The real question is: how much of your kid’s time will be spent off campus? Any place you think is sketchy, just cross check what kids have available on campus- activities, films, concerts, where they hang out, what it’s like to walk back from the library at midnight, etc.
Worcester is certainly more city than Saratoga Springs. And Skid is up the road, by itself. But SS also has issues. Dont forget there are a lot of college kids in and around Worcester, with the consortium.