Lowell, Massachusetts, known as "The Mill City," is a historic and culturally rich community located in the Merrimack Valley. With its significant industrial heritage, vibrant arts scene, and strong sense of community, Lowell offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes living in Lowell an attractive option.
Residents of Lowell enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, museums, and historic sites provide ample opportunities for exploration and enrichment. The Lowell National Historical Park and the Boott Cotton Mills Museum are popular destinations that celebrate the city's industrial past. The annual Lowell Folk Festival and the Lowell Summer Music Series highlight the city's vibrant arts and culture scene.
Lowell's strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including education, healthcare, and technology. The city is home to major employers such as the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Lowell General Hospital, providing ample job opportunities for residents. The presence of these institutions contributes to Lowell's vibrant economic and cultural environment.
The cost of living in Lowell is relatively affordable compared to other parts of Massachusetts, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from historic homes in charming neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.
Public transportation in Lowell is well-developed, with access to the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) buses and the MBTA commuter rail, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Lowell's climate features four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Lowell offers a blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Ratings
Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Lowell is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 114,170 inhabitants. In Lowell, there are 8,404 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Lowell is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 42% married, this city falls well below the national average. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Lowell is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 26 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Lowell could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Massachusetts if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Lowell and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.
Lowell has a livability score of 81/100 and is ranked #32 in Massachusetts and #1,208 in the USA. This is a great score, as Lowell ranks well in multiple categories! Lowell has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Lowell ranks very well for amenities (A+), employment (B-) and housing (A). There are some categories that Lowell scores poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Lowell, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Lowell undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Lowell National Historical Park, Boott Cotton Mills Museum, and American Textile History Museum.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Lowell apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Lowell is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Lowell come in at $517,872, which is 17.1% lower than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lowell, the home price to income ratio is 5.6, which is 5.1% lower than the Massachusetts average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Lowell | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.6% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.1% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.3% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.3% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.9% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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