Have you always dreamed of settling down in a quaint New England town with good schools and low crime? Moving to Boxborough may be the answer you’ve been searching for!
Boxborough is known for its interesting history and regular community events. It’s a town outside of Boston that’s often a commuter suburb. Puritan settlers founded the town in 1775 after purchasing the Harvard Old Meeting House with the intention of forming Boxborough town hall and establishing a new church. However, Boxborough residents were denied registration as an independent district three times until it was officially accepted and incorporated in 1783.
The origin of the name Boxborough is unclear. Some sources suggest that it originated from a prominent local family, while others attribute it to the prevalence of large wooden boxes used for storage in the area.
However the name came to be, today Boxborough is a great place to live for anyone who wants a peaceful small town with a high quality of life and easy access to Boston. Is this the perfect community for you? Here is a closer look at everything you need to know about living in Boxborough MA.
Where Is Boxborough MA?
The town of Boxborough MA is in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It’s in the Merrimack Valley area and the MetroWest Region of Boston. Before being incorporated, the site that is now Boxborough was part of Stow, Harvard, and Littleton.
Commuters living in Boxborough MA, with a car have plenty of transportation options. I-425 passes through the community and intersects with Massachusetts Route 111.
Massachusetts Route 2 also passes by the northeastern corner of Boxborough and provides a direct route to the Boston area. There is also a commuter rail stop about 10 minutes away in South Acton for those living in Boxborough MA, who don’t want to sit in traffic while commuting.
One thing that often confuses those from out of town is that many local highway signs are shortened to “Boxboro, Mass,” although that’s technically an incorrect spelling. Surrounding towns include Harvard, Littleton, West Concord, Acton, South Acton, West Acton, and Bolton.
It’s about 34 miles or a 1 hour drive from Boxborough MA to Boston.
Boxborough Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Boxborough population is 5,506. The town has seen steady population growth over the past decade, with the number of people living in Boxborough MA increasing by 10.2% between 2010 and 2020. Despite this upward trend, Boxborough has retained its scenic, semi-rural charm—with a population density of just 532 residents per square mile, it offers plenty of open space, wooded trails, and a tranquil, small-town feel.
Boxborough is known for being both affluent and diverse, with many professionals and families living in Boxborough who are drawn to its excellent public schools and peaceful lifestyle. The median household income is $151,000, which is roughly 50% higher than the statewide average, reflecting the town’s highly educated and career-oriented residents.
While most people living in Boxborough MA are white, the town boasts notable racial and cultural diversity, especially for a smaller Massachusetts community. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 68% white (67.6% white, non-Hispanic), 18% Asian, 8.5% Black or African American and 4.5% two or more races.
Other Boxborugh demographics
- The median age is 42.8 years old
- 53% of people living in Boxborough MA are female, and 47% are male
- 96.6% of residents living in Boxborough MA have a high school diploma or higher, while 77.8% have a bachelor’s degree
- The foreign-born Boxborough MA population is 25.4%
One of the biggest benefits of relocating to the town is the fact that Boxborough MA is very safe. The total crime rate is just 632 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 54.6% lower than the Massachusetts average and 72.8% below the national rate.
- Violent crime is extremely rare, at 77% lower than the state average and 80% lower than the national average.
- The murder rate is zero and serious crime is minimal, except for a few aggravated assaults.
- Property crime is also well below average, coming in at 48% lower than the Massachusetts average and 71.4% lower than the U.S. average.
So if safety is a priority for your family or lifestyle, moving to Boxborough is a fantastic option.
The Boxborough MA Police Department handles crime prevention and enforcement in the community with the assistance of 14 officers and 5 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Boxborough MA
The cost of living in Boxborough MA is reasonable compared to other parts of the state. One way to get an idea of what it costs to live in a community is to examine the cost of living index. It compares the typical price of consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Boston area is 146.5, indicating it’s about 47% more expensive than the typical US city. However, the Economic Research Institute shows that the cost of living in Boxborough MA specifically is around 125, indicating that while cheaper than Boston, living in Boxborough MA is still about 25% more expensive than the national average.
