Acton is a small, semi-affluent township in Middlesex County north-west of Boston, known as a hub for historic sites relating to America’s revolution. Named the 11th best place to live among small towns in the United States, Acton has its origins at the epoch of English settlement of the Americas, being the first inland town settled by the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and incorporated in 1735. Acton would supply many men for the Continental Army during the Battle of Lexington, joining the call to arms initiated by Paul Revere. During the Industrial Revolution, Acton would be a hub of the production of barrels, but industry would leave by the 20th century, leaving Acton to become the quiet residential community it is today. Upon moving to Acton, you’ll be immersed in an affluent, beautiful, and cultured community, right in the heart of historic America!
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Where is Acton, MA?
Acton is in Middlesex County, about a half-hour drive west of Boston. Acton is located outside Boston’s metropolitan area, and is bordered by towns like Concord, Littleton, Sudbury, and Carlisle. The distance from Acton, MA to Boston, MA is 25 miles. Public transportation is handled by the MBTA Commuter Rail and Yankee Lines public transportation lines.
Acton, MA Population & Demographics
The population of Acton is 23,846 distributed over 19.9 miles at a population density of about 1,200 people per square mile. The median age here is 43.8, and 26.9% of residents are foreign born, 65% of whom come from Asia. 74.4% of Acton’s population has a bachelor’s degree or higher certification, nearly double the Massachusetts rate.
Notable people and famous celebrities from Acton include comedic actor of The Office fame Steve Carrell, Dropbox founder Drew Houston, and comedian Christian Finnegan.
The demographics of Acton’s population are fairly diverse, with Whites making up 64% of the community’s population. The second largest demographic is Asians, making up 24% of Acton’s population. Acton’s male/female gender ratio is weighted towards women, at 53%.
Is Acton, MA a safe place to live? You’ll certainly be glad to know that Acton is an incredibly safe community! Acton’s overall crime rate is 74% lower than the national average, with a crime rate of 607 crimes annually per 100,000 people. The property crime rate is 73% lower than the national average, while the violent crime rate is 83% lower. The community of Acton is served by the Acton Police Department, with 43 sworn officers.
Cost of Living in Acton, MA
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.
If you want to make yourself a part of this community, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Acton, MA.
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Acton, MA Everyday Expenses
Want to know what sort of daily expenses you’ll be paying in Acton? Check out these everyday expenses for Acton, provided by Numbeo.
- Gallon of Milk – $1.32
- Loaf of Bread – $4.84
- Gallon of Gasoline – $1.24
- Average Acton Utilities per Month – $175.95
- Internet per Month – $60.95
Where to Live in Acton, MA
Acton is too small and cozy for distinct neighborhoods, despite the fact that it is relatively large in size. However, there are plenty of the prospective residents to know about Acton’s geography and real estate, which we’ll go into below:
Most of Acton’s more affordable property is concentrated in the south, where most of the semi-urban buildup in Acton is, as well most of its attractions. As you go out to the rural parts of Acton, property begins to balloon in size, accompanied by an increase in price. No matter where you choose to buy a home, though, Acton is sure to please!
Acton, MA Climate & Weather
According to the Koppen Climate Classification, Acton is a hot summer continental climate. Just like in Boston, you can expect lots of rain and lots of snow. You can expect lows of 16 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 83 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Acton gets more than the average amount of rainfall for the United States, with 48 inches per year. Acton also experiences more snow than the national average, with 51 inches annually. The best times to visit Acton, in terms of comfort rating, are July and August.
Boston is subject to extreme snow storms, but Acton is somewhat sheltered by these by virtue of being more inland.
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Things to Do in Acton
Want to know about the best things to do in Acton, MA? Check out great shopping near and in the community like the Acton Plaza and Brookside Shops for just about every shopping need you could possibly think of! You should also check out some of the best things to do in Acton, MA below:
Discovery Museum
Want to educate your children and have fun at the same time? This much-beloved museum offers interactive science exhibits geared towards kids, perfect for a fun day out with the kids!
177 Main St, Acton, MA 01720, (978) 264-4200
Acton Arboretum
65 acres in size, the Acton Arboretum is a lovely outdoor area with many interesting and unique gardens of varying plants. A lovely place to spend your time outdoors!
2 Taylor Rd, Acton, MA 01720, (978) 264-9631
Nara Park
This lakeside park has all sorts of fun attractions for a productive day outside.
25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA 01720, (978) 929-6641
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Acton, MA Additional Attractions:
Acton is served by the Town of Acton parks & recreation department. See all the events that are planned in Acton with the Acton community calendar.
Places to Eat in Acton, MA
Acton, despite its small size, has a wide variety of fantastic eateries and restaurants! You’ll be able to eat all sorts of fantastic dishes while staying in Acton. Check out some of the best places to eat in Acton, Massachusetts below:
- Rapscallion Table & Tap, 5 Strawberry Hill Rd, Acton, MA 01720, (978) 429-8161
- Bueno Y Sano, 263 Main St, Acton, MA 01720, (978) 263-9200
- Not Your Average Joe’s, 305 Main St, Acton, MA 01720, (978) 635-0101
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Acton, MA Schools
Acton is served by the Acton Boxborough Regional School District, and has five schools, four of which are elementary schools and one of which is a junior high. These include the Paul P. Gates Elementary School, named for a school physician, and Luther Conant Elementary, named for a town moderator. Students of Acton go to the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School.Your children’s education will be in good hands in Acton!
Students and others in Acton are served by the Acton Memorial Library and the West Acton Citizens’ Library.
Jobs in Acton, MA
Acton is not really the type of community to have lots of industry as it is primarily residential, but there are still many opportunities for lucrative jobs in the Acton area! The most popular occupations in Acton are Principal Software Engineer, Senior Software Engineer, and Software Engineer. The most popular employers in Acton are Insulet Corporation, Haartz Corporation, and Honeywell International Inc.. The average salary for a worker in Acton is $79k a year, while the average hourly wage is $23.68.
See the latest openings for jobs in Acton here, as well as offerings from the city job board here.
Map of Acton, MA
Explore Acton’s large variety of things to do, places to eat, and more with this map!
Acton, MA Statistics & Information
- Located in Middlesex County
- Acton Area: 20.3 square miles
- Acton zip codes: 01718, 01720
- Acton area codes: 978, 351
- Acton Elevation: 260’
- Acton Time zone: EST
- Acton’s Closest airport: Boston-Logan International Airport, 9X8R+65 Boston, Massachusetts, 30.9 miles from Acton
Think moving to Acton, Massachusetts is the right course of action for you? Don’t delay, call Mass Bay Movers at 978-587-3775! Our company of experienced and helpful Acton movers will transform your relocation into a painless ordeal. Don’t stress out over your move, let Mass Bay Movers help you!
