Living in Lincoln MA is lovely! The Massachusett people lived in the area of Lincoln for thousands of years before Europeans arrived in 1654. Lincoln was initially a part of Concord, and it was incorporated as its own town in 1754. Chambers Russell named Lincoln after Lincolnshire, England, not President Abraham Lincoln. It’s the only town in America named after Lincolnshire. The Lincoln nickname is Niptown, as Lincoln was comprised of land nipped from Concord, Lexington, and Weston.
What is Lincoln known for? Lincoln is best known for its rich history related to the Revolutionary War. Paul Revere was captured in Lincoln on April 18, 1775. The Battles of Lexington and Concord occurred the next day, with most of the battle actually taking place in Lincoln. Lincoln has remained a quaint and welcoming community over the last 250 years, with a family-oriented atmosphere. Is Lincoln a good place to live? Yes, it’s a wonderful place to live, with a prosperous job market, great schools, and an upscale housing market.
Yet you shouldn’t start the process of moving to Lincoln just yet. You should learn more about this small town and see where the right place to live in this close-knit community is. Here are some of the benefits of living in Lincoln.
Where Is Lincoln?
What county is Lincoln in, and where is Lincoln? Lincoln is in Middlesex County, inside the Boston MetroWest region and the Boston, MA metro area. Lincoln borders Lexington, Bedford, Concord, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, and Waltham. It is 17.8 miles from Lincoln to Boston.
Green spaces and nature preserves take up a large portion of land in Lincoln, providing natural beauty and creating a sparse suburban feel. You can find various geographic features in the community, including Flints Pond, Farrar Pond, and Pigeon Hill. Lincoln has a few small residential and commercial areas connected to each other with winding but paved roads.
The Lincoln Commuter Rail station is in Lincoln. The station is along the Fitchburg Line, which connects to North Station and Wachusett. However, Lincoln residents do not have access to the light rail system or bus routes. State Route 2 runs through the northern section of Lincoln, and the route connects to Cambridge and other cities near Boston.
Are you ready to start living in Lincoln MA? Contact Mass Bay Movers and start your new life in the only town you need to live in for the rest of your life!
Lincoln Population and Demographics
What is the population of Lincoln? The Lincoln population is 7,014, up by 10.2% since 2010. The Lincoln population has hovered around 7,000 people over the last 50 years. Lincoln is one of the smallest towns in Middlesex County, though it has a larger population than nearly all census-designated communities in the county. The community has a population density of 487.1 people per square mile, roughly one-quarter of the countywide density.
Notable Lincoln residents include John Linnell, John Flansburgh, and Maggie Hassan. Important Lincoln demographics include:
- 50.1% female, 49.9% male
- Median age: 41.9
- Racial and ethnic composition: 80.2% White (75.4% non-Hispanic), 11.3% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Asian, 6.2% two or more races, 1.1% Black or African American
- Median household income: $158,894 (1.5 times higher than the Massachusetts median)
- Educational attainment: 98.5% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 76.9% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population: 12.2%
Lincoln is one of the wealthiest towns in Massachusetts. Over two-thirds of households have an income of at least $100,000, with 40.1% making at least $200,000. The Lincoln per capita income is $99,807, nearly twice the Massachusetts per capita income. The median value of Lincoln homes for sale is $1,184,800, nearly 2.5 times the statewide median.
Lincoln is one of the safest towns or cities in Massachusetts. Here are its crime rates according to the FBI in 2020:
- Overall crime rate: 310 offenses per 100,000 people (77.2% lower than the Massachusetts rate, 86.8% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 28 offenses per 100,000 residents (90.9% lower than the state rate, 92.8% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 282 crimes per 100,000 people (73.2% lower than the state rate, 85.6% lower than the national rate)
The Lincoln Police Department serves all residents living in Lincoln MA. The Lincoln Police Department employs 13 sworn police officers.
Cost of Living in Lincoln
You can use Boston cost of living statistics to estimate the cost of living in Lincoln. The Boston cost of living index is 153.2, meaning items in the area cost 53.2% higher than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $157,024 a year to cover the cost of living in Lincoln. Child care is the biggest expense for living in Lincoln MA, at $34,128 a year, so singles and couples without children can cut their expenses down significantly. Even if you are moving to Lincoln with children, you can reduce your expenses by sending your children to an affordable preschool or daycare.
