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[deleted] OP t1_ivcl22b wrote

I think the potential is there, the acre especially since it’s bad reputation drives down the cost. But it’s bad reputation (deserved or undeserved) is what’s slowing down development there. The acre could be nice, but nobody cares about it so it continues to rot.

My specific confusion with Jackson street lofts, and Appleton is that they are right next to the homeless shelter. I guess the long game is hoping the homeless population decreases or the shelter is relocated.

Middlesex street specifically, I think is untapped potential for sure. It’s a perfect area for a little strip with stores and restaurants. I think people shy away from it because of the homeless.

South Lowell is probably the hottest area I’d say, it has the best feel overall. One of my coworkers lives there and he really likes it.

I really don’t hate Lowell, it’s just that for me personally it’s not going to work out. We looked because the cost of living is low and we want to buy a house so we need to save money. My fiancée lived there for years, her parents lived there and I went to school there. Everyone seems to think I hate the city. But I’m just being realistic, with one of us having a commute to Boston, it’s a tough sell already. Combined with the lower than average safety, it becomes a very hard sell.

I see Lowell eventually going the way of Lynn, it’s reputation will never die but eventually the property value will start to go up. It is a city screaming for an industry, Macom is definitely really helping the city out by sticking around. Time will tell, but that area of the state is a hothead for RF and Microwave development. Raytheon spawned off a lot of smaller companies in the area over the years.

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bbaction101 t1_ivv2wfu wrote

I live in downtown closer to Market St and have noticed that Jackson Street and Middlesex St east of South St is generally fine. The rowdy-ness around the Transitional Living Center is far enough away from the Jackson/Appleton lofts that I wouldn't say it's a significant factor to the safety of the area. Not saying the area is perfect, rather it's about as safe as anywhere in downtown. I experience way more unhinged folks on Merrimack St than around Jackson St.

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