Always dreamed of living in a peaceful New England town full of friendly neighbors? You should consider moving to Dracut, Massachusetts, a town in Middlesex County, in northeastern Massachusetts. Dracut is known for its picturesque landscapes and historic homes. The town has a long and fascinating history, having been settled in 1653 and officially incorporated in 1701. The name Dracut likely comes from one of the early settlers, Captain John Everett, who came from a town in England called Dreycot Foliat in England, which later morphed into Draucutt and then Dracut.
Throughout much of its early history, Dracut was a rural area with an economy reliant on fishing, lumbering, and milling. Then, with the development of the nearby city of Lowell, it slowly became more residential and suburban. Today, Dracut is a good place to live, offering natural beauty and a New England charm.
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Where is Dracut?
Dracut, MA is in Middlesex County in the northeastern corner of Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border, and is considered a suburban community in the larger Lowell metro area. Dracut borders Tyngsboro, Methuen, Tewksbury, Andover, and Lowell, as well as the town of Pelham, New Hampshire. The Merrimack River also runs along the southern border.
Dracut is 3.5 miles or a 15-minute drive from Lowell and 32.4 miles or 1 hour and 10 minutes from Boston.
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Dracut Population and Demographics
The population of Dracut is 32,617 according to the 2020 census, which is a 9.69% increase since 2010. The population density is 1577 residents per square mile. Several famous residents are from Dracut, including actor Wendell Cory and professional baseball player Harry Lew.
Other Dracut Demographics
- The population of Dracut is 51% female and 49% male
- The median age is 41.4 years old
- The ethnic and racial makeup of Dracut is 83% white, 7% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 3% Black or African American, and 2% two or more races
- The median household income is $95,229, which is 10% higher than in the rest of Massachusetts
- About 92% of Dracut residents have a high school diploma, while only 32.8% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 9.2%
Dracut is a very safe area, and the total crime rate is 962 per 100,000 residents, which is 59% lower than the rest of the country. The violent crime rate is 104 per 100,00, which is 73.2% lower than the national average, and the property crime rate is 858 per 100,000, which is 56.2% lower than the rest of the US.
The Dracut Police Department patrols the town and has 44 employees, including 41 total officers and civilian law enforcement personnel.
Cost of Living in Dracut
If you’re thinking of moving to Dracut, the cost of living is likely a significant concern. The cost of living index is a good metric for analyzing how much it costs to live in a particular area compared to the national average, which is represented by 100. The COLI for Dracut is around 124, which means it’s 24% more expensive than the rest of the US.
According to the Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute, the average family of four with two children and two adults would need to make $130,740 per year to afford to live in Middlesex County.
Typical Dracut Living Expenses
- Inexpensive restaurant: $22
- Cappuccino: $5.33
- Bottle of Coke: $3.00
- 1 Gallon of milk: $3.20
- 12 eggs: $7.00
- 1 pound of local cheese: $3.50
- 1 Pound apples: $1.90
- 1 Pound of white rice: $1.60
- Average Dracut utilities per month: $421
*Numbers reflect the general Lowell area but will be similar for Dracut
Source: Numbeo
The Dracut real estate market is fairly competitive, although home prices are relatively affordable. According to Redfin, the median listing price of a house for sale in Dracut, MA is $339,000, which is down by 19% compared to last year. The average price per square foot of houses for sale in Dracut MA is $300, which is up by 3.8% since last year. However, don’t forget about Middlesex County property taxes.
Although many residents plan on buying a house in Massachusetts, Dracut also has plenty to offer tenants as well. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Dracut, MA is $1941. Rent prices start at around $1600 for a studio apartment and go up to $4300 for a 3 bedroom.
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Dracut Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Dracut
Those considering living in Dracut will likely be curious about the different neighborhoods. Dracut has several distinct neighborhoods, all offering unique charm and high quality of life. The most desirable neighborhoods tend to be in the northeast, while the most affordable are in the west. Here are a few to consider.
Collinsville – A Quiet Neighborhood Along Beaver Brook
Located in the western section of Dracut, Collinsville is a neighborhood full of single-family colonial homes, divided by the Beaver Brook River.
Kenwood – An Affordable Dracut Neighborhood
Kenwood is a neighborhood in the northeastern section of Dracut, offering tree-lined blocks and affordable real estate.
Navy Yard – The Heart of the Dracut Business District
Navy Yard is a neighborhood in the southern portion of Dracut, which contains its main business district, along with an assortment of moderately priced, colonial-style homes.
Dracut MA Weather and Climate
According to the Koppen climate classification system, Dracut has a warm summer continental climate, categorized by warm to hot summers and cold to mild winters. Temperatures typically range from about 18°F to 84°F; however, the Dracut winter low can get as cold as 3°F, and the summer high can get up to 92°F. The best time to visit Dracut is anytime from about early June to mid-September.