The Family Budget Calculator the Economic Policy Institute developed is also a solid resource. It suggests that the typical family of four, including two parents and two kids needs to earn $154,387 to afford the cost of living in Boxborough MA.
Typical Expenses of Living in Boxborough MA:
- Meal for 2 at a mid-priced restaurant: $120
- Regular cappuccino: $5.72
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.95
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $4.64
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $16.00
- A gallon of gasoline: $3.50
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.42
- Average Boxborough monthly utility bill: $196.60
Source: Numbeo
Boxborough real estate prices tend to vary depending on where you look. You’ll find everything from modest starter homes to multimillion-dollar estates in Boxborough. According to recent sales data from Redfin, the median listing price of homes for sale in Boxborough MA, is $215,000.
However, that’s a 72% decrease year over year. Historically, the median price of Boxborough homes for sale is closer to $600,000 to $700,000, but it can depend on the available inventory on the market.
Although most people living in Boxborough MA own a home, tenants will also find options as well. Census data shows that 77% of buildings are owner-occupied, and 33% are apartments for rent in Boxborough.
Rentcafe suggests that prices of apartments for rent in Boxborough, MA, start at around $1800 for a studio and go up to $4200 for three or more bedrooms. Paddock Estates at Boxborough, MA, is a notable apartment complex offering new, luxury apartments in Boxborough MA with a swimming pool and other shared amenities.
Boxborough Neighborhoods | Where To Live in Boxborough
Boxborough is a small residential community and, therefore, doesn’t have many well-defined neighborhoods. Many consider it a “country suburb” due to its lush green spaces, open land, and low population density.
However, no matter where you look, you’ll find beautiful Boxborough MA real estate, friendly folks, and upscale Boxborough apartments for rent. Generally, the most desirable neighborhoods among those living in Boxborough MA tend to be in the southern part of the city, while the most affordable neighborhoods are in the northwest.
Boxborough MA Weather & Climate
Weather in Boxborough, MA, is relatively consistent with what you might expect of a town in the middle of New England. It has a humid continental climate according to the Koppen Classification System. That means you can expect warm summers and cold, snowy winters if you plan on moving to Boxborough.
The temperature typically varies between 20°F to 82°F, although in the winter, it can drop to 6°F, and summers can get as hot as 90°F. The best time to visit is typically anytime from July to September. If you’re thinking about living in Boxborough MA, you’ll also want to learn to deal with precipitation. The town averages 51 inches of snow and 49 inches of rain every year, so don’t forget an umbrella and snow boots.
Things to Do in Boxborough
From museums to nature preserves, residents will find many fun things to do in Boxborough. It’s famous for its annual Fifer’s Day Celebration, a festival held every third Saturday in June that features parades, vendors, music, concessions, and an award ceremony. There are also a lot of outdoor enthusiasts living in Boxborough because it’s not far from the mountains of Western MA and NH.
You’ll find plenty of shops and world-class restaurants at Nagog Mall, Acton Plaza, or Brookside Shops. Beyond shopping, here are a few top things to do in Boxborough MA.
The Boxborough Museum
Run by the Boxborough Historical Society, this local history museum features artifacts, documents, and exhibits charting the town’s development from a small community of farmers to a prospering suburb. It’s a must-see for history lovers living in Boxborough MA.
575 Middle Rd, Boxborough, MA 01719
Nashoba Valley Olympia Rink
The Nashoba Valley Olympia Rink is a local ice rink that hosts hockey, skating classes, freestyle skating, summer programs, and other family-friendly activities for those living in Boxborough MA.
34 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719 (978) 263-3020
Flerra Meadows
Flerra Meadows is a nature preserve and one of the best things to do in Boxborough for outdoor enthusiasts. It has sports fields, playgrounds, picnic tables, walking trails, and more.
