Moving from Portland to Worcester?

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Portland to Worcester Movers

Moving from the verdant, rain-swept streets of Portland, the City of Roses, to Worcester, the Heart of the Commonwealth, marks not just a change of scenery but a heartening adventure into a new chapter of your life. As you exchange the lush, laid-back vibes of Portland for Worcester's rich history and vibrant community, the transition is laden with both excitement and a hint of nostalgia. To ensure this significant life transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible, it's crucial to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers, which is why we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best in the business through an unbiased ranking algorithm, so you know you're getting truly top-notch service for your long-distance move.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Worcester to Portland guide.

5 Best Portland to Worcester Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

#1
Paradise Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 1,118+ data points

Framingham, MA
Affordable insured local and long distance movers, Hourly Charges only with no hidden fees, Furniture wrapping See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

USDOT: 3619865 Verify

About Paradise Moving & Storage

Paradise Moving & Storage is a fully licensed and insured moving company based in Massachusetts, with locations in Framingham, Boston, a...Read More >>

top worcester 2024 paradise moving storage image
#2
Stairhopper Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 9,261+ data points

Boston, MA
Local moves, Long distance moves, Commercial moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 1696867 Verify

About Stairhopper Movers

Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and com...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in america 2023 image
top ranked movers in boston 2023 stairhopper movers image
#3
Northwest Grace Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 605+ data points

Oregon City, OR
Local Moving, Long Distance Moving, Senior Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT: 1999959 Verify

About Northwest Grace Moving

Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland Metro...Read More >>

top 10 portland 2024 northwest grace moving image
top 10 ranked movers in salem 2023 northwest grace moving image
top 10 ranked movers in salem 2022 northwest grace moving image
#4
You Move Me Portland Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,680+ data points

Portland, OR
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Packing services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT: 2388358 Verify

About You Move Me Portland

You Move Me Portland is the mover your neighbors trust and recommend. In terms of reliability, customer service, and professionalism, this l...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in portland 2023 you move me portland image
top 10 ranked movers in portland 2022 you move me portland image
#5
All Service Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 9,065+ data points

Portland, OR
Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Long Distance Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 1863079 Verify

About All Service Moving

Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By using a ...Read More >>

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top 25 ranked movers in america 2023 image
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Relocating from Portland to Worcester Neighborhood Guide

Relocating from one city to another can be a daunting task, especially when the cities are as distinct as Portland, OR, and Worcester, MA. To ease the transition, we've crafted a comparison of local neighborhoods between these two cities. Our goal is to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using your current city as a baseline. This Portland, OR & Worcester, MA comparison of local neighborhoods will guide you in finding a new home that matches your lifestyle and preferences.

PortlandWorcester
Pearl DistrictCanal District

Trendy, revitalized area

Alberta Arts DistrictShrewsbury Street

Culturally rich, restaurant row

Nob HillSalisbury Street

Historic homes, upscale ambiance

Sellwood-MorelandElm Park

Family-friendly, close-knit community

Mississippi AvenueGreenwood Street

Eclectic shops, vibrant scene

HawthorneTatnuck

Bohemian vibe, casual charm

LaurelhurstNewton Square

Picturesque, leisure opportunities

EastmorelandWestwood Hills

Lush landscapes, serene aura

Northwest DistrictHammond Heights

Mix of urban and suburban feel

LentsGrafton Hill

Diverse, upcoming neighborhood

If you're moving from Portland's bustling Pearl District, renowned for its vibrant arts scene and luxury living, you'll find Worcester's Canal District mirrors this vibe with its trendy spots and revitalized ambiance. The Canal District is teeming with nightlife, unique eateries like BirchTree Bread Company, and cultural spots reminiscent of the Pearl District's charm. Fans of the eclectic and bohemian feel of Hawthorne will appreciate Tatnuck in Worcester, where the laid-back atmosphere and local businesses, such as The Friendly Toast, provide a casual charm. Meanwhile, the historic and upscale feel of Nob Hill finds a counterpart in Worcester's Salisbury Street, offering a touch of luxury amid historic homes and manicured lawns.

