Lowell MA vs Manchester NH for 20s (Boston, Worcester: renting, neighborhoods)

[Space_League]

Two sisters on the Merrimack. Which is a better fit for a young guy working in Nashua but wanting to live someplace a little more exciting. I want to live downtown and interested in good food, nightlife and cultural events.

What I've noticed so far:

Both cities are a little tired but seem to be on an uptick.

Very similar population size

Both have a large arena downtown with major cultural events

- Manchester is more affordable, but Lowell's downtown area is nicer.

- Peripheral neighborhoods in Manchester are nicer than Lowell

- Manchester is markedly less diverse

- Lowell is more of a commuter town than Manchester and more Boston centric

- UML has a huge impact on Lowell's identity for better or worse. There's nothing like that going on in Manchester


Any thoughts and experience from residents ?

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by Space_League

Two sisters on the Merrimack. Which is a better fit for a young guy working in Nashua but wanting to live someplace a little more exciting. I want to live downtown and interested in good food, nightlife and cultural events.

What I've noticed so far:

Both cities are a little tired but seem to be on an uptick.

Very similar population size

Both have a large arena downtown with major cultural events

- Manchester is more affordable, but Lowell's downtown area is nicer.

- Peripheral neighborhoods in Manchester are nicer than Lowell

- Manchester is markedly less diverse

- Lowell is more of a commuter town than Manchester and more Boston centric

- UML has a huge impact on Lowell's identity for better or worse. There's nothing like that going on in Manchester


Any thoughts and experience from residents ?

As someone who lived in Lowell between '08-'13 and continues to have friends/coworkers in Lowell and Nashua, I'd advise you to stay in Nashua. Neither Manch or Lowell is appreciably more interesting and becoming a Lowell resident will leave you paying MA income tax (i.e., subtract 5.15% of your gross income). In short, if you're bored in Nashua you'll continue to be bored in Lowell.

Lowell improved significantly in the last decade; however, post-Tsongas it appears as though the city is sliding sideways. Meanwhile, cities like Nashua and Worcester continue to see notable capital investments.

If you want a city with notably more diversity (people, night life, entertainment), you're looking a long drive from Boston or Worcester.

[495neighbor]

I vote Lowell. You'll be too limited geographically if you live in New Hampshire and need to move on to a different company or job location, especially this early on in your career.

[tysmith95]

I have to agree with people saying Nashua. There is more to Lowell, but if anything Lowell is even more expensive and you also lose 5% of your income to the income tax.

If you're renting you could quickly move in the event that you get a job somewhere else. If you plan on buying it's a different story.

[rethcir]

As a heads up, the term "Manchvegas" is an example of good ol' NH sarcasm. Things have improved, but it's a pretty dull place in terms of the kinds of things people in their 20's like to do (bars, restaurants, etc). It would get old pretty fast.

I'd only suggest Manchester unless you are into the outdoors (hiking, skiing, etc), since it would put you closer to the mountains.

[The_General]

Originally Posted by tysmith95

I have to agree with people saying Nashua. There is more to Lowell, but if anything Lowell is even more expensive and you also lose 5% of your income to the income tax.

If you're renting you could quickly move in the event that you get a job somewhere else. If you plan on buying it's a different story.

It depends where you work, if you live in Nashua and work in Massachusetts you still pay Massachusetts income tax.

[tysmith95]

Originally Posted by The_General

It depends where you work, if you live in Nashua and work in Massachusetts you still pay Massachusetts income tax.

He said in his post that he'd be working in Nashua.

[The_General]

Originally Posted by tysmith95

He said in his post that he'd be working in Nashua.

Yup, you're right I missed that

[rethcir]

Nashua has a cool downtown. I think you could live pretty large there. Boston, Worcester, Portsmouth all in reach for days/nights out and about.

[BostonMike7]

I'd stay in Nashua, but if I had to pick between Lowell and Manchester, i'd pick lowell