Thinking about moving to Littleton MA? You’re in for a blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and commuter convenience that’s hard to beat. This New England town with a rich history offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle just 25 miles northwest of downtown Boston – close enough for city access, yet far enough to enjoy tranquility and space.
Living in Littleton MA means joining a tight-knit community steeped in history and surrounded by preserved open spaces, local food and dairy farms, and apple orchards. The town was first settled in 1686 and officially incorporated in 1714.
So, what is Littleton known for? Aside from its quintessential New England vibe, this great town is famous for its top-rated public schools, conservation land like Long Lake Park, and strong civic pride. With a historic town center, easy access to the MBTA commuter rail, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Littleton is often considered one of Massachusetts’s best places to live.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about living in Littleton MA- from schools and neighborhoods to recreation and real estate – so you can decide if this suburban haven is the right fit for your next chapter. And if you do decide to move here, trust our highly rated Littleton movers to get the job done right!
Where Is Littleton MA?
Littleton is a town in northwest Middlesex County in eastern Massachusetts, about 40 miles northwest of downtown Boston. It’s part of the Greater Boston metropolitan area and is considered a quiet Boston suburb with excellent commuter access. For families moving to Littleton MA, the location offers a peaceful New England setting with proximity to major job hubs.
If you’re heading into Boston for work, the Littleton/Route 495 station on the Fitchburg Line makes the commute easy, with direct service to North Station. Littleton also sits at a convenient crossroads near major highways like Route 2 and I-495, giving drivers a straight shot to major job centers in Burlington, Cambridge, and Worcester. It’s about 30 miles from Littleton to Cambridge, MA, and 34 miles from Littleton to Worcester, MA.
Littleton MA Population & Demographics
How many people live in Littleton, MA? As of the 2020 U.S. Census, about 10,141 residents call Littleton home – a solid jump from 8,924 in 2010. The town covers just over 16.5 square miles, which works out to around 614 people per square mile. While it keeps its small-town feel, Littleton is part of the greater Boston–Cambridge–Newton metro area, so it enjoys both a quiet suburban vibe and easy access to the region’s jobs, schools, and culture.
Moving to Littleton, MA, means you’re joining a community that looks like many other suburban towns around Massachusetts. Most residents are white (about 81%), but the town is getting more diverse. You’ll find Asian families make up around 8% of the population, about 5% of people are mixed race, 3% are Black, and another 3% are Hispanic or Latino.
Littleton MA Demographics at a Glance:
- Sex ratio: 51% female / 49% male
- Median age: 43.1 years
- Median household income: $146,250
- Educational attainment:
- High school graduate or higher: 96.1%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 61.1%
- Foreign-born residents: 10.7%
- Married couples: 58%
- Poverty rate: 6%
Source: Census Reporter
Littleton, MA has ties to several notable figures, including The Office star Steve Carell, who briefly worked as a mail carrier in town. Greg Hawkes, keyboardist for The Cars, lived in Littleton during the band’s early years, and renowned sportswriter Ron Borges has long-time roots in the community.
Is Littleton MA Safe?
Safety is often one of the first questions people ask before moving to Littleton MA, and in Littleton’s case, the answer is reassuring. The town consistently ranks among the safest in Middlesex County, with crime rates far below both state and national averages.
According to the latest data, Littleton’s total crime rate is just 483 incidents per 100,000 residents – 65% lower than the Massachusetts average and 79% lower than the national rate. Violent crime is infrequent, with only 4 incidents reported, resulting in a rate of 39 per 100,000. Property crime, at 443 per 100,000, also remains well below average.
Littleton’s Police Department includes 21 sworn officers. Their approach plays a big role in the town’s overall sense of safety and quality of life.
Littleton MA Cost of Living
Is Littleton, MA, expensive? Moving to Littleton, MA, comes with higher costs than the national average, but not out of line for a desirable suburb in the Greater Boston area. According to BestPlaces, Littleton has a Cost of Living Index of 144.7, meaning it’s about 44.7% more expensive than the U.S. average.
Littleton MA Living Expenses:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $25.00
- Cappuccino: $5.55
- Gallon of milk: $4.87
- Dozen eggs: $4.81
- Gallon of gas: $3.44
- Average monthly utilities: $194.41
* Includes electricity, heating, water, and garbage
Source: Numbeo – Boston
According to the Economic Policy Institute’s budget calculator, a family of four would need to bring in around $157,387 a year to live comfortably in Middlesex County.
Littleton MA Real Estate
As of mid-2025, the Littleton median home sale price is approximately $960,000, according to Redfin, with an average price per square foot of $368. Homes tend to sell fast, often within 22 days of being listed. If you’re renting instead of buying, the average rent in Littleton, MA, is $2,764 per month, according to RentCafe.
Thinking about moving to Littleton? Don’t forget to factor in the local taxes – they can sneak up on you. Massachusetts takes 5% of your income, most purchases get hit with a 6.25% sales tax, and property taxes in Middlesex County average around 1.23% of your home’s value. It adds up fast, so make sure it fits your budget before you commit.
Neighborhoods in Littleton MA | Best Places to Live in Littleton MA
Looking for a place to call home in Littleton? This charming town has something for everyone, from young families to working professionals to those enjoying retirement. You’ll find everything from walkable village areas to quiet residential streets, all with that classic New England character and convenient access to nearby cities.
Littleton Common – Walkable Historic Village in the Heart of Town
Littleton Common is the town’s civic and commercial center, with shops, restaurants, town offices, and the library all within walking distance. Home styles include classic colonials and updated farmhouses. This area is perfect for families moving to Littleton MA who want to be in the heart of the community.
Baldwin Hill – Family-Friendly Neighborhood with Top Schools
Baldwin Hill is one of the best neighborhoods in Littleton for families, thanks to its close proximity to Littleton High School and Shaker Lane Elementary. This peaceful residential area has tree-lined streets, spacious single-family homes on large lots, and a true neighborhood feel. Many families moving to Littleton MA specifically choose Baldwin Hill for its excellent school access.
King Street Area – Convenient Location for Commuters
The King Street corridor runs from downtown to I-495, