Lowell City Guide

Diverse food with Cambodian, Vietnamese, Latin American, and American options. Vegetarian and vegan spots are increasing. Late-night food options are mostly fast food.

Nightlife is modest with bars and pubs mainly downtown. It’s more relaxed than in bigger cities.

Local coffee scene is growing with mix of local cafes and chains. Specialty roasters nearby in Boston.

Tipping is expected. Restaurants 15-20%, taxis 10-15%, other services 15-20% or a few dollars.

SIM cards from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are available at retail stores. ID is usually required for post-paid plans. eSIMs depend on carrier and phone.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood; downtown is better maintained. City manages waste pickup and recycling.

Limited 24/7 options. Some pharmacies and convenience stores open late. Late-night food mostly fast food. Few night clinics.

Supermarkets like Market Basket, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop sell international products. Hours usually run 7 AM to 9 or 10 PM. Most open on Sundays with reduced hours.

Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cash still works but many places use cashless payment methods.

ATMs are common in banks, convenience stores, and supermarkets. Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2.50 to $5 per use.

Local schools include Lowell High School. No major international schools in Lowell; options are in Boston. Instruction is in English.

Lowell’s digital nomad community is small. Few dedicated coworking hubs or meetups exist locally.

Good access to green spaces like Lowell Heritage State Park and Shedd Park. Suitable for walking and running.

Good running routes along the Merrimack River and in Lowell National Historical Park. Generally safe in well-used areas.

Several gyms and fitness centers serve a range of training styles.

Public tennis courts in parks and some private clubs. Booking varies.

Padel is not common or widely available in Lowell.

Several yoga studios offer drop-in classes with English-speaking instructors.

Dojo options for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing. Drop-in policies vary. English instructors standard.

Nearby ski areas like Nashoba Valley Ski Area offer beginner-intermediate terrain. Larger resorts are 1-1.5 hours away. Ski season runs December to March.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Merrimack River and canals. Rentals available seasonally.

Surfing spots on the Massachusetts coast are reachable within an hour. Wetsuits needed outside summer. Surf schools and rentals available.

Cold-water diving on Massachusetts coast, with variable visibility. Certification and rentals found in coastal towns.

Lowell General Hospital offers quality care with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common. Healthcare can be expensive without insurance.

Tap water meets all federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Parks like Shedd Park and family spots like Lowell National Historical Park are good for kids. Baby supplies are widely available. Kid-focused cafés are limited.

Generally accepting city with some safe spaces and low discrimination risk.

Several dog parks and vets. More pet-friendly places are appearing. Parks and riverwalks good for dog walking.