are accessible via a quick train ride. Worcester’s average daily commute is much lower than the United States average. If you’re new to Worcester, you’ll quickly fall in love with the historic charm, welcoming people, and diverse offerings. For Filipinos, the area offers a Filipino grocery store, networking opportunities, and community groups. 

Community Links & Resources

• Website
• Visitor website

Worcester has a cost of living a bit higher than the national average. Expenses such as groceries, bus fares, and other transportation costs are lower than the national average. The average Worcester rent has decreased over the last year and is $1,500 monthly for a 1-bedroom apartment. Rents vary by location, building, lease terms, square feet, and other factors. 

The housing options in Worcester include apartment complexes, lofts, single-family homes, and townhomes. Renters in the city often enjoy luxurious apartment amenities such as pools, pet spas, fitness centers, and media rooms. Popular in-home amenities include a washer/dryer, hardwood flooring, and other premium touches. Lease options vary, with some apartment communities offering utilities included. 

• Massachusetts demographics

Apartment Listing Resources:

• Apartments.com 
• Rentable.co
• Apartment Finder
• Trulia
• Zillow
• Rent.com

Worcester Public Schools is one of the largest public school districts in Massachusetts and is highly rated. The district features 34 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 7 high schools. Within the district are several magnet and charter schools offering specialized programs for specific interests combined with the traditional subjects of math, English, history, etc. Several schools are former National Blue Ribbon School winners, one of the highest honors schools receive from the U.S. Department of Education, plus all of their high schools are recognized by U.S. News and World Report’s Best High Schools. 

When it comes to academic life, students within Worcester Public Schools enjoy everything they need for educational success. The district features a personalized education approach to meet children where they are and help them grow into successful, educated adults. A student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 keeps classes small and offers an environment where teachers can offer attention as needed. Every school within the district is online, with iPad access for Pre-K and K students and a Chromebook offered to every child from 1st through 12th grade. To assist in homework help outside school hours, students can access a mobile hotspot and other educational resources. In addition to its diverse academic program, the district boasts more than 50 activities, including 24 sports and many clubs. Worcester Public Schools also has partnerships with local arts organizations, including the Worcester Youth Orchestras and Boston Symphony Orchestra.

With 74 languages spoken among its students, Worcester Public Schools is one of the most diverse districts in Massachusetts. All of the faculty embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. A language immersion program for Pre-K to 12th grade lets students learn in both Spanish and English, giving Worcester students the opportunity to expand their cultural appreciation and emerge as worldly citizens.

The city is home to 7 universities and colleges:

• Assumption University
• Clark University 
• College of the Holy Cross
• The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Quinisgamond Community College
• The University of Massachusetts Medical School
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Worcester State University

Worcester Public Library is an excellent library system and features 7 locations throughout Worcester. Library cards are open to all residents and offer immediate access to books and electronic media, including movies, audiobooks, and magazines. Borrowers also can use the Library of Things, a database of non-book items, such as shredders, laptops, sewing machines, and scanners. 

Various youth programs in the community

• Boys and Girls Club of Worcester
• Afterschool programs‍
• YMCA Programs
• Youth Arts Space
• Youth Art Classes @ Worcester Art Museum
• Youth Craft Classes @ Worcester Center for Crafts

Worcester’s central location offers great public transportation and well-organized routes. Highway I-290 runs through the city center and connects drivers to other highways, such as I-495, making the drivers pleasant and efficient. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) offers bus service through Worcester, including the downtown district and 13 surrounding communities. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority  (MBTA) features commuter rail service connecting to nearby Boston and other Central Massachusetts cities.  The Worcester Regional Airport is only 3 miles / 5 KM from downtown Worcester and offers daily non-stop flights to New York City, New York, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, both of which offer connections to hundreds of cities.

Daily Driving in Worcester

• Worcester features a daily commute of 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 26 minutes
• In Worcester, 72% of drivers drive their vehicle
• Residents describe the traffic in Worcester as “mild,” and the city ranks 350th among the world’s worst in the list of worst traffic cities in the world, likely due to the city’s excellent planning and efficient roads
• More than 100 mechanics and body shops are located throughout Worcester

Worcester is close to several exciting destinations, each with a brief drive, perfect for a day trip or weekend stay. All locations are also accessible via public transportation by bus or commuter rail.

Boston, Massachusetts - Boston is a quick 1-hour drive of 47 miles / 75 KM along major highways; however, you can also travel to the city via Amtrak train or bus. Massachusetts’ biggest city and the state capital, Boston, is well-known for its historical attractions, sports teams, and delicious cuisine.  It’s known as the birthplace of American Independence as the site of the Boston Tea Party and other legendary events, including Paul Revere’s famous ride. On a hop-on-hop-off trolley tour, you can see Paul Revere’s Home and other historic buildings.  Boston has attractions like the Boston Children’s Museum, the New England Aquarium, and the Museum of Science. One of the best ways to cap off your visit is with a ride on the Duck Tour, a sightseeing vehicle that travels on land and water. 

