Household incomes average around $76,205 in Lowell. Homes are going for about $395,100 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Is this normal for Lowell?
0 upvotes
25 Replies
Hailey Castillo
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much competitive but now it's pretty good.
37 upvotes
Carol E.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Miles O.
noted, appreciate it
35 upvotes
Jameson Cruz
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Midtown area are solid. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
austin_delilah
literally same
32 upvotes
Eugene P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 26, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in North and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
30 upvotes
orlandofan2023
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Brooks R.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much reasonable but now it's underrated.
27 upvotes
mountain_david50
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Korean places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
26 upvotes
Anna
haha yep pretty much
25 upvotes
Ruby H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 8 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited shopping options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Natalie White
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Asher Hernandez
wish I knew this sooner
15 upvotes
Gianna W.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
Melanie
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
13 upvotes
Victoria C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Raleigh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Xavier L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
11 upvotes
Gianna Hall
underrated comment
10 upvotes
Logan Ramirez
Saving this thread
9 upvotes
Autumn Ruiz
spot on
8 upvotes
Ava S.
glad someone said it
8 upvotes
Sofia Mitchell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
All Countries
