Worcester Regional Guide - Wormtown Weekly

Worcester Regional Guide

Discover the Heart of Central Massachusetts

EXPLORE THE REGION

The Greater Worcester Region

From bustling downtown Worcester to charming surrounding communities, this region offers a perfect blend of urban energy, historic charm, and New England beauty. Explore 12 vibrant communities that make Central Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and play.

Worcester Regional Map

Our Communities

12 cities and towns, one amazing region

Worcester
Heart of the Commonwealth
👥 Pop: ~206,000
📍 County Seat
Massachusetts' second-largest city, Worcester is a vibrant hub of culture, education, and innovation. Known for its rich industrial history and recent renaissance, the city offers world-class museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Highlights

  • Home to 11+ colleges and universities
  • Thriving restaurant scene on Shrewsbury Street
  • Worcester Art Museum & Hanover Theatre
  • Polar Park - Home of the WooSox
  • Canal District development boom
Shrewsbury
Community & Commerce
👥 Pop: ~38,000
🏫 Top Schools
One of Central Mass's most desirable communities, Shrewsbury combines excellent schools, strong local businesses, and convenient access to both Worcester and Boston. The town maintains a perfect balance of residential charm and commercial vitality.

Highlights

  • Highly-rated public school system
  • Thriving Route 9 commercial corridor
  • Dean Park & Lake Quinsigamond access
  • Strong community events calendar
  • Diverse dining and shopping options
Holden
Rural Charm Meets Convenience
👥 Pop: ~20,000
🌲 Outdoor Hub
Nestled in the hills northwest of Worcester, Holden offers a perfect blend of small-town atmosphere and modern amenities. Known for its natural beauty, excellent schools, and strong sense of community.

Highlights

  • Beautiful conservation lands & hiking trails
  • Trout Brook & Wachusett Mountain nearby
  • Strong public library system
  • Active community center programs
  • Classic New England town character
Northborough
Where Business Thrives
👥 Pop: ~15,000
💼 Business Hub
A thriving business community with a charming downtown, Northborough offers easy access to both Worcester and the MetroWest region. The town balances commercial success with residential appeal and top-rated schools.

Highlights

  • Major corporate presence along Route 20
  • Historic downtown with local shops
  • Algonquin Regional High School excellence
  • Easy access to I-290 & I-495
  • Active recreation programs
Millbury
Small Town, Big Heart
👥 Pop: ~13,500
🏛️ Rich History
Just south of Worcester, Millbury offers affordable living with small-town charm. The town's historic mills and New England character combine with modern conveniences and a tight-knit community feel.

Highlights

  • Historic downtown with local businesses
  • Close proximity to Worcester shopping
  • Blackstone River & Bikeway access
  • Strong youth sports programs
  • Affordable housing options
Southborough
Scenic & Sophisticated
👥 Pop: ~10,000
🎓 Education Focus
An upscale community on the eastern edge of the Worcester region, Southborough boasts excellent schools, beautiful historic properties, and easy access to both Worcester and Boston metro areas.

Highlights

  • Algonquin Regional High School
  • Historic town center & properties
  • Conservation lands & trails
  • Strong property values
  • Active community involvement
Leicester
Gateway to Central Mass
👥 Pop: ~11,500
🏞️ Natural Beauty
West of Worcester, Leicester offers rural character with growing development. The town features lakes, conservation areas, and a strong agricultural heritage while maintaining convenient access to regional amenities.

Highlights

  • Rochdale Village historic district
  • Multiple lakes for recreation
  • Growing commercial corridor
  • Agricultural heritage & farms
  • Affordable living options
Paxton
Peaceful & Pristine
👥 Pop: ~4,900
🌳 Rural Gem
One of the region's smallest towns, Paxton offers tranquil rural living with excellent schools and natural beauty. The town maintains its New England character while providing modern amenities.

Highlights

  • Highly-rated Wachusett Regional schools
  • Moore State Park hiking & nature
  • Low-density residential character
  • Strong sense of community
  • Easy access to Worcester
West Boylston
Waterfront Living
👥 Pop: ~8,000
💧 Reservoir Town
Home to the Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston offers stunning water views and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town combines natural beauty with a charming downtown and strong community spirit.

Highlights

  • Wachusett Reservoir scenic views
  • Beaman Memorial Library
  • Historic downtown shops & restaurants
  • Excellent school system
  • Fishing & boating access
Boylston
Hidden Treasure
👥 Pop: ~4,700
⛰️ Mountain Views
Small but scenic, Boylston offers rural charm with mountain and reservoir views. The town provides a peaceful escape while maintaining proximity to Worcester and major highways.

Highlights

  • Tower Hill Botanic Garden
  • Wachusett Mountain access
  • Bay State Brewing Company
  • Quiet residential neighborhoods
  • Excellent schools & library
Sutton
Country Living at Its Best
👥 Pop: ~9,500
🌾 Agricultural
South of Worcester, Sutton maintains its agricultural heritage and rural character. The town offers affordable living, strong schools, and a tight-knit community atmosphere with growing development.

Highlights

  • Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
  • Working farms & orchards
  • Historic Sutton Center
  • Growing commercial development
  • Easy access to I-146 & Worcester
Rutland
Nature's Playground
👥 Pop: ~9,200
🏔️ Outdoor Hub
Northwest of Worcester, Rutland is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The town features state parks, conservation land, and a strong agricultural tradition while maintaining excellent schools.

Highlights

  • Rutland State Park camping & swimming
  • Long Pond recreation area
  • Miles of hiking & biking trails
  • Strong agricultural community
  • Wachusett Regional schools