Worcester,Massachusetts is the second largest city within the Commonwealth of Mass., with a population of approximately 176,000. Worcester is located45 miles west of Boston in Central Massachusetts and is considered the"heart of the commonwealth." This city has evolved into a center of education, healthcare and research and serves as the Worcester County seat of government.

Worcester is also an important manufacturing, insurance and transportation center. The cityscape climbs over a series of scenic hills overlooking the Blackstone River with Lake Quinsigamond creating its eastern boundary. The area is well served by transportation efficiencies that include #90, #9, #12, #395, #146, #190 and #290. The historic Union Station is the hub for MBTA commuter rail and Amtrak services between Boston and Worcester and west.

Worcester,MA is full of outstanding educational and cultural facilities,including Worcester State College, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute), Salter School, Becker College, Quinsigamond Community College and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Lake Quinsigamond which divides Worcester and Shrewsbury is home to premier rowing events. Within minutes from Worcester in Grafton is Tufts Veterinary Hospital; Anna Maria College is located in nearby Paxton.

Famous libraries, elegant venues, performing companies and respected art and history museums enrich the entire metropolitan area. National companies perform at the new Hanover Center and the Centrum Civic Center.Worcester's Classical Music Festival is held annually since 1858,making it the oldest in the nation.