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Concord, MA

Frequently asked questions

Concord, MA

Concord is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. In the 2020 census, the town population was 18,491. The United States Census Bureau considers Concord part of Greater Boston. The town center is near where the confluence of the Sudbury and Assabet rivers forms the Concord River.

The area that became the town of Concord was originally known as Musketaquid, an Algonquian word for "grassy plain." Concord was established in 1635 by a group of English settlers; by 1775, the population had grown to 1,400. As dissension between colonists in North America and the British crown intensified, 700 troops were sent to confiscate militia ordnance stored at Concord on April 19, 1775. The ensuing conflict, the battles of Lexington and Concord, were the incidents (including the shots heard around the world) that triggered the American Revolutionary War.

A rich literary community developed in Concord during the mid-19th century centered around Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson's circle included Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, and Henry David Thoreau. Major works written in Concord during this period include Alcott's novel Little Women, Emerson's essay Self-Reliance, and Thoreau's Walden and Civil Disobedience. In this era, the now-ubiquitous Concord grape was developed in Concord by Ephraim Wales Bull. In the 20th century, Concord developed into an affluent Boston suburb and tourist destination, drawing visitors to the Old North Bridge, Orchard House, and Walden Pond. The town retains its literary culture and is home to notable authors, including Doris Kearns Goodwin, Alan Lightman, and Gregory Maguire. Concord is also notable for its progressive and environmentalist politics, becoming in 2012 the first community in the United States to ban single-serving PET bottles.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.9 square miles (67 km2), of which 24.9 square miles (64 km2) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2), or 3.75%, is water. The city of Lowell is 13 miles (21 km) to the north, Boston is 19 miles (31 km) to the east, and Nashua, New Hampshire, is 23 miles (37 km) to the north.

Massachusetts state routes 2, 2A, 62, 126, 119, 111, and 117 pass through Concord. The town center is near the confluence of the Sudbury and Assabet rivers, forming the Concord River, which flows north to the Merrimack River in Lowell. Gunpowder was manufactured from 1835 to 1940 in the American Powder Mills complex extending upstream along the Assabet River.

Concord places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Emerson Hospital offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. The Thoreau Club provides a fully equipped gym and various fitness classes to keep you in shape. For fitness enthusiasts, the Beede Swim & Fitness Center provides extensive facilities and classes. Yoga lovers can head to Align Ayurveda for holistic wellness sessions. For a unique fitness experience, Metrowest Kung Fu provides martial arts training. Planet Fitness is another popular spot for general fitness needs. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the serene landscapes with activities promoted by Castle Island Brewing during health and fitness events.

Top sites in Concord, MA are Concord Museum, The Old Manse, Ralph Waldo Emerson House, and Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House.

Population: 18,226 (2023). ZIP code: 01742. Area codes: 351, 978. Elevation: 43 m (141 ft). Area: 25.9 square miles (67 km2).

FAQs

What is Concord, MA famous for?

As the scene of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War (War for Independence) on April 19, 1775, it is considered the birthplace of the nation, where the "shot heard round the world" for liberty and self-government was fired. During the middle of the 19th century, Concord was home to some of the greatest literary and transcendental minds in America. Authors Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bronson, Louisa Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne all lived, worked, and wrote in Concord, and signs of their presence in the community remain to this day through the abundance of historic and cultural resources offered.

Is Concord, MA a good place to live?

Concord is in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Concord offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Concord, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many retirees live in Concord and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Concord are highly rated.

Is Concord, MA wealthy?

The per capita income in Concord in 2018 was $92,377, which is wealthy relative to Massachusetts and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $369,508 for a family of four. Concord is a somewhat ethnically diverse town. The people who call Concord home describe themselves as belonging to a variety of racial and ethnic groups. The greatest number of Concord residents report their race to be White, followed by Asian.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Concord

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Concord Museum 

The Old Manse 

Ralph Waldo Emerson House 

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

Emerson Hospital 

The Thoreau Club

Beede Swim & Fitness Center

Align Ayurveda

Metrowest Kung Fu

Planet Fitness 

Castle Island Brewing

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