New England's largest city is, of course, Boston. New England's second most populated city is the second largest city in Massachusetts. Which city is this?

While Boston is the undisputed giant of New England, the region's second-largest population center is located just an hour's drive west. Worcester, Massachusetts, firmly holds the title of the second most populous city in both the state and the entire six-state region. Historically cited with a population around 170,000, the city has since grown to over 200,000 residents, cementing its status. Its central location within the state also earned it the official nickname, "The Heart of the Commonwealth."

Beyond its size, Worcester has a rich history as an industrial mill town and a center for innovation. It's a city of surprising firsts, known as the place where Dr. Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocketry, launched the first liquid-fueled rocket. It is also the birthplace of the mass-produced valentine card and the iconic yellow smiley face, which was created by a local graphic designer in 1963.

Today, the city is a major hub for biotechnology, healthcare, and higher education, with numerous colleges and universities contributing to its vibrant culture. And for anyone visiting, a key piece of local knowledge is the pronunciation: residents call it "Wiss-ter," dropping the "orce" sound entirely.