Cambridge, Massachusetts - Located 1 hour and 20 minutes, Cambridge is just 44 miles / 70 KM from Worcester. It’s where you’ll find Harvard University, which houses several museums, including the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of the Ancient Near East. Outside Harvard’s grounds are more things to do, including the Museum of Science, the MIT Museum, and the Broad Discovery Center. 

Framingham, Massachusetts - Just 20 miles / 32 KM away is Framingham, Massachusetts, accessible via a highway drive or rail ride of less than an hour. Framingham has 3 nationally-registered historic districts yet doesn’t skimp on modern convenience. The city includes the lush New England Wild Flower Society Garden in the Woods and Callahan State Park. Cultural offerings The Danforth Museum of Art and the Framingham Historical Center.

‍Oxford, Massachusetts - A mere 17 minutes away on a 12-mile / 19 KM highway drive awaits Oxford, Massachusetts. Oxford is the birthplace of Clara Barton, America’s heroic nurse, social worker, teacher, and founder of the Red Cross. Barton’s legacy is preserved in the Clara Barton Birthplace Museum with an in-depth look into her life and work. Another great museum in Oxford is the Samuel Slater Experience, which details the work of textile pioneer Samuel Slater during the Industrial Revolution.

Worcester and Central Massachusetts feature an array of attractions. 

Worcester has over 30 grocery stores, many with elaborate delis and grab-and-go sections. Stores vary from small, friendly local markets to sprawling supermarkets from Big Y, Wegmans, and Price Chopper.  The city also has several Asian supermarkets, such as Mekong Market and Asian Supermarket. When you need to shop for home decor, toys, clothing, and other items, many boutiques and local shops are here with eclectic merchandise. If you’re in the mood for browsing for treasure, Worcester’s Canal District is the place with vintage and antique shops to explore. Worcester also has Target, Marshalls, and Kohl’s for everyday items such as cleaning supplies, stuff for school, and household goods. 

One of Massachusetts' most thriving cultural destinations, Worcester is home to many arts and entertainment facilities. The world-class Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts welcomes famous performers from music, comedy, and Broadway. At the same time, the elegant concert hall Mechanic Hall hosts great performances from local and regional groups. Local theater also abounds in Worcester, with their oldest active company going strong since 1937. Additionally, The Worcester Art Museum and the Worcester Center for Crafts inspire and cultivate a love of art. 

Worcester has immense recreational opportunities with science centers, parks, and public spaces. The EcoTarium is a sprawling indoor-outdoor museum on 45 acres full of wonder that captivates our imagination with interactive exhibits. Exhibits include live animal habitats, science labs, and expansive hands-on play areas. Other EcoTarium features not to be missed are the seasonal train ride and on-site planetarium. For more outdoor fun and to enjoy the beauty of nature, don’t miss the Broad Meadow Brook wildlife sanctuary.  Spanning 400 acres of woodland with trails alongside rivers and streams, it’s an ideal sunny day destination. Year-round educational programs for adults and children teach about local animals, plants, and insects.

Per Niche.com, Worcester ranks as the 60th most diverse city in the United States.

• Chamber of Commerce website

Overview of nearby Filipino communities:

• Pinoy Republic, a local Filipino grocery store located in Worcester
• Iskwelahang Pilipino, a cultural center for Filipino-American families and children
• The Southeast Asian Coalition‍
• National Federation of Filipino American Associations
• Central Massachusetts Filipino American Association (Facebook Page)
• Fillenials of New England (Millennial Filipinos)
• ‍Filipinos in Massachusetts
• Filipinos in Boston‍
• Philippine Medical Association of New England‍
• Philippine Nurses Association of New England
• Filipino Cancer Network of New England Foundation

One can find information on religious communities in the United States through:

• Religious websites or directories: Church Finder and Church Angel
• Social media groups or pages dedicated to a particular religion or city: Philippine International Church, Boston and Filipino Catholic Family Ministry at Saint Tarcisius and Filipino Apostolate of Boston
• ‍Local community centers or mosques/temples/churches
• Online forums or discussion groups
• Ask for recommendations from friends or acquaintances who live in the area
• Community event listings or local news websites

Worcester has a humid continental climate with warm summers and freezy, snowy winters. The city receives an average of 48 inches / 1219 mm of rainfall each year, while the US average is 38 inches / 965 mm.  Worcester experiences 195 days of sunshine yearly - the US average is 205 sunny days. When it comes to snow, Worcester has an average of 51 inches of snow a year.  The temps rarely go above 89ºF / 32ºC.    

Average Worcester Temperatures

• Annual: 19ºF to 81ºF / -7ºC to 27ºC
• December:  Low of 25ºF/-3.8ºC  and High of 38°F / 3ºC  
• July: Low of 65ºF/18ºC and High of 83ºF /28º C

July is the hottest month, while January is the coldest.  The hot season arrives in May and generally lasts until September. The cold season temperatures arrive in December and last until March.

Hospital (Acute Care - General)Worcester is safe for families. Crime rate reports show crime decreased by 5% over the last year. Compared to similar communities, Worcester is safer than other communities with the same population size. Niche.com surveyed residents, and 64% of respondents indicated they felt “pretty safe” and rated the police as “very reliable and responsive.”

• Police Department
• Safest neighborhoods: Newton Square, June Street, Hamilton, Webster Square West