Lincoln real estate can be pricey, though you can find lavish and classy homes in Lincoln you can’t find elsewhere. According to Redfin, Lincoln homes for sale have a median cost of $1,720,000, with an average price per square foot of $515. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Lincoln for Lincoln apartments is $2,736 a month. Roughly one-third of Lincoln families rent in Lincoln rather than own a house.
Typical Lincoln* Living Expenses
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $6.23
- 1 pound of oranges: $3.09
- 1 pound of onions: $1.66
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.58
- Average Lincoln* utilities per month: $198.58
- 1 pair of Nike running shoes: $95.31
Source: Numbeo
*Expenses actually for Boston
Lincoln Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Lincoln
Lincoln does not have formal neighborhoods. The Lincoln real estate market contains mostly single-family homes for sale, with few options for townhomes or condos. Nearly all Lincoln homes for sale cost at least $1 million, with most properties costing at least $2 million. Despite the high costs, you can find a range of different homes. You can select English-style farmhouses built in the 19th century with rustic features like hand-hewn beams. You can also buy a modern home with an Arts and Crafts style with oak floors and mahogany doors.
Most Lincoln homes for sale are large, with four bedrooms and over 3,000 square feet. They also sit on spacious lots with front and backyards that you can use for gardening and entertaining. Most properties are on scenic country roads that provide easy access to outdoor activities, though some of these roads are uneven.
There are very few Lincoln apartments or homes for rent. Oriole Landing is the most notable Lincoln apartment complex. Oriole Landing offers one and two-bedroom Lincoln apartments between 618 and 1,472 square feet. You must contact the managers at Oriole Landing for prices, but all residents can access a fitness center, walking and running trails, and an outdoor dog park.
Do you want to move to Lincoln and find your dream home? Call 978-587-3775 for a free quote now!
Lincoln Weather and Climate
Lincoln has a humid continental climate, with warm and sunny summers and snowy and cold winters. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 72 degrees and an average high of 82. Temperatures begin dropping off in mid-September, reaching their lowest point in January. January has an average temperature of 26 degrees and an average low of 19. Average lows are below-freezing between late November and late March.
Each month has at least seven days of precipitation and at least 10 mostly cloudy and overcast days. The community receives 37.2 inches of Lincoln rain and 41.6 inches of snow. The community can experience snowstorms during the winter that drop over one foot of snow and create high winds. Severe Lincoln weather isn’t common, but you should prepare for them by stocking up on canned food, bottled water, and medicine.
September is the best month to visit Lincoln or start moving to Lincoln. September is the clearest month of the year, with 62% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days. The average temperature is 63 degrees, so you can remain warm and comfortable in a short-sleeved shirt. Many outdoor activities are available in September, so you can enjoy fun and unique destinations in Lincoln.
Things to Do in Lincoln
You can find so many exciting things to do in Lincoln, including top historic points of interest, great parks, and friendly stores. Donelan’s Supermarket is the best grocery store in Lincoln, offering groceries at affordable prices. You can find a plethora of quaint and fun shops like Something Special, a locally run gift shop. If you prefer to shop at farm stands and farmer’s markets while living in Lincoln MA, you can visit Codman Community Farms and get fresh produce.
deCordova Sculpture Park
deCordova Sculpture Park is the largest sculpture park in New England, covering 30 acres and containing over 60 site-specific sculptures. You can view additional works of art in an on-site museum and attend cool special events like yoga classes and nature tours.
51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA, 01773, 781-259-8355
Minute Man National Historical Park
Minute Man National Historical Park includes the battlegrounds of the Battles of Lexington and Concord as well as nature trails. The park contains historic homes, memorials, cemeteries for British soldiers, and other attractions, like North Bridge and the Paul Revere Capture Site. The park is the top outdoor destination in Lincoln, and it’s a kid-friendly and dog-friendly point of interest.
Off Route 2A, Lincoln, MA, 01773, 978-369-6993
Drumlin Farm
Drumlin Farm is a Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary and historic farm that covers nearly 300 acres and contains four miles of walking trails. It’s one of the best places for birdwatching, and you can view owls, hawks, and other birds in natural habitats.
