Anyone who has ever lived, worked, or studied in Lowell, Massachusetts knows that this city is a hidden gem. Nestled in northeastern Massachusetts, it is often viewed as an underdog. There is a lot of negative speculation of what Lowell is like from people who've never been there, but are these assumptions really true? As a student in this amazing city, let me tell you that there is a lot of love about Lowell.
1. Lowell is jam-packed with history.
Lowell is probably best known for the Industrial Revolution and it's iconic mills. it is marked by the silhouettes of the mills and buildings against the sky, the red brick sidewalks, and the old, beautiful houses.
2. It's home to UMass Lowell.
It's where you'll find Rowdy the River Hawk, Division 1 athletics (how about that hockey team?), and the world-known engineering program. It is the fastest growing out of the UMass campuses. Not to mention, the former chancellor Marty Meehan is now the current president of the entire UMass system!
3. Downtown is awesome.
Downtown Lowell has had so much work put into it over the years, and is continuing to undergo changes today! Downtown, you can find great places to eat, unique shops, and bits of history everywhere you turn.
4. The Merrimack River is majestic.
You really can't get anymore "New England" than this view. Ask any UMass student, and they will probably tell you that this view really never gets old.
5. The Lowell Summer Music Series is fantastic.
Not to mention, the weekend-long folk festival in Boarding House Park. What better way to unite the entire city than with great music and good food?
6. The sunsets are absolutely amazing.
I don't know what it is about Lowell, but the sunsets here are always breathtaking. They just seem so much more vibrant and colorful than anywhere else I have ever been.
7. Mill No. 5 is great too.
One of the most pleasantly quirky places in Lowell. Home to Coffee and Cotton, The Luna Theater, Vinyl Destination, and The Farm Market to name a few.
8. The sense of community is palpable.
While Lowell is a very diverse city, the sense of community is very much there.
9. Lowell is always changing and looking towards the future.
There is always progress being made around the city, looking to the future of Lowell.
10. It's beautiful during all four seasons.
My favorites being Fall while the leaves are changing, and winter when the infamous string-light Christmas tree.
11. It has a unique vibe you won't find anywhere else.
Lowell is in no way the perfect city, but it is these imperfections that give the city it's unique character. For for that reason, Lowell is a real diamond in the rough.
