The Best Places to Live in Massachusetts, According to a New Ranking

"The city's high position on the list stems from its 'ability to weave its industrial history into modern amenities' and its 'rich culture.' Once a hub for textile production, Lowell has since transitioned to an era in which healthcare, manufacturing, and education are the top industries: Lowell General Hospital, MACOM Technology Solutions, and UMass Lowell are all major employers in the area."

"The old textile mills are now modern apartment buildings, and the canal system that powered those mills is now admired from the walkways in Lowell National Historic Park. Lowell's cultural side (and dedication to preserving history) is also apparent in its impressive roster of museums. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the New England Quilt Museum, the Whistler House Museum of Art, and the Boott Cotton Mills Museum."

"Housing in Lowell does tend to be on the higher side, with Zillow estimating the average home value to be $471,792 and the median sale price to be $422,333. The cost of living in Lowell is also 19 percent higher than the national average, according to Payscale. However, it's considerably more affordable when compared to Boston where the cost of living is 48 percent higher than the national average."

Lowell, located northwest of Boston, has been ranked the best place to live in Massachusetts according to Livability's Northeast rankings. The city successfully transformed from its textile manufacturing past into a modern hub featuring healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors, with major employers including Lowell General Hospital, MACOM Technology Solutions, and UMass Lowell. Historic textile mills now serve as modern apartments, and the canal system is preserved within Lowell National Historic Park. The city offers cultural attractions including the New England Quilt Museum, Whistler House Museum of Art, and Boott Cotton Mills Museum. While housing costs average $471,792 with a cost of living 19 percent above the national average, Lowell remains significantly more affordable than Boston. Other notable Massachusetts cities include Fall River, Lynn, and Worcester.

Read at Travel + Leisure