Neighborhood Showcase: Lowell, MA
Once touted as the home of the industrial revolution, Lowell, Massachusetts is experiencing a renaissance as a center for commerce, education, and the arts. With a diverse community of over 100,000 residents, Lowell offers a valuable alternative for those seeking urban living without the high housing costs of the greater Boston area. Located in the heart of the Merrimack Valley, with easy access to three major highways, two universities, and a bustling shopping scene, Lowell can deliver city living without the city price tag.
Lowell is home to many nationally recognized businesses representing a wide number of industries. Motorola, JP Morgan, Aramark, Siemens Water Technologies, and MetLife Insurance all have offices in the city, along with hundreds of smaller companies. Lowell was recently featured in the National Science Foundation’s 2010 Annual Indicators of Science and Engineering report and was hailed by Forbes magazine as one of “America’s 20 Geekiest Cities.” This fun distinction was earned as a result of Lowell’s high percentage of employment in areas such as science, technology and innovation. For those seeking work in Boston proper, Lowell offers easy access to the city with direct commuter rail access to North Station.
Those seeking higher education will find a comprehensive, world-class academic experience in the City of Lowell. The city is home to two centers of higher education: Middlesex Community College and the University of Massachusetts. Middlesex Community College offers associate degrees and certificates in a variety of science and arts-focused majors, including an accredited Massachusetts nursing program. For those seeking a bachelor’s or graduate degree, the University of Massachusetts at Lowell offers more than 100 areas of study. The Times of London ranked the University of Massachusetts as one of the top 200 schools in the world. These two institutions, nestled in the heart of the city, offer first-class education and endless activities and entertainment options to enjoy between classes.
While Lowell offers thriving business and educational options, it really shines in the area of arts and entertainment. Lowell carries the motto “Art is the maid of human good”, and lives up to this ideal. The city is home to hundreds of artists and artisans who work and create music, sculpture, unique crafts and boutique items, fine art, and photography. The city is home to many artist studios, including Western Avenue Studios, home to more than 180 working artists. The studios offer open days, which give the public the opportunity to see creativity in action and, in some cases, participate and learn about the creation process.
Music is central to Lowell’s art scene. The city is home to the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, a 7,000-seat arena that hosts national and international acts, as well as sporting events and world championships. Lowell Auditorium also hosts national music events, theater productions, Golden Gloves boxing events, and national comedy acts. The centerpiece of Lowell’s music scene, however, is the Lowell Folk Festival, an annual celebration of folk, country, and bluegrass music that takes place in late July each year. The Folk Festival features hundreds of acts over three days at venues across the city, as well as showcasing local groups, a diverse array of international foods, and special events after dark. The show draws more than 150,000 visitors to the city, with more visitors coming each year to enjoy the sights and sounds of a citywide celebration of music and culture.
Lowell is an up and coming community, alive with diverse cultural offerings and events. Education and employment opportunities in Lowell, along with the low cost of living and excellent housing opportunities, make it the new destination for individuals and families from all walks of life.