A densely populated Lowell neighborhood right next to downtown
Back Central is a dense neighborhood next to the heart of downtown Lowell that places its residents near some of the city’s best amenities. About 30 miles from Boston, the area has long supported affordability and accessibility as it began as a working-class neighborhood. “Lots of folks in the area are generational,” says Chris Doherty, owner of Doherty Properties, which has been serving the area for over 20 years. The neighborhood’s location became even more important as the city grew and the main bus terminal and commuter rail stop were built next to the neighborhood. Today, residents can enjoy access to everything that makes Lowell a great city without having to pay the higher prices of downtown living.
A number of multi-family homes make up the block in Back Central.
Central St. in Back Central is a great area to walk around and see the sights.
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Lowell Regional Transit Authority
One of the most important amenities of Back Central is the Lowell commuter rail station. The station is a mile away from local homes and allows residents to access and commute to downtown Boston in about 30 minutes. Doherty says the area is also popular because the Lowell Regional Transit Authority bus terminal is right next to the station, providing access to the edges of Lowell and parts of Billerica. While there is limited parking in the area, drivers are minutes away from I-495 and Route 3. Logan International Airport is 32 miles away, and Lowell General Hospital’s Saints Campus is about a mile from the neighborhood.
Thrifdit is a local favorite for great finds on Central Street near Back Central,
One of the most important amenities of Back Central is the Lowell commuter rail station.
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Lowell’s tightly packed urban homes
Back Central carries a distinctly urban makeup. Homes here are closely situated on straight, sidewalk-lined residential blocks, and include a “healthy mix of single and multi-family housing,” Doherty says. Most homes date back to either the late 19th century or the early 20th century and are a hodgepodge of classic colonials and Cape Cods, most of which sport wooden or brick siding. Some of the multifamily houses in Back Central are stacked on top of each other and can fit half a dozen families. Prices commonly range from around $300,000 to $750,000.
Multi-family homes are most common in Back Central.
Back Central carries a distinctly urban makeup of multi and single family homes.
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Lowell railcar diners and steakhouses
Being so close to downtown, Back Central residents are only a block or two away from dining options. Four Sisters Owl Diner is a classic cash-only diner for residents and a popular breakfast and lunch choice. Being one of the few railcar-style semi-streamline diners left in Massachusetts and one of the best preserved, “it is one of the more well-known diners in the area,” Doherty says. Cavaleiro's Steak House is a Portuguese staple in the neighborhood, that offers seafood and steak alongside house-made cocktails and sangria. “It is a big hot spot for the locals,” Doherty says. Foodland International, on the neighborhood’s northern end, is a grocery option within walking distance.
Cavaleiro's Steak House offers steak alongside house-made cocktails in Back Central.
Back Central is a walkable neighborhood with great outdoor seating at local cafes.
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South Common Park
South Common Park occupies a large portion of the neighborhood, offering an urban spot for jogging or, in the summer, taking a dip in the Anthony L. Archinski Pool. The opposite side of the neighborhood borders the Concord River, where residents can enjoy views of the water from Jollene Dubner Park while reading a book or sitting down for a picnic.
Back Central's South Common Park is a great place to kick the ball around.
South Common Park occupies a large portion of the Back Central, offering a pool and playground.
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STEM academies in Lowell
Students can begin their education next to South Common Park at Rogers STEM Academy, a K-8 school that receives a C rating on Niche, then finish up at the B-rated Lowell High School. The high school offers around three dozen clubs, including Business Professionals of America and a robotics/engineering group.
The STEM Academy, in Back Central, gets an A+ rating on Niche for diversity.
Lowell High School educates more than three thousand students.
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Lowell Folk Festival and WinterFest
Back Central residents can look forward to an iconic annual Lowell event, the Lowell Folk Festival, on the last weekend of July. Held a short walk from Back Central, this three-day experience is the country's longest-running and second-largest free folk festival, filled with music, crafts and food. WinterFest is another popular Lowell event that offers two days of activities in February, ranging from ice sculptures and live music to the ever-popular annual soup competition. The competition showcases soups and chowders from area restaurants that are sampled by judges and residents alike.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christine Strazzere,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Rogers Fort Hill Park
South Common Park
Kerouac Park
Jollene Dubner Park
Father Kirwin Playground
Armory Park
Transit
Airport
Manchester Boston Regional
46 min drive
Bus
43 Highland
Bus
558 Gorham
Bus
Hale Street & Kennedy Center Busway
Bus
Kennedy Center
Bus
Lawrence St & Cady St
Bus
Lawrence St & Mill St
Bus
Gorham St & Appleton St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Back Central
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Back Central, Lowell sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Back Central, Lowell over the last 12 months is $341,472, down 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Property includes 47-49 Walnut Street (3 family) and 47 1/2 Walnut Street (Single family) - on 1 deed. Both buildings will be vacant at time of closing allowing great opportunity to update and and bring new life to a tired property. Triple decker in front is large with all 6rm/3bed units and Washer/dryer hkups. Separate utilities. Large basement allows plenty of storage. Back SF home needs some
Welcome to 38 and 36 Chapel Street, truly a one of a kind property that shows great pride of ownership. Sold as a package, this is a unique opportunity to purchase two well-maintained multi-family properties in the sought-after "Back Central" neighborhood of Lowell. Located in a very convenient area, with close proximity to Downtown, local restaurants, shops, and easy access to Route 495 & Route
A straight forward 6 family with many recent updates and renovations. All units are 2 bedrooms with four units already rented out. Many recent updates include kitchens, flooring, bathrooms, systems, electrical, fire alarm monitoring, security cameras and more. Parking on Chapel and Linden St as well as public transportation within walking distance from the building. One long term tenant at
We are pleased to offer this property for sale which consists of 5 units all 4 beds with 1 bathroom. The property allows investors the opportunity to acquire a well located property with value add potential through cosmetic upgrades, base-building improvements and future rent growth.
Let us introduce you to Thorndike Exchange Apartments, a community where historic preservation meets 21st-century modernization. Our luxury apartments in Lowell, MA, came to life following the transformation of the old mill space into a thriving mixed-use community. Featuring the latest in commercial space and a multi-story residential tower, we bring forth a vibrant live-work-play environment.
Discover a stunning new townhome for rent, perfectly situated near the Lowell Connector for an easy commute. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence showcases the craftsmanship of award-winning builder Daly General Contracting, Inc., blending custom style with eco-friendly “Green Techniques.” The open-concept first floor features gleaming hardwood floors, ideal for modern living,
Jon HindmarshGibson Sotheby's International Realty
Located in the iconic Keith Academy, this freshly renovated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, two-story rental offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience. Spacious bedrooms feature skylight windows, flooding the space with natural light. Enjoy brand-new wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedroom areas, paired with stylish Pergo laminate flooring on the first floor. The updated kitchen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christine Strazzere,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,788
Median Age
37
Population Density
29 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$42,421
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$58,413
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
72.2%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
11.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.9%
% Population in Labor Force
59.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
20''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
45/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
89/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
64/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
