Disregard all the people jumping on you for being “young professionals”. There is a portion of people who long for the “good old days” when Worcester was more blue collar and, let’s be honest, dirtier, poorer and, depending on the area, dangerous. (I know this comes off as elitist. It’s not how I mean it. When I was younger there were a lot of neighborhoods I wouldn’t go into. Now they are fewer and more spread out).

I grew up 15 minutes east of Worcester and have been going there for my entire life. It’s on the upswing. The city has a massively diverse restaurant scene, with a wide variety of different cuisines and restaurant styles. Don’t be afraid to go into some of the smaller counter-style restaurants. Some of the best look like dirty holes-in-the-walls. (Hien Vuong on Green St is still the best Pho I’ve had). Shawarma, Indian, African, Caribbean, and Asian food is all represented throughout. I avoid chains and corporate restaurants and have rarely had a bad meal.

I’m not a club guy, so I can’t speak to the scene, but the bar scene is solid and ranges from dives to upscale, craft cocktail focused. There are several excellent breweries in town. There are a couple different arcade bars/esports cafes.

Whatever your interests are, either Worcester has it, or you can find it within a 20-30 drive. Worcester is the hub of Central MA with major highways going in all directions and the surrounding cities and towns have a ton to offer.

Public transit is pretty terrible. I definitely recommend a car. Parking generally isn’t an issue, other than downtown where you will often need to use a garage or pay lot.

Also, if you aren’t familiar with the general area, just know that the people here are generally great. I’ve worked in/around Worcester for the majority of my adult life. I’ve never not felt welcome. You will encounter a fair share of assholes, but that true anywhere.

Feel free to reply with any questions