Whether you want to call it by its nickname, “Heart of the Commonwealth,” or just by its name, Worcester is one of the many great destinations to live in Massachusetts. With cool museums and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder Worcester is home to nearly 206,500 people.
As more people move to Worcester, it’s important to keep in mind that the median home sale price is $390,500 and the average sale price per square foot is $236. For renters, the average rent price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Worcester is $1,974.
Don’t worry if those prices don’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. We’ve collected the 8 of the most affordable suburbs of Worcester, MA, to consider moving to. And the best part is that they’re all less than 35 minutes away from the city center. That way, you can live near Worcester and all its awesome activities without paying the premium price of owning a home there.
#1: Rutland
Median home price: $325,000
Average sale price per square foot: $207
Driving distance from Worcester: 25 minutes
Rutland, MA homes for sale
Rutland, MA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price nearly $65K less than Worcester, Rutland is the most affordable suburb of Worcester, MA, on our list. Just about a 25-minute drive away from Worcester, you won’t miss out on what the city has to offer. If you’re considering moving to this area, make sure to visit Rutland State Park to explore the many trails and take in the scenery.
Your future home is just a tap away
Explore homes with the Redfin app anytime, anywhere.
#2: Southbridge
Your future home is just a tap away
Median home price: $330,000
Average sale price per square foot: $210
Driving distance from Worcester: 35 minutes
Southbridge, MA homes for sale
Southbridge, MA apartments for rent
Taking the second spot on our list is Southbridge. About a 35-minute drive away from downtown Worcester, you can visit the Worcester Art Museum or the EcoTarium in no time. Living in Southbridge, you’ll want to visit the Optical Heritage Museum or grab a meal at one of the local cafes or restaurants. In this suburb of 17,700 people, you can also explore the charming downtown.
#3: Oxford
Median home price: $350,000
Average sale price per square foot: $223
Driving distance from Worcester: 15 minutes
Oxford, MA homes for sale
Oxford, MA apartments for rent
Taking the third spot is Oxford. Just 15 minutes outside Worcester, you’ll find the home prices are much less expensive. Even with a population of about 6,000, there are plenty of cool things to check out in Oxford. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable suburb, make sure to visit the Clara Barton Birthplace Museum, go shopping at the many boutiques and stores in Oxford, and enjoy the outdoors at one of the parks in the city.
#4: Leicester
Median home price: $359,250
Average sale price per square foot: $260
Driving distance from Worcester: 15 minutes
Leicester, MA homes for sale
Leicester, MA apartments for rent
A little more expensive than Oxford is Leicester, the next suburb on our list. About 11,000 people live in this suburb of Worcester, MA, and there’s plenty to do in your free time.
#5: Sturbridge
Median home price: $368,000
Average sale price per square foot: $202
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,500
Driving distance from Worcester: 25 minutes
Sturbridge, MA homes for sale
Sturbridge, MA apartments for rent
Drive 25 minutes outside of Worcester and you’ll find the suburb of Sturbridge, another great area to add to your list. With 2,400 people living in this affordable town, Sturbridge is a great option to consider when looking to stay close to Worcester without paying the premium for a home in the city. In Sturbridge, you can visit the Old Sturbridge Village and check out the Vermont Covered Bridge, among other cool attractions, shop at the Sturbridge Farmer’s Market, and grab a bite to eat at a local spot.
#6: Spencer
Median home price: $375,000
Average sale price per square foot: $242
Driving distance from Worcester: 25 minutes
Spencer, MA homes for sale
Spencer, MA apartments for rent
Sixth on the list is another well-known suburb of Worcester, MA, is Spencer, where the home prices are about $10K less than in Worcester. With just about 5,800 people living in Spencer, it’s a great suburb to consider living in. Make sure to visit the Spencer Museum of Art, check out Stanley Park, and hike the trails at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation. You won’t get tired of this great suburb.
#7: Clinton
Median home price: $375,000
Average sale price per square foot: $247
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,700
Driving distance from Worcester: 30 minutes
Clinton, MA homes for sale
Clinton, MA apartments for rent
Coming in seventh place on our list of affordable Worcester suburbs is Clinton, which is roughly a 30-minute drive into the city center. With a population of about 8,200, Clinton is a great area to live in that’s not nearly as big as Worcester. If you find yourself moving to this suburb, make sure to visit the Museum of Russian Icons and the Clinton Historical Society Museum, check out the many parks and green spaces, or take in the views of the rivers.
#8: Leominster
Median home price: $378,500
Average sale price per square foot: $229
Driving distance from Worcester: 30 minutes
Leominster, MA homes for sale
Leominster, MA apartments for rent
Last but not least on our list of most affordable suburbs of Worcester, MA, is Leominster. About 43,800 people live in Leominster, so you’ll have a fraction of Worcester’s population while remaining only 30 minutes from the city. Stroll through the historic downtown area or take a walk or bike ride on one of the Leominster State Forest trails.
Affordable things to do in Worcester
1. Green Hill Park
“A friend invited me for a walk at the Green Hill Park in Worcester. This was much more than just a typical walk in the park. Yes, it had an excellent playground, but it also had a barnyard to see lamas, goats, chickens, and pigs,” suggests Monika Turek from Turek Web Design. “The Vietnam Veteran Memorial was a great area to finish our walk. The site seeing is free, and it is also fun and healthy to spend time outside with friends.”
2. Free game nights
“Looking for a fun activity to break up the week? Visit Wormtown Brewing on Wednesdays for Trivia Nights,” recommends King Trivia ®. “If trivia may be too intense for you, then on Thursdays, King Trivia ® hosts their fun survey-based game Survey Slam ®, where ‘Opinions are King!’ Bring friends to build your teams of up to 6 people and enjoy the great food and brews while competing for fun prizes, all for free.”
3. Paddle boarding
“My favorite affordable thing to do in Worcester is taking a paddle board yoga class or enjoy a leisurely sunset or full moon paddle on Lake Quinsigamond. It’s serene and peaceful and challenges me physically at the same time,” suggests SUP YO Adventures.
4. Hiking, shopping, and a Woosox game
“My favorite budget-friendly day in the Greater Worcester area would be to go for a long hike in Leominster State Forest, have a late lunch in the Worcester Public Market, and close out the evening at a WooSox game,” says Justin Raphaelson. “If I’m up for it, I’ll have a nightcap at Café Neo for karaoke.”
5. High ropes course
“My favorite affordable thing near Worcester is bringing friends to Boundless Adventures during the week,” suggests Lorrie Funtleyder. “Boundless Adventures is the best high ropes course I have ever experienced. It builds confidence in my kids and gives my whole family some great exercise and outdoor zen.”
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Worcester and under a 35-minute drive from downtown Worcester. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com November 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
Learn more about Worcester:
5 Fun Facts About Worcester, MA
15 Unique Things to Do in Worcester, MA
A Guide to Free Year-Round Events in Worcester, MA
16 Popular Worcester Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Worcester in 2023
United States
Canada