Lowell vs Haverhill - Which Do You Like?

[Ryan M.]

I drove through Haverhill last night looking at some multis and of course, they happened to be in some of the roughest neighborhoods of Haverhill.

Lowell, has its good and bad as well.  

What does the BP Mass group think of Lowell vs Haverhill?

[Steve McGovern]

Ok, full disclosure (in case my name/header ain’t enough for some of you! :-) ) I live in Lowell.

That said, the real answer is... BOTH!

For the sake of our own personal residence, my wife and I chose Lowell 14 years ago based largely upon, among other things, the interstates— Lowell lies right at the crossroads, whereas Haverhill is on 495, but it’s a hike to either 95 or 93. We both work in Real Estate; my sites are all over NewEngland, and my wife works in Boston, but could find positions in Waltham, Marlborough orWorcester at the drop of a hat.

Lowell also has the National Park, the Festivals, the University and the colleges...and if you’re into geography, not one but TWO rivers, The Mighty Merrimack and the Concord.

On the other hand, my best friend chose Haverhill. It’s a little closer to the coast, it’s still a gritty shire, and the downtown is phenomenal. Haverhill is a little more-well established, a little more stable. (e.g. , in another thread, I noted that I grew up hearing “Don’t go to Lowell!” I never heard, “Don’t go to Haverhill!”)

Retail is approximately equal, Haverhill likely has a slight edge in primary and secondary education, proximity to NH is fundamentally equal, and the age, vintage, and quality of the overall housing stock, I would declare to be neck-and-neck.

Nothing wrong with either one. If you want stability, I’d pick Haverhill— it’s a bit smaller in population, (by about 40%!) but holds its values. Lowell is a cultural powerhouse and a true city of over 100,000. If you prefer the arts, or prefer to invest in the ebb and flow of a full-sized City, then Lowell is the one for you.

What’s not to love about either??