The area has grown to include all of Worcester county, and thus the twin cities of Fitchburg and Leominster to the north, typical New England towns with similar economic challenges. There is a strong sense of community pride. Central location relative to Boston, discount air service and other amenities in Providence, and other points New England make it attractive.

Worcester is located in a valley surrounded by hills and ridges rising from 500 feet above the city to over 1,000 feet 15 miles north. There are long valleys, some with reservoirs, between the nearby hills. Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, and the Berkshire Hills to the west plays an important part in weather and climate. Rapid weather changes occur when storms move up the East Coast from the Carolinas. The mountains provide some shelter from storm systems from the west. Summers are moderate. Winters are usually moderate for the latitude but have frequent cold snaps. Precipitation is spread evenly throughout the year, with summer thunderstorms developing over the mountains. First freeze is mid-October, last is late April.