Lowell is not even considered a greater boston area. Open the google map. i95 pretty much circles the greater boston area. It depends on who u r n wat u r looking for, like whether u r a young guy, raising a family or already settled. If raising a family, all areas on west side of boston, from newton to all the way up stoneham are good (school, area, locality etc). if u want cheap go to malden, everett. Lot of nepalis r buying houses there. But it feels like u r living in Mexico or Queens in NY. If u r young, somerville , cambridge are good. Near to downtown, public transportation, college kids, young professionals, bars.. Etc. medford and arlington are good area too, Suitable for all. Avoid chelsea, revere and everything on the south, east of newton. If u r millionire, go to lexington.