Lowell, MA, United States

Relocating to Lowell, Massachusetts is not for the faint of heart. With over 18,000 students enrolled at the local university, the city's population swells, straining infrastructure and public services. While the university has seen impressive growth, boasting a 63% graduation rate, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache for residents. And with a crime rate higher than the national average, personal safety is an ongoing concern. Still, for those undeterred by the challenges, Lowell's affordable cost of living and solid return on investment for graduates may make it an appealing option.