Any one have any opinion on lofts in Lowell Ma (Boston: real estate, renting)

[GonnaMissCali]

So im still in cali and still looking for a place to live and i ran across a couple lofts in Lowell, they are to die for..... but let me say this i have never been there seeing as i never been to MA i have only seen pictures from the websites and read reviews. So any one have any exp. in living in lofts in Lowell and if so did u like it?

The other thing is these lofts apparently used to be old mills, has any one else tried living in one of these place. The one i am interested in is the loft at perkins park or something like that.

[brightdoglover]

The rehabbed mills are absolutely beautiful in Lowell.
Not everyone would want to live in Lowell, it has always been struggling to overcome the past of being a mill town when the mills closed down. It is gritty in many places, but hardly a war zone. A lot of money has come to Lowell thanks to the late Paul Tsongas and now his elected wife, and they are committed to bringing culture and assets to Lowell.
I worked in a rehabbed mill building (Wannalancit Bldg.) and it was gorgeous. Lots of ethinic restaurants around (second-largest Cambodian population). Live downtown scene by daylight, but when it gets dark, people seem to disappear to the suburbs.
I wouldn't skip it if I wanted a loft/urban experience, but the urbane scene is still somewhat skimpy. Then, it's an easy drive to Boston or Cambridge for a real city night out.
If looking at a loft in Lowell (or any condo arrangement) I'd look real hard at the financial reserves and assessments and owner-occupied rates of the association, as I would (now) with any condo purchase. I'd have a good real estate lawyer look at the financial statements of the association.
If you are looking at renting, full steam ahead! Lowell has a lot going for it. Did I mention the Merrimack River actually has rapids near the U Lowell, and a great five mile walking trail around the river?