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Things to Do in Worcester

  • Explore EcoTarium’s interactive exhibits.
  • Watch a Worcester Railers hockey game.
  • Enjoy performances at The Hanover Theatre.
  • Taste local flavors at Canal District markets.
  • Visit the Worcester Art Museum.
  • Paddle on Lake Quinsigamond.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Worcester

Moving from Portland, OR to Worcester, MA is a big decision that involves weighing various factors. This comparison aims to offer a clear, honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, specifically focusing on what you'll be leaving behind and what awaits you. The purpose of these charts is to boldly contrast the cons of staying in Portland with the pros of moving to Worcester and vice versa, helping you make a well-informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Higher living costs
  • Less snow activities
  • Rainy weather
  • Far from East Coast
Worcester, MA iconWorcester, MA
  • More affordable living
  • More winter sports
  • More diverse seasons
  • Close to major cities
Worcester, MA iconWorcester, MA
  • Smaller art community
  • Less outdoor activities
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Less coffee variety
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Vibrant art scene
  • Vast green spaces
  • Thriving tech jobs
  • Unique coffee culture

Among the factors to consider, Worcester shines with its more affordable living cost which can greatly benefit your budget. The city is nestled in a region that experiences a more diverse seasonal cycle than Portland, offering a distinct charm each season - from the vibrant fall colors in Elm Park to the snowy winters perfect for skiing at Wachusett Mountain. While Worcester's art scene may be smaller, it is home to cultural gems like the Worcester Art Museum and the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. For outdoor enthusiasts, though Worcester might offer fewer options than Portland's vast green spaces, it still boasts beautiful parks such as Green Hill Park and the nearby Purgatory Chasm State Reservation for hiking. So, if you're considering the move, exploring Worcester's neighborhoods, local restaurants like Shaker’s Cafe and Bistro, and popular sights could offer you a fresh perspective and a new place to call home.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Portland to Worcester

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland, OR & Worcester, MA. Food significantly reflects the local culture and living experience in an area. Through this comparison, you can gain insights into the food scene of your new city.

PortlandWorcester

Most iconic local food item

Dungeness CrabWorcester Dining Car Diner Fare

Most popular meat dish

Portlandia SteakDynamite (Spicy Meat Mixture)

Most popular street food item

Voodoo DoughnutShawarma

Most popular vegan food

Tempeh ReubenJackfruit Tacos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Le Pigeon
  • Pok Pok
  • Salt & Straw
  • Miss Worcester Diner
  • Shrewsbury Street Bread & Pizza
  • Bocado Tapas Bar

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

97

Abundance of Food Trucks

95

Foodie Scene

107

Vegan Friendly

108

While Portland boasts a rich foodie culture with a high regard for vegan options, such as the innovative Tempeh Reuben found in various local eateries across neighborhoods like the Hawthorne District, Worcester presents a more traditional culinary scene rooted in its history. Worcester's iconic diner fare, particularly the Worcester Dining Car Diner Fare, offers a nostalgic taste of the city's rich history, which can be explored in the Canal District. The contrast between Portland's abundant food trucks serving everything from gourmet doughnuts to ethnic fare, and Worcester's more conservative street food scene, reflects the differing culinary landscapes. However, both cities cherish their local gastronomy, with Worcester's popularity in dynamite (a spicy meat mixture) and jackfruit tacos catering to both traditional and modern palates.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Portland to Worcester

Finding a new favorite dining spot is a crucial part of making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Portland and Worcester is designed to ease your transition by identifying Worcester restaurants that echo your Portland favorites. Whether you're seeking a high-end dining experience, a casual bite, or something uniquely iconic, this guide will help you locate a new go-to spot in your new city.

Le PigeonDeadhorse Hill

Seasonal, refined American dishes

AndinaCafé Reyes

Authentic Latin flavors with a modern twist

Pok PokBahn Thai

Renowned for its vibrant Thai cuisine and ambiance

Screen DoorThe Hangover Pub

Famous for brunch and southern-styled dishes

Nong's Khao Man GaiPho Bowl

Expertly crafted Thai and Vietnamese comfort foods

Toro BravoMezcal Tequila Cantina

A lively spot for Spanish tapas and tequila

Ken's Artisan PizzaCorner Grille

Known for unique, thin-crust pizzas

Apizza SchollsVolturno Pizza Napoletana

Authentic Neapolitan pizzas in a rustic setting

Salt & StrawWooBerry

Inventive ice cream flavors in a cozy atmosphere

Blue Star DonutsRocco's Doughnut Company

Offering gourmet doughnuts and coffee

As you explore Worcester's dining scene, you'll find that Deadhorse Hill offers an innovative take on American cuisine, mirroring Le Pigeon's commitment to seasonality and flavor in Portland. For those who relish the heat and complexity of Thai food, Bahn Thai serves dishes that rival the authenticity and zest of Pok Pok's offerings. Pizza enthusiasts will appreciate Volturno Pizza Napoletana's dedication to traditional techniques and ingredients, offering a taste reminiscent of Apizza Scholls' cherished pies. Finally, for a sweet treat that feels like a hug from home, WooBerry delivers inventive ice cream flavors that will fill the void left by Salt & Straw's unique concoctions.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Portland to Worcester

Real estate is a pivotal factor in relocating, necessitating a comparison of housing aspects between Portland, OR, and Worcester, MA . Understanding differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities will illuminate your decision-making as you plan your move.

