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Health & Fitness

What Do You Need to Know to Rent an Apartment in Worcester?

If you are looking for that perfect apartment, reading my blog just may help put an end to that search!

As the suburbs of Boston creep ever further west, many young professionals and families alike are moving further from the city. But that doesn't mean that urban living is no longer attainable. For those looking to live in a larger city for work, school, or to take advantage of the culture and attractions intrinsic to larger communities, Worcester, Mass has a thriving rental market with a variety of housing to suit anyone's needs.

As with any apartment search, before setting out to look at different possibilities, you should make a list of your priorities. You should include the price range you are willing to consider, the number of bedrooms and square footage you need, the type of layout you prefer, what sorts of amenities you require both in the apartment and in the building, and of course, everyone's most important consideration:  location, location, location. As you search "The Heart of the Commonwealth" for an apartment that meets your needs, you'll want to educate yourself about the different neighborhoods in Worcester, their unique features, and how they "feel" in order to get a sense of what is best for you.

The variety of apartments available in Worcester is something to consider. As warehouses in South Worcester are transformed into lofts for young professionals, many of the city's "triple deckers" – homes originally built with the intention of housing a family and two additional tenants – are being renovated. New condominium units are cropping up citywide, and once-grand structures are being restored to their former glory and transformed into unique new apartments.

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"The Worcester rental market really showcases a tremendous amount of diversity in apartment living," says John McGrail, CEO of Mayo Group, a real estate investment firm involved in urban development in Worcester, MA. "The area has seen a lot of economic growth and the rental market has risen to the challenge of meeting the city's needs."

Mayo Group is the developer behind Bancroft Commons, renovating a downtown building to its original grandeur and leasing new units to downtown professionals and graduate students from the city's many colleges. Portland Street Lofts is an another recent Mayo Group development offering soaring ceilings, unique floor plans and top of the line finishes. Both located in the heart of Worcester, the revitalized buildings are accessible to transportation, restaurants, shopping, and other attractions. 

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 "Worcester has a tremendous amount to offer in terms of urban living," says McGrail "It rivals other large cities in New England with its museums and galleries, theater scene, and other arts and culture. Recent investments in transportation have made commuting to other parts of the region easier than ever, and that's convenience is attracting a lot of new residents to the city."

For those looking for a more suburban feel, there are plenty of apartments and condos for rent in Worcester that aren't as centrally located. Once you've settled on an area or neighborhood that you like, there are a variety of online resources that can help you target exactly the type of rental property you are looking for. 

As a city grows and reinvents itself, so does its rental market. Whether you're searching for housing for a family and want to be near the best schools or you're poised to take advantage of Worcester's lively downtown cultural scene, you're certain to find something that fits your needs in this vibrant city. 

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