Known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth,” Worcester is a friendly, diverse city located in Massachusetts, about 40 miles from Boston. It’s full of classic New England charm, but also close enough to a big metropolitan area for residents to enjoy all that Boston offers as well. It also offers plenty of natural beauty, as it is bisected by the Blackstone River with its headwaters found in Institute Park. The city consists of seven hills that overlook various nearby ponds and lakes including Indian Lake, Bell Pond, and Coe’s Pond. Worcester is also home to several universities, tech companies, medical institutions, and many other businesses, and it also has a thriving arts and culture scene. Even better, it is a city with a smaller, but vibrant LGBTQ community, where all can feel welcome and at home.
A Look at the History of Worcester
“Worcester” (which means “war-castle”), was officially incorporated as a town in 1722, and eventually as a city over a century later, in 1848. Since its founding, Worcester has grown steadily, both in its own right and as a result of its proximity to nearby Boston. It has always been a city on the cutting edge of education, and an important center of business and industry as well. It remains so to this day. For so many reasons, Worcester would make a wonderful place to call home!
A Few Fun Facts About Worcester
Read more fun facts about Worcester here.
Worcester’s LGBTQ Community
Worcester is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG of Greater Worcester is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
What's the Weather Like in Worcester?
Those who live in Worcester can expect to experience all four seasons each year. Summers are warm, but not excessively so, with highs in July usually reaching around 80ºF. Winters can be cold and often snowy, with low temperatures in January averaging around 14ºF. Spring and fall are typically pleasant seasons to enjoy the outdoors, with spring bringing beautiful blooming flowers, and fall promising crisp breezes and colorful leaves. Worcester receives 48 inches of rain, on average, each year, and about 51 inches of snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Worcester
Pride Worcester is the city’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one celebration you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar. This annual event draws wonderful, friendly crowds each year, and includes family-friendly entertainment, a wide variety of vendors, parties, parties, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun.
The Worcester Music Festival is the oldest festival in the United States. Each year, this fun and festival event draws excellent musical talent from Worcester and across the country. With plenty of vendors, good food, great music, and lots of fun, you won’t want to miss it.
The Best Neighborhoods in Worcester
Unlike some larger cities, Worcester doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Because much of the city is very LGBT-friendly, there’s no gay neighborhood per se. Instead, many gays and lesbians live throughout the area. Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Worcester LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. The median list price of homes currently for sale in Worcester is around $325,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Originally built in 1904, the Hanover Theatre has a long history of presenting a variety of excellent performances to audiences of all ages year after year. The theatre seeks to accomplish the goal of allowing all people to experience the transformative power of the performing arts by putting on an excellent selection of shows each year. Don't miss the chance to enjoy one!
The Worcester Art Museum is an art museum with the mission of connecting people, communities, and culture through the experience of art, and it certainly accomplishes this mission well. The museum, also known as WAM to locals, offers a vast collection of nearly 40,000 pieces of art dating from antiquity through the present day. It is a wonderful place to spend a day feeling inspired and having fun.
Parks and Recreation
Elm Park is a park with a long history – in fact, some claim that it was the country's first public park. Founded in 1854, it has undergone many renovations and changes over the years, but today, includes many beautiful pathways, plenty of playground space, beautiful bridges, and lots of open green space to relax and enjoy a beautiful Worcester day.
Worcester’s EcoTarium is a unique and amazing indoor and outdoor museum. Visitors can walk through the treetops, meet wildlife, stroll down nature trails, and even journey to the stars in the digital planetarium. It’s a wonderful place to have fun and to learn about the world around us.
Worcester Nightlife
The MB Lounge is the oldest continuously operated gay bar and lounge in Worcester, and it is definitely one place you’ll want to put on your list for a night out in the city. With friendly crowds, strong drinks, and a great atmosphere, it’s a wonderful place to have fun with old friends, or meet some new ones!
Rage is one of the most popular nightspots in Worcester for dancing and having fun with friends. Known for great music, lively crowds, and strong drinks, it’s one spot you’ll definitely want to try when out in Worcester.
Contact a Worcester Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Worcester, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Worcester, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Worcester gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