Portland and Worcester offer divergent lifestyles reflecting their unique cultural and geographical attributes. Portland, with its higher median home price and rent, is known for its Northwest Modern architecture and a lifestyle that prioritizes access to green spaces and nature, making it highly walkable and bikeable. In contrast, Worcester showcases Colonial Revival architecture and scores slightly lower in walkability and bikeability. Yet, it attracts with its educational institutions and historical charm, making it a beacon for those who cherish urban living with a slice of history. Each city's most popular real estate mentions—Portland's "access to nature" vs. Worcester's "proximity to educational institutions"—highlight the distinct life one might lead in either location.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Worcester, MA

1. Elm Park: Know for its spacious green areas and dog-friendly atmosphere, here you can enjoy long walks with your pet along picturesque paths.

2. Beaver Brook Park: This neighborhood boasts the Beaver Brook Dog Park, a dedicated space for your pets to play off-leash in a safe, community-focused environment.

3. Shrewsbury Street: Renowned for its welcoming cafes and eateries like Sweet, many of which offer outdoor seating perfect for pet owners looking to dine with their furry friends.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Portland to Worcester

When relocating, understanding how the weather in Portland, OR compares with Worcester, MA is crucial. This comparison will help you adjust your expectations and prepare for changes in climate, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.

Summer icon
81°F / 57°F

Portland, OR

79°F / 60°F

Worcester, MA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 35°F

Portland, OR

35°F / 18°F

Worcester, MA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36"

Portland, OR

48"

Worcester, MA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4"

Portland, OR

68"

Worcester, MA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While both Portland and Worcester enjoy similar summer temperatures, Worcester experiences colder winters with significantly more snow, averaging 68 inches annually compared to Portland's 4 inches. Worcester also boasts more sunny days per year, which might be appealing for those used to the overcast skies of Portland. However, moving from the West Coast, be prepared for Worcester's more pronounced seasonal changes, particularly the heavier snowfall, which can impact daily life in winter.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to Worcester

If you're planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the cost of living and financial aspects compare between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison between Portland, OR and Worcester, MA aims to highlight essential money and finance considerations that will affect you directly.

When moving from Portland, OR, to Worcester, MA, you'll likely notice significant changes in the financial landscape. The average household income in Portland is higher, but so is the cost of living, driven partly by a higher state income tax rate. Worcester offers a more affordable cost of living, yet with lower average incomes. Property taxes are slightly higher in Worcester, but it's balanced by the presence of a sales tax, nonexistent in Portland. The dominant industries are similar, though ranked differently. This financial comparison underscores the importance of considering all aspects of living costs and income opportunities when planning your move.

Political & Religious Comparison between Portland, OR and Worcester, MA

Moving from Portland, OR to Worcester, MA presents an opportunity for new beginnings. Understanding the communities you'll encounter is crucial. This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Portland & Worcester , helping you grasp the civic and cultural landscape you're about to navigate.

PortlandWorcester

Political Make-up

Liberal/DemocraticModerately Liberal/Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive policiesMix of progressive and traditional policies

Religion

Secular, diverse religious communitiesMore religious diversity with notable Catholic presence

Portland is known for its progressive political landscape, with a strong focus on social and environmental issues. Worcester, while also leaning Democratic, adopts a blend of progressive and traditional viewpoints, reflecting its diverse population. Religion plays a different role in each city; Portland's community is highly secular with pockets of diverse religious communities, including Unitarian Universalists and Buddhists, while Worcester's demographic has a more pronounced Catholic presence, indicative of its history of Irish and Italian immigration. This shift not only marks a change in religious scene but also impacts local culture and festivals you'll experience.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Portland to Worcester

Moving from Portland, OR to Worcester, MA? It's important to understand the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Portland & Worcester will help you adjust to your new surroundings more smoothly.

PortlandWorcester
25.224.5

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

74

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

86

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

Yes, with some planningChallenging, but possible

Can you get by without car?

In Portland, you'll find a robust public transit system, making it possible to get around without owning a car, although some planning is necessary to navigate the routes efficiently. In contrast, Worcester's public transit options are more limited, and while it's possible to rely on them, you may find it more challenging to access all areas of the city without a car. The average commute time is slightly shorter in Worcester, but Portland experiences higher levels of traffic congestion. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for your move and adjust your commuting plans accordingly.

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