Dracut weather has a fair amount of precipitation. It averages about 45 inches of rain and 56 inches of snow per year. So anyone planning on moving to Dracut should bring an umbrella and rain boots.
Things to Do in Dracut
Although primarily a residential suburb, you’ll still find plenty of fun things to do in Dracut, from parks to amusement centers. Residents can head down to the Lakeview Shopping Center for many local boutiques and restaurants. Dracut Threads is another local favorite selling gifts and apparel. Plus, it’s only a quick drive into Lowell for more shopping options at the Meadow Brook Center, Middlesex Plaza Shopping Center, and Sunrise Shopping Center. Here are a few additional Dracut attractions:
Four Oaks Country Club Golf Course
Four Oaks is the premier country club in the area and features an 18-hole professional golf course, pro shop, Italian restaurants, and event space, and so much more.
1 Clubhouse Ln, Dracut, MA 01826 (978) 455-0054
Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park is a public park in the heart of Dracut offering splash pads, playgrounds, covered pavilions, picnic tables, and plenty of open green space.
80 Broadway Road, Dracut, MA 01826 (978) 458-4478
Jay Gee’s Ice Cream and Fun Center
Located in the adjacent town of Methuen, Jay Gee’s Ice Cream and Fun Center is an amusement emporium serving tasty frozen treats, go-karts, batting cages, bumper cars, and more.
602 Lowell St, Methuen, MA 01844 (978) 689-0456
More things to do in Dracut
- Lowell National Historical Park
- Farmer Dave’s Farm Stand
- Chunky’s Cinema Pub
- Edward A. LeLacheur Park
The Dracut Recreation Department is responsible for managing the public parks in the town; you can find more information about their services on their website.
Dracut Restaurants
In addition to fun things to do, residents will also find many excellent restaurants in Dracut MA, from Italian food to Thai cuisine. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Dracut.
Owen and Ollie’s Restaurant and Pub
Owen and Ollies is a laidback eatery in an old mill house serving cocktails and classic American fares like BBQ cheeseburgers and chicken parmesan.
91 Mill St, Dracut, MA 01826 (978) 957-4400
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Thantawan Thai Restaurant
Thantawan is a traditional Thai restaurant serving delicious dishes like drunken noodles, curry, and lo mein Pad Thai.
7 Broadway Rd, Dracut, MA 01826 (978) 275-9902
Grazie Italian Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for Italian, Grazie is one of the best restaurants in Dracut, with an extensive wine list and mouth watering dishes like lobster ravioli or filet mignon.
80 Meadow Creek Dr, Dracut, MA 01826 (978) 455-0054
Jobs in Dracut
Over the past few years, the town of Dracut has been focused on modernizing the economy and attracting more businesses and economic activity. In 2021, they hired a new economic development planner to support local businesses and attract new industries to the town. Part of this new initiative is aimed at re-zoning old mill buildings to become retail and office spaces for commercial use.
The main industries in the Lowell metro area are healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, education, and retail trade. Most residents are employed in office and administrative support, production, management, and sales.
The top employers in the Lowell metro area include:
According to Payscale, the average hourly worker in Dracut makes $23.04 per hour. The average hourly wage for typical Dracut jobs includes:
- Licensed Practical Nurse: $28
- Registered Nurse: $39
- Dental Assistant: $26
- Certified Nurse Assistant: $14
- Retention Specialist: $16
Residents will find various Dracut jobs available, ranging from dental office receptionist to community development engineer. You can explore Town of Dracut jobs too to explore other career opportunities!
Dracut Schools
The Dracut School District is well-regarded and ranks above average in test scores, graduation rates, and other important metrics. There are six schools in the Dracut Public School system, including four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. According to US News and World Report, Dracut High School ranks among the top 5,000 public high schools in the country and the top 200 in Massachusetts, with a 95% graduation rate and a 29.6% minority enrollment rate.
There are also a few private schools in Dracut, including Atlas Academy and Hellenic American Academy. The University of Massachusetts also has a Lowell campus across the Merrimack River.
Residents can also access the Parker Memorial Library to take out books and other media.
Dracut Statistics and Information
- Dracut County: Middlesex
- Dracut Area: 21.36 sq mi
- Dracut Zip Code: 01826
- Dracut Area Code: 978 and 351
- Dracut Elevation: 156 ft
- Dracut Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest Airport: The closest airport is Lawrence Municipal Airport (LWM), about 15.7 miles away.
Dracut, MA Map
Explore more shopping, restaurants, and local attractions with this map of Dracut.
Ready to relocate to the charming town of Dracut, MA? Trust our team of dependable Dracut movers to make your journey simple and stress-free. Call 978-587-3775 today to request a free quote.
