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Lexington, MA

Frequently asked questions

Lexington, MA

Lexington is a suburban town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, located 10 miles (16 km) from Downtown Boston. The population was 34,454 as of the 2020 census. The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans and was first settled by Europeans in 1641 as a farming community. Lexington is well known as the site of the first shots of the American Revolutionary War, in the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775, where the "Shot heard 'round the world" took place. It is home to Minute Man National Historical Park.

Native Americans inhabited the area that would become Lexington for thousands of years prior to European colonization of the Americas, as attested by a woodland-era archaeological site near Loring Hill south of the town center. At the time of European contact, the area may have been a border region between Naumkeag or Pawtucket to the northeast, Massachusett to the south, and Nipmuc to the west, though the land was eventually purchased from the Naumkeag. The contact period introduced several European infectious diseases which would decimate native populations in virgin soil epidemics, leaving the area largely uncontested upon the arrival of large groups of English settlers in the Puritan Great Migration. In 1639, the Massachusetts General Court purchased the land that would become present-day Lexington, then within the boundaries of Cambridge, from the Naumkeag Squaw Sachem of Mistick.

The area that is now Lexington was first settled in c. 1642 as part of Cambridge, Massachusetts. As the population increased, Lexington was incorporated as a separate parish, called Cambridge Farms, in 1691. This allowed the residents to have their local church and minister, although they were still under the jurisdiction of the Town of Cambridge. Lexington was incorporated as a separate town in 1713. It was then that it got the name Lexington. How the town received its name is the subject of some controversy. One view is that it was named in honor of Lord Lexington, an English peer. Another view is that it was named after Lexington (which was pronounced and is today spelled Laxton) in Nottinghamshire, England.

Lexington is located at 42°26′39″N 71°13′36″W (42.444345, −71.226928). According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 16.5 square miles (42.8 km2), of which 16.4 square miles (42.5 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.4 km2), or 0.85%, is water. Lexington is bordered by Burlington, Woburn, Winchester, Arlington, Belmont, Waltham, Lincoln, and Bedford. It has more area than all other municipalities that it borders.

Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare - Lexington Specialty Care and Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care – Hayden Avenue offer comprehensive medical services to ensure your health and wellness needs are met. Fitness Together provides personalized fitness programs tailored to individual needs, helping clients achieve their fitness goals. Begin your journey at Lexington Power Yoga, where you can engage in various yoga classes tailored to different skill levels. Water House Wellness is known for its holistic approach to wellness, offering services like acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal medicine. Phoenix Sun Wellness offers personalized wellness programs, nutritional counseling, and fitness training for individuals seeking to improve their health. Embrace outdoor activities at Minuteman Bikeway, a scenic trail perfect for walking, running, or cycling. Discover holistic healing at Lexington Natural Health Center, offering acupuncture, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling.

Top Sites in Lexington, MA are Hancock-Clarke House, Lexington Battle Green, and Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library.
 

Population: 34,454 (2020). ZIP Codes: 02420–02421. Area code: 339/781. Elevation: 210 ft (64 m). Area: 16.5 square miles (42.8 km2). 
 

FAQs

Is Lexington, MA a wealthy town?

Lexington, Massachusetts is one place where the median household income is more than double the national figure. The typical household in the area earns $202,852 a year, the eighth highest among all cities with sufficient data and 193.9% more than the national median. Incomes in the United States, for individuals and across broad populations, tend to rise with higher levels of educational attainment. In Lexington, an estimated 85.0% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher, well above the 33.7% share of adults nationwide with similar education levels.

What is Lexington, MA famous for?

The first battle of the American Revolution took place in Lexington on April 19, 1775, and the town has long been known as "The Birthplace of American Liberty". On that fateful spring morning, some seventy-seven militia members led by Captain John Parker stood on the Lexington Common to challenge the British troops. Eight were killed on the Common, seven of whom were residents of Lexington.

Is Lexington, MA a good place to live?

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

Sources

Town of Lexington

Wikipedia

247 Wall St

Niche

Hancock-Clarke House

Lexington Battle Green

Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare - Lexington Specialty Care

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care – Hayden Avenue

Fitness Together

Lexington Power Yoga

Water House Wellness

Phoenix Sun Wellness

Minuteman Bikeway

Lexington Natural Health Center

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.