Curious what people think. I relocated for work and Median household income is $76,205, which feels about average for the area. The weather takes some getting used to. Is this normal for Lowell? The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
47 upvotes
14 Replies
Leo
lol so true
37 upvotes
Claire Davis
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Aubrey N.
underrated comment
36 upvotes
Nancy B.
underrated comment
36 upvotes
Brooklyn Hughes
Bought a house here in 2021 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
33 upvotes
Dominic M.
hard disagree but ok
31 upvotes
atl_natalie
exactly what I was thinking
29 upvotes
Alexa Cook
exactly what I was thinking
28 upvotes
serenity_chef
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 34, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Denver, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
27 upvotes
Oliver Brown
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Aria W.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much reasonable but now it's average.
18 upvotes
Miles M.
facts
11 upvotes
Naomi C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (East) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
9 upvotes
wild_sophie42
Bought a house here in 2024 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.