AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Worcester, MA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Worcester neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,700/mo
Median Rent
206,518
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
UMass Memorial Health
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Worcester? What Renters Need to Know

The median rent in Worcester is approximately $1,700 per month, making it substantially cheaper than Boston (40 miles east) while remaining a full-service city. The West Side and Tatnuck neighborhoods command $1,800-$2,000, while areas like Main South and Grafton Hill offer rents under $1,500.

Quick Facts

Population 206,518
Median Rent $1,700/mo
Top Employer UMass Memorial Health
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,700 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Worcester median rent is $200 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Worcester is UMass Memorial Health, making the West Side area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Worcester

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

West Side

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 66
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 7/10
#2

Tatnuck

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 56
Avg Rent $1,800
Schools 7/10
#3

Main South

Score: 68/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 77
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 4/10

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#4

Downtown

Score: 74/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 89
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 5/10
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#5

Institute Park

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 74
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 6/10
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#6

Burncoat

Score: 79/100
Safety B
Walk Score 55
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 6/10
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#7

Grafton Hill

Score: 71/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 59
Avg Rent $1,450
Schools 5/10
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#8

Newton Square

Score: 76/100
Safety B
Walk Score 61
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 6/10
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See All 8 Worcester Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Worcester Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Worcester renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Worcester.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Worcester properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Worcester

What is the average rent in Worcester?

The median rent in Worcester is approximately $1,700 per month, making it substantially cheaper than Boston (40 miles east) while remaining a full-service city. The West Side and Tatnuck neighborhoods command $1,800-$2,000, while areas like Main South and Grafton Hill offer rents under $1,500. Worcester is increasingly popular with Boston workers seeking affordability.

Is Worcester a good alternative to Boston?

Worcester is increasingly popular as a Boston alternative. Commuter Rail service to Boston's South Station takes 45-70 minutes, and housing costs are 30-40% lower. The city has its own cultural amenities — the Worcester Art Museum, Hanover Theatre, DCU Center arena, and a growing restaurant scene. It lacks Boston's elite cultural institutions but offers genuine urban character at a discount.

What colleges are in Worcester?

Worcester is a college town with 13 colleges and universities, including College of the Holy Cross, Clark University, WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute), Assumption University, and UMass Medical School. This student presence keeps the economy vibrant and supports restaurants, arts, and innovation. The medical school anchors a growing biotech and healthcare research cluster.

Is Worcester safe?

Worcester's safety profile is mixed and neighborhood-dependent. The West Side and Tatnuck are among the safest urban neighborhoods in central Massachusetts. Main South and parts of the downtown core have higher crime. The city has made significant investments in public safety and infrastructure, and the overall trajectory is improving, but neighborhood research is still essential.

What is Worcester's growth trajectory?

Worcester is one of Massachusetts' most interesting growth stories. The city has undergone significant downtown revitalization, with the Polar Park baseball stadium (home of the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate), new hotels, and residential development transforming the core. Remote work trends, MBTA Commuter Rail access, and a creative economy are attracting younger residents at an accelerating pace.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.