Worcester Apartments and Rentals

Sigmund Freud gave five landmark lectures at Clark University in 1909, and Worcester, Massachusetts, the city in which this institution lies, remains one of the educational centers of the country more than a century later. Home to much more than just colleges and universities, the sprawling metropolis is located in the center of the state and holds together the commonwealth.

People who are looking to join the 180,000 plus residents, according to the 2010 Census, that call the city home will have plenty of Worcester apartments for rent to choose from. With a diverse population, distinct Victorian architecture and a rich and storied history, the "Heart of the Commonwealth" is a fine place for both families and students to reside.

The six-time winner of the All-American City Award, the metropolis was first settled as the Plantation of Quinsigamond in 1673 by English settlers, only to be abandoned two years later. There were several other attempts to settle the land, but a permanent spot was not established until 1713, leading the then-town to be incorporated in 1722 as Worcester.

Its educational roots were established early on, as John Adams taught at a school in the city for more than three years. An increase of commerce and trade with other parts of Massachusetts led to the growth of the metropolis through the 1800s and its roots were firmly established when the local government made the first purchase of land for a public park in the U.S. in 1854.

Many of the schools that were established in the city were done so in the 1800s, and the area is still shaped by these institutions in the present day. This has affected the layout of the city, with neighborhoods and apartments in Worcester coinciding with the placement of the many universities and colleges in the area. People looking to reside here will have quite the selection to choose from, ranging from student-type housing to larger family homes near Tatnuck Square.

There are a number of prominent institutions of higher learning in Worcester, as the Jesuit College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester State University, Clark University and Assumption College all lie within city lines. Not only do these schools shape the intellectual landscape of the area, but they also provide residents with a number of employment opportunities.

A large biotech park is located adjacent to the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and Hanover Insurance and the Paul Revere Life Insurance Company are headquartered in the city. Polar Beverages has its headquarters in Worcester, and construction equipment producer Saint-Gobain has a number of its offices in the metropolis.

These companies and colleges allow for a diverse employment of the city's residents and people looking for apartments in Worcester may want to look in an area that is close to one of these institutions.

The proximity of the desired Worcester rentals to any of the city's landmarks or major institutions is likely to influence the price of these residences, and the more rural area Tatnuck Square is going to be one of the more high-end places in the metropolis.

The median gross rent in the city is $880 a month, according to the 2010 Census, but this price can vary quite a bit.

Whether spending evenings at the local watering hole, Ralph's Diner, or taking time to enjoy the oldest public space in the U.S., Elm Park, residents of the city can enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the major cities in New England. Several minor league sports teams are located within the city, and the Holy Cross basketball team is one of the more competitive college teams in the region.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Worcester, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.