Moving to Worcester? Find Distinct Architectural Homes for Every Taste

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There are endless reasons why living in Worcester is a smart choice – quality of life, central location and outdoor recreation, to name a few. Another big draw? The city offers a wide variety of housing options and affordability, especially when compared to nearby Boston.

In fact, Boston’s housing costs 101% more than Worcester overall. Plus, Worcester’s housing costs are 34% less expensive than Massachusetts’ overall. Factor that in with the diverse architectural styles available for homebuyers, and you’ll understand why living here is so appealing.

“Worcester has really developed a great mix of housing,” says Erin Zamarro, a local Realtor. “We have these older styles, but in recent years there’s been a lot of new buildings, plus properties that have been adapted – it really allows for a diverse mix of people to live in Worcester and live in the style of home that fits their needs and their taste.”

Here are the five main architectural styles you can find in Worcester:

1) The Iconic Triple Decker

A staple of New England urban living, these multifamily homes have historically been associated with the working class, with multiple families sharing one building and living on separate floors. Typically, they were owner-occupied on one floor with family members or tenants on the other floors to help generate some income.

“We’ve seen a lot of people buying to own these triple deckers as investment properties, but there’s also been a trend back toward families buying them and then living on one floor,” Zamarro says.

Architecturally, these are recognizable not just for their three stories but also for their stacked porches and handcrafted design elements. The highest concentration of these types of homes can be found in neighborhoods like Vernon Hill, Grafton Hill and Main South.

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2) Historic Victorians and Colonials

For those seeking timeless elegance and architectural detail, historic Victorians and Colonials will absolutely fit the bill – especially as Worcester experiences a present-day renaissance. These homes often feature wraparound porches, ornate trim work, stained glass, grand staircases and high ceilings.

“Over time, many people have been able to keep these homes still within the original style and preserve a lot of the original details,” Zamarro says. “Many of them have received upgrades, like more modern kitchens and bathrooms – things that adapt the living spaces to today’s lifestyle.”

Look for these in the West Side, the Woodland Street Historic District and Massachusetts Avenue.

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3) Modern Apartment Communities

Experience industrial-chic living downtown, which has experienced a major transformation. Former industrial and commercial buildings have been converted into sleek, loft-style apartments that maintain character but add in modern amenities.

“All of these developments are really new to Worcester, within the last 10 to 20 years,” Zamarro says. “They’re reinvigorating those neighborhoods and have brought many people back downtown.”

Some of the most popular premier developments include The Revington, Voke Lofts, Canal Loft Apartments & Condos and Kelley Square Lofts.

4) Classic Single-Family Homes

For those homebuyers seeking more space and a suburban feel – while still staying within Worcester city limits – there is a rich supply of single-family homes from which to choose. Expect larger yards, quieter streets and a variety of architectural styles, from ranch homes to Cape Cods to split-levels and more.

“A lot of the current offerings are 50 to 100 years old, but many of these houses still have beautiful woodwork and details that really can’t be reproduced today,” Zamarro says.

There are also plenty of newly constructed contemporary houses, if that’s more your speed.

For a high concentration of great single-family homes, look in the Burncoat and Tatnuk Square neighborhoods.

5) Luxury Senior Living

There has been a significant uptick in developing communities for people over the age of 55 in Worcester. People in this age bracket are looking for modern, accessible housing that provides convenience and community all in one.

“Some of the options for luxury senior living are freestanding condo developments, some are more apartment-style complexes,” Zamarro says. “There are a lot of options for people to stay in the city, live near other folks and not be isolated.”

If this is what you’re looking for, be sure to check out The Residences on Lincoln Square, the Arabella at Bramble Hill and The Overlook.

Best Places to Live: Worcester Makes Top 100

What makes a city a great place to live? The answer isn’t simple, and it can vary from person to person based on their priorities. But when looking for a new city to call home, there are certain things you have to consider and weigh. How much does it cost to rent or own a home? What is the job market and economy like? Are there many opportunities for outdoor recreation? Is it a safe place to live? How accessible is healthcare? How are the school systems rated? These are all important questions to consider, and though it can feel overwhelming to sort through all of this, it doesn’t have to be.

For over 10 years, Livability has been analyzing this data for cities across the country, all to curate an annual Top 100 Best Places to Live list. And, again this year, Worcester has made the cut as an official “Best Place to Live.” Dive into the details on why at livability.com/worcester-top-100.