Downtown Lowell? (Boston: lofts, condos, neighborhoods)

[macmacmac]

Am thinking of relocating to downtown Lowell. I see that many of the old mill buildings are being converted to affordable condos. Of course, depending on who you ask, opinions vary about Lowell. I've heard that it's either "up and coming - great place" or "it's a hell hole - avoid it". Any honest opinions out there about the downtown area? Thanks.

[charmedone.1]

I have been in Lowell since 91. The downtown is quaint- with older buildings and cobblestoned streets. It has advantages- plenty of restaurants, decent art scene, auditorium, arena and ballpark in walking distance and disadvantages- the high school (with 4k students) is right there, some gang activity (but less than the "neighborhoods' since the police department is right there) and except for the bars, the streets roll up at 6pm. Some of the condos they have converted are beautiful!

[macmacmac]

Thanks! Appreciate your feedback.

[macmacmac]

Originally Posted by charmedone.1

I have been in Lowell since 91. The downtown is quaint- with older buildings and cobblestoned streets. It has advantages- plenty of restaurants, decent art scene, auditorium, arena and ballpark in walking distance and disadvantages- the high school (with 4k students) is right there, some gang activity (but less than the "neighborhoods' since the police department is right there) and except for the bars, the streets roll up at 6pm. Some of the condos they have converted are beautiful!

I went see some of the old mill buildings that have been converted to lofts as well as new projects that are nearing completion (specifically the Boot Mills Lofts). I've got to say that I was impressed with most of what I saw. The downtown area didn't look bad at all. As for the condos, I took a look at Canal Place and a separate building across the street at 181 Market. Does anyone out there have experience with any of these developments? Boot Mills was nice but is higher priced than other comparable units in the area; Canal Place - great unit but not a very good impression when I walked down the halls (dirty, unit doors beat to hell, triple locks on every door); the unit at 181 Market (sorry but I don't even know if this complex has a name - it's a red brick building that sits above different shops) was the one I was most impressed with - tastefully done, good prices.

I appreciate any additional feedback! Thanks!

[prudence]

181 Market is McCartin Building (aka Market Gallery). It has Olive That N More on the ground floor. It was nicely done.

Further up Market Street is the Birke's Building, with Brew'd Awakenings on the ground floor. This is done well.

Then on the corner of Market and Central, (Post office on Ground Floor) a project just finished. The entrance is on the Market Street side through a little courtyard. Great units in there, check them out.

[kbhit]

I live near downtown Lowell. Place has changed so much in the past 5 years. Go there about 2 or 3 times a week with friends to eat and sometimes the bars. A lot to like about it - it's very charming. Still has lots of potential to get better as there are lots of closed stores fronts. I never have felt unsafe there - I guess it really depends on the person though.

So it depends on what you make of it. Looks of good places there to eat already such as Mambo Grill, Life Alive, La Boniche. One of my favorate Italian restaurants (Ricardo's) is there as well. They also have Indian, Greek, Pizza, and Chinese restaurants.

The place is changing a lot still - check into some of the plans they have for the area such as the jam plan, hamilton canal district, etc.

Anyways we like it, definately worth checking out in my opinion. Also, if you like baseball (spinners), hockey, etc. then there is some of that. I have been to less of the sports and more of the concerts in the park, plays in the auditorium, and other events in the tsongas arena. It's not anywhere as 'happening' as Boston, but there are some cool events from time to time.