Worcester is located in central Massachusetts which was established as a town in 1722 and as a city in 1848. It is the third largest city in New England and the only major city not located on a lake, river, or sea coast. It is one of New England’s major retail and distribution center mainly because of its location and good network of roads and rail. The city is also an important tourist destination with its colonial-era buildings, fine museums, and a well-developed park system.

The city is also the center of an urbanized metropolitan area that includes the towns of Auburn, Boylston, Holden, Leicester, Millbury, and Shrewsbury. Lake Quinsigamond, seven miles long and one of the many lakes and ponds within the city limits make the eastern boundary of the city.

Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, and the Berkshire Mountains influence weather conditions in Worcester. Weather of Worcester is marked by storms, rain, sleet and fog. These storms are known locally as northeasters.

Area: 38 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 473 feet above sea level (mean elevation)

Latitude: 42.27 N

Longitude: 71.80 W

Average Temperatures: January, 23.3° F; July, 69.9° F; annual average, 46.8° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 47.60 inches of rain; 67.4 inches of snow

Festivals

• Pet Rock Festival - Sept. 10, 2006
• Central Massachusetts Flower Show in February
• Worcester Wine and Food Festival at Union Station in February
• St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church and St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church jointly celebrate a festival in June.
• Massachusetts Symphony in July
• The Worcester County Music Association's Annual Music Festival in October

Attractions:

• Quinsigamond State Park
• Elm Park (one of the oldest public parks in the country)