Worcester County, Massachusetts
Worcester, MA real estate
Worcester is the seat of Worcester County and the second-largest city in New England. It's known for its triple-deckers and other 2–4 family homes, alongside single-family neighborhoods and newer apartment buildings downtown. Union Station is on the MBTA Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line. My brokerage, The Hive Real Estate, is based here.
Housing
Types of homes in Worcester
Triple-deckers and 2–4 families
Many neighborhoods have three-family homes with one unit per floor, popular with owner-occupants who rent the other units and with investors.
Single-family neighborhoods
Capes, colonials and ranches, especially farther from downtown.
Condominiums and apartments
Converted units in multifamily homes and newer buildings downtown.
Before you buy or sell
What to check in Worcester
- Most households in Worcester rent, so 2–4 family homes are often bought by owner-occupants who rent the other units. Owner-occupant loans can allow lower down payments on 2–4 unit homes.
- Units built before 1978 where a child under six lives must comply with the Massachusetts Lead Law. Ask for lead compliance letters when buying.
- With tenants in place, review leases, security deposits and last month's rent, and how they transfer at closing.
- Older multifamily homes: check heating systems per unit, egress, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and porches.
Housing data
Worcester by the numbers
| Population (2025 estimate) | 213,862 |
|---|---|
| Owner-occupied homes | 42.8% |
| Median value of owner-occupied homes | $374,400 |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $2,216 |
| Median gross rent | $1,487 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts (American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates; population estimate July 1, 2025). Checked November 9, 2026. These are survey estimates averaged over five years, not current sale prices. For recent sales in Worcester, ask Damon for current MLS data.
Listings
Homes for sale in Worcester
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Your Worcester home's three numbers
As-is value, the improved value after the right repairs, and what the lot may allow. Free and written, with no obligation to list.
Request your reportWorcester questions
What is a triple-decker?
A three-family house with one apartment on each floor, common in Worcester and other Massachusetts cities. Many buyers live in one unit and rent the other two.
Can I buy a 2–4 family home with a small down payment?
Some loan programs for owner-occupants allow lower down payments on 2–4 unit homes. A lender can tell you what you qualify for; get pre-approved before you make offers.
What should I check before buying a Worcester multifamily?
The rent roll and leases, security deposits and last month's rent, lead compliance for pre-1978 units, the condition of each unit's systems, and what repairs the building will need in the next few years.