Lowell,MA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Lowell, MA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Charm of Lowell, MA Neighborhoods
Lowell, Massachusetts, is a city rich in history and cultural diversity, with neighborhoods that each tell their own unique story. From historic mill districts to vibrant residential areas, Lowell offers a variety of living experiences that appeal to a wide range of tastes and lifestyles. Whether you're drawn to the artsy vibe near downtown or the quieter, family-friendly suburbs, understanding the Lowell neighborhoods map can help you find the best neighborhoods in Lowell to call home or explore.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
The neighborhoods in Lowell are as diverse as the city’s population itself. The downtown area, known as the Waterfront, is a cultural hub with a mix of young professionals, artists, and long-time residents. In contrast, areas like Belvidere and Centralville feature tight-knit communities with a strong working-class presence and a rich immigrant heritage, particularly from Southeast Asia and Latin America. This diversity is reflected in the local businesses and community events, making Lowell a vibrant and welcoming city for all.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
Each neighborhood in Lowell offers something special. The Acre is famous for its ethnic eateries like Taqueria El Amigo and Pho Vn, providing an authentic taste of the city’s multicultural flavor. Meanwhile, the Highlands neighborhood boasts tree-lined streets, historic homes, and family-friendly parks. For those who enjoy a more urban lifestyle, the downtown area offers loft apartments, coffee shops like Mill No. 5, and easy access to cultural venues such as the Lowell Memorial Auditorium and the Tsongas Center.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Lowell’s neighborhoods reflect its past as a 19th-century textile powerhouse. The Canal District, a key part of the Lowell neighborhoods map, preserves historic mills alongside modern residential developments. This blend of old and new creates a unique atmosphere where history lovers can visit the Lowell National Historical Park while enjoying contemporary art galleries and waterfront dining. Other neighborhoods, like Pawtucketville, retain a more suburban feel with community centers and local schools that foster a strong sense of belonging.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
Transportation in Lowell is convenient, with several neighborhoods well-connected by public transit. The Lowell Commuter Rail Station, located near downtown, offers quick access to Boston, making neighborhoods like the Downtown and Highlands popular among commuters. Bus service by the Lowell Regional Transit Authority further links residential areas such as Belvidere and Centralville to key shopping and employment centers. For drivers, major routes like the Middlesex Turnpike and Routes 3 and 38 provide easy regional access.
Lowell Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Lowell | 38.8 | 29.1% | $391,650 | $108,772 | 3.9 |
| Pawtucketville | 36.6 | 19.5% | $349,311 | $87,140 | 4.0 |
| Highlands | 36.9 | 29.7% | $393,600 | $99,318 | 4.2 |
| Belvidere | 41.4 | 24% | $480,267 | $107,674 | 4.9 |
| Lower Highlands | 35.8 | 26.7% | $334,418 | $77,166 | 4.9 |
| Acre | 32.1 | 23% | $329,100 | $65,609 | 5.2 |
| Centralville | 34.9 | 27.5% | $379,646 | $73,765 | 5.5 |
| Lower Belvidere | 37.9 | 26.3% | $418,110 | $72,721 | 5.9 |
| Downtown | 37.3 | 19% | $287,343 | $50,877 | 6.1 |
| Back Central | 35.6 | 28.4% | $343,044 | $58,600 | 6.9 |
Lowell neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Lowell—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Lowell, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Lowell
| Crime |
Reported |
Lowell /100k |
MA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 5 | 4.3 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | 6.9 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 66 | 56.9 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 539 | 464.4 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 618 | 532 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 174 | 149.9 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,520 | 1,309.6 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 236 | 203.3 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 1,930 | 1,663 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 2,548 | 2,195 | 1,427 | 2,119 |