208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA, 01773, 781-259-2200
Additional Fun Things to Do in Lincoln
The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department takes care of public and green spaces in Lincoln. The department partners with other organizations to plan special Lincoln events throughout the year, including summer camps and concerts. You can use the Town of Lincoln events calendar to see when these events and programs will be.
Lincoln Restaurants
The Boston area has a wide range of unique restaurants, including many options for seafood, squash, and cranberries. You can try out a plethora of special dishes at family-friendly and unique Lincoln restaurants.
The Tack Room
The Tack Room is an upscale and classy tavern with an extensive cocktails list, as well as top burgers and sandwiches. It’s the best Lincoln restaurant for dates, and you can share wine, beer, and snacks with your partner.
145 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA, 01773, 781-257-5099
Twisted Tree Cafe
Twisted Tree Cafe is one of the top cafes in the MetroWest area, serving fresh sandwiches, salads, and pastries in a casual environment. You can order dozens of different tea and coffee drinks, as well as bottled juice and soda from local companies.
145 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA, 01773, 781-330-6007
Country Pizza
Country Pizza is a unique pizzeria next door to Doherty’s Garage, the oldest business in Lincoln. You can order pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches for less than $10, making Country Pizza the most affordable restaurant in Lincoln.
161 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA, 01773, 781-259-4480
Are you ready to start enjoying delicious Lincoln restaurants? Schedule an appointment with Mass Bay Movers today!
Lincoln Jobs
2,733 people have jobs in Lincoln. The Lincoln job market is diverse, with many industries contributing at least 100 jobs to the community. Business, healthcare, and education are the three biggest job sectors in Lincoln. All three of these sectors have median salaries of over $100,000 a year. 536 Lincoln residents, including many young professionals, work in management positions with a median salary of $142,100 a year.
According to Payscale, the average base salary of Lincoln jobs is $63,000 a year. Very few jobs pay an hourly rate. Major employers in Lincoln include Hanscom Air Force Base, Target, and Spectrum. These companies are among the best places to work in Lincoln. You can apply for jobs in Lincoln using Indeed, and you can apply for Town of Lincoln jobs on the town government’s website.
Lincoln Schools
Lincoln Public Schools is the main Lincoln school district, serving all students living in Lincoln MA. The school district contains three schools, including a preschool. Lincoln School is a K-8 school that US News ranks in the top 100 elementary schools in Massachusetts. 66% of Lincoln School students test at or above the proficiency level in mathematics, double the state rate. Hanscom School is a K-8 school for students whose parents are military personnel residing at Hanscom Air Force Base. There are no separate middle schools in Lincoln. Lincoln Public Schools helps run the school, though it’s not open to most residents living in Lincoln MA.
Lincoln School students attend Lincoln Sudbury High School. US News ranks it in the top 100 high schools in Massachusetts. 81% of Lincoln Sudbury High School students test at or above the proficiency level in reading, 21 percentage points higher than the state rate. There are not multiple Lincoln high schools.
There are a few private schools in Lincoln. Carroll School, a middle school for students diagnosed with learning differences in reading and writing, is located in Lincoln. The school has served students living in Lincoln MA with dyslexia for over 50 years. Lincoln Nursery School is a private preschool housed at deCordova Sculpture Park, teaching young children about the visual arts and music. There are no colleges located in Lincoln.
Lincoln Public Library is the official public library, allowing Lincoln residents to take out thousands of books, movies, and other media.
Lincoln Statistics and Information
- County: Middlesex County
- Lincoln area: 15.0 square miles
- Lincoln zip code: 01773
- Lincoln area code: 339 and 781
- Lincoln elevation: 258 feet
- Lincoln time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Lincoln: Logan International Airport (BOS), 21.7 miles from Lincoln
Lincoln Map
You can use this map of Lincoln to find the best restaurants in Lincoln, fun things to do in Lincoln, and amenities.
Living in Lincoln MA is so special! Lincoln may be a small town, but it contains incredible attractions like deCordova Sculpture Park and a strong sense of community and fun. You can enjoy a small-town feel with New England charm right now, once you figure out moving to Lincoln.
Mass Bay Movers has the best Lincoln movers, performing over 2,000 moves every year. Call 978-587-3775 for a free estimate now.
