U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Worcester third on its list of “Safest Places to Live in the U.S.” confirming what our students have been saying for years: Worcester is a great place to go to college.
The New York Times attributes Worcester’s appeal to:
Worcester is located approximately 40 miles (64 km) west of Boston and 38 miles (61 km) east of Springfield. The city is known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth” because of its location in the center of Massachusetts. In fact, a heart is the official symbol of the city. But what makes The Big Woo distinct? Here are just a few of the characteristics that combine to give this city its out-sized personality:
Arts, Attractions, & Entertainment
Attractions Near Worcester
Dining
The Big Woo is making a name for itself in the restaurant world with a growing list of gourmet eateries that are attracting foodies from all over the state.
Whatever you are craving or wherever you would like to dine, there is something to meet your needs in Worcester and the surrounding communities. Download the Worcester State Dining Guide.
Transportation
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority runs a “college route” connecting three members of the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts: Worcester State, Assumption College, and College of the Holy Cross. The Line 10 route provides public bus access to campuses not previously served by the WRTA, and it will offer 2 additional transportation opportunities per hour at Worcester State. Visit the Shuttle Services page for details.
Worcester State offers a Bike-Share Program that includes bike racks outside the Student Center, our Sagamore Campus (Worcester Center for Crafts), and NuKitchen on Chandler Street. Students, faculty and staff can check the bikes out at the Student Center information desk for a 24-hour period. Helmets and locks also are available to borrow.
125 Front Street Worcester, MA 01608 774-420-7555
363 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01605 508-754-5789
72 Grove Street Worcester, MA 01605 508-363-0300
65 Prescott St Worcester, MA 01605 508-886-9005
35 Major Taylor Boulevard Worcester, MA 01608 508-753-5700
110 Summer Street Worcester, MA 01608 508-757-0400
503 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01605 508-753-6300
Abolitionist and women’s rights activist Abby Kelley Foster lived here.
Writers Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Benchley were born here.
Cole Porter went to school here.
Radical activist Abbie Hoffman developed his hippie chic aura here.
Worcester native Harvey Ball is said to have invented the “smiley face.”
Comedian and actor Denis Leary grew up here—and pays us a visit from time to time.
