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Acton, MA

Acton, MA

Acton is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, approximately 21 miles (34 km) west-northwest of Boston along Massachusetts Route 2 west of Concord and about ten miles (16 km) southwest of Lowell. The population was 24,021 in April 2020, according to the United States Census Bureau. It is bordered by Westford and Littleton to the north, Concord and Carlisle to the east, Stow, Maynard, and Sudbury to the south and Boxborough to the west. Acton became an incorporated town in 1735. The town employs the Open Town Meeting form of government with a town manager and an elected, five-member select board. Acton was named the 11th Best Place To Live among small towns in the country by Money Magazine in 2015, and the 16th best in 2009 and in 2011. The local high school, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, was named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2009.

Acton is located at 42°29′N 71°27′W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 20.3 square miles (53 km²), of which 20.0 square miles (52 km²) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km²), or 1.53 percent, is water. Almost all of Acton is forested, except for where it has been cleared for residential or agricultural use. Some forested areas have been put aside for special use by corporations.

The current geography of Acton was created when the last wave of glaciers retreated approximately ten thousand years ago. Acton has nine drumlins—hills which are composed of glacial till. In addition, Wills Hole and Grassy Pond are kettle ponds which were formed in depressions in the till formed by large blocks of ice.

Acton has two primary stream systems: the Nashoba Brook system including the incoming streams Butter Brook, Wills Hole Brook and Conant Brook and the Fort Pond Brook system including the incoming streams Guggins Brook, Inch Brook, Grassy Pond Brook, Pratt's Brook and Coles Brook. Both stream systems empty into the Assabet River, which passes briefly through the town at its southern corner. Nagog Pond in the north, forms Acton's border with the Town of Littleton and provides drinking water to the Town of Concord. A small artificial pond is at NARA Park in North Acton.

Concord was the first inland colonial town established in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The original boundaries of Concord included all of Acton and residents used the Acton land as grazing fields for their animals. In 1639, the first homestead was built within the modern day boundaries of the town. Acton was established as an independent town on July 3, 1735. Acton has held annual town meetings since 1735, the records of which are held at Acton's Memorial Library.

Acton places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. Emerson Hospital provides advanced medical services to more than 300,000 people in 25 towns. Fit Body Boot Camp specializes in 30-minute weight loss boot camps that challenge the body and deliver results in a positive, supportive atmosphere. Join dance classes at The Movement Center Dance Studio to improve fitness levels and express creativity. Participate in group exercise classes of Fit Body Boot Camp focusing on cardio, strength, and flexibility training. Engage in yoga classes of Revolution Community Yoga to enhance physical and mental well-being in a supportive community environment. Access a wide range of fitness facilities, including gym equipment, pools, and group exercise classes at The Thoreau Club. Enjoy the Acton Arboretum nature walks and outdoor activities in a serene botanical garden setting. Relax by the lake, go for a hike, or enjoy picnics and outdoor yoga sessions in a scenic park environment of Nara Park.

Top sites in Acton, MA are Discovery Museum, Nathaniel Alan Recreation Area (NARA Park), and Acton Arboretum.

Population: 23,864 (2023). ZIP codes: 01720, 01718. Area codes: 978, 351. Elevation: 260 ft (79 m). Area: 20.3 sq mi (52.5 km²).

FAQs

Is Acton, MA a good place to live?

Acton is a suburb of Boston with a population of 23,899. Acton is in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Acton offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Acton there are a lot of coffee shops and parks.

Is Acton, MA a wealthy town?

While Acton is more rural than Boston, it is still affluent and expensive, much of which it inherits from being in the same area as that city. The cost of living index for Acton is 53% higher than the national average. The median home price in Acton is $625,000, nearly double the average Massachusetts home price of $398,800. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Acton and nearby areas is $2,312 per month. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four will need a yearly income of $130,740 to live in Acton.

Is Acton, MA expensive?

Acton is ranked 7 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Acton is 150.3% of the national average. The median household income in Acton is $0, which is % less than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $0, which is % less than that of the state. The average rent in Acton (located in Boston Metro Div.) metro area for a 2-bed home is $3,281, which is 170% more than the average rent across the US.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Acton

Niche

Mass Bay Movers

Flyhomes

Discovery Museum

Nathaniel Alan Recreation Area (NARA Park)

Acton Arboretum

Emerson Hospital

Fit Body Boot Camp

The Movement Center Dance Studio

Revolution Community Yoga

The Thoreau Club

Nara Park

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