The city of Worcester was founded in 1722. It is conveniently located in Central Massachusetts approximately 1 hour from Boston, Providence, and Hartford and 3 hours from New York City. Worcester is close to major highways including Routes 290, 190, 9, Mass Pike, 395, 495, 146, and 20. For commuter rail information, visit their website at www.therta.com. Worcester has received the All-America City Award five times. It is the second largest city in New England. There are outstanding hospitals, colleges, restaurants, museums, and shopping malls. Many biotech companies are located nearby at the Worcester Biotech Research Park. Recreation abounds in Worcester. Lake Quinsigamond State Park offers swimming, fishing, and sailing at Regatta Point. There is an 18 hole public golf course at Green Hill State Park. An indoor skating rink is on Lake Avenue. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary is also nearby. Oak Ridge Estates is located within one half hour of the Wachusett Mountain ski area. Our location provides immediate access to major routes I-190, I-290, I-495, Route 9 and the Mass Pike. For more information on the City of Worcester visit these websites: www.worcestermass.org, worcesterchamber.org, www.therta.com. City Information Population: 173,000 approx Tax Rate: $14.75 per thousand Area: 37.6 square miles Government: elected mayor, appointed city mayor, 11 councilors Founded in 1722 All-American City Award-2000-by National Civic League Services City Sewer and water Electric: Mass Electric 888-211-1111 Gas: Nstar 800-572-9300 Cable: Charter Communications 508-853-6600 Hospitals U Mass Medical-University, Memorial, Hahnemann, Worcester Medical Center Houses of Worship Assembly of God, Baptist, Catholic, Congregational, Episcopal, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh Day Adventist, Synagogues Colleges Holy Cross, Assumption, WPI, Clark, Mass College of Pharmacy, Becker, QCC, Anna Maria, Worcester State, U Mass Medical Shopping Worcester Common Outlets, Greendale Mall, Solomon Pond Mall, Union Square Recreation Lake Quinsigamond State Park, offers swimming, fishing & sailing at Regatta Point Golfing: Public 18 holes- Green Hill State Park Walk to Worcester Driving Range Indoor skating rink on Lake Ave Broad Meadows Brook Wildlife Sanctuary Entertainment Close to museums, concert halls, theaters, Worcester Centrum-for more information visit www.worcestermass.org