400 Stow Rd, Boxborough, MA 01719 (978) 264-1700
Additional Attractions in Boxborough
Looking for more fun things to do in Boxborough? The Boxborough Recreation Commission has a list of public events and programs for residents living in Boxborough MA on its website.
Boxborough Restaurants
Although there are only a handful of local restaurants in Boxborough, MA, you’ll still find plenty of fantastic dining options in the surrounding communities. Here are a few of the best Boxborough MA restaurants.
Oscars Burritos Mexican Grill
One of the few restaurants in Boxborough, MA, Oscars Burritos is a laidback counter-serve restaurant offering authentic Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients.
34 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719 (978) 266-0001
Magnolia
Magnolia is a down-to-earth restaurant located in the nearby town of Maynard that serves classic Chinese entrees like sesame chicken and egg rolls. It’s a popular destination for anyone living in Boxborough MA who like Chinese food.
42 Nason St, Maynard, MA 01754 (978) 897-5945
View this post on Instagram
Rapscallion Table & Tap
Situated in the adjacent town of Acton, Rapscallion Table & Tap is a lively gastropub serving a range of house-brewed beers and upscale bar food like poutine and braised short rib.
5 Strawberry Hill Rd, Acton, MA 01720 (978) 429-8161
Jobs in Boxborough, MA
Living in Boxborough MA offers limited job opportunities in the town itself, but its close proximity to Boston means employment is not far away. Middlesex County has the largest GDP in the state at $184.2 billion, with more than half of that being attributed to three major industries: professional, scientific and technical services, manufacturing, and real estate.
Most residents living in Boxborough MA are employed in office management, education, or business and financial operations-related professions.
Some of the largest employers in the Boston area offering Boxborough MA jobs:
- Massachusetts General Hospital: 14,207 employees
- Brigham and Women’s: 11,607 employees
- Boston University: 9,301 employees
- Boston Children’s Hospital: 7,603 employees
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: 7,192 employees
Most employees living in Boxborough MA will receive great compensation. Payscale shows that the average salary in the Boston area is $91,000 per year. From scientific marketing specialist to quantitative analyst, you’ll find many fantastic Boxborough jobs available. City of Boxborough jobs are also available for those who would prefer to work in local government. For those living in Boxborough, MA but interested in working for an out-of-state employer there are Massachusetts co-employment (Professional Employer Organization) solutions available.
Boxborough Schools
Parents will be happy to hear that kids living in Boxborough MA will have access to an excellent school system. Along with the neighboring community of Acton, the town is part of the Acton-Boxborough School District.
The Blanchard Memorial School is the sole elementary school in Boxborough and serves students in grades K-6. Those in 7th and 8th grade attend R.J. Grey Junior High School, while 9th through 12th grade students go to Acton-Boxborough Regional High School.
Acton Boxborough Regional High School is well respected and ranks #10 out of all high schools in Massachusetts and #319 in the country. It has a 98% graduation rate and a 59% AP Participation Rate. Residents living in Boxborough MA should also check out Albert. J. Sargent Library for books and other media.
Boxborough Statistics & Information
- County: Middlesex County
- Boxborough area: 10.4 square miles
- Boxborough zip code: 01719
- Boxborough area code: 351 and 978
- Boxborough elevation: 335 ft
- Boxborough time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- The closest airport to Boxborough: The Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is 50 miles away.
Boxborough MA Map
Explore more attractions, activities, and fun things to do in the Boxborough MA zip code with this map.
Find Out For Yourself What Living In Boxborough MA Is Like?
Now that you’ve heard all about living in Boxborough MA, you’re ready to determine if it’s the right place for you. When you’re ready to plan your relocation, you can trust the expert Boxborough movers at Mass Bay Movers to make your upcoming move easy and efficient. Call (978) 587-3775 today for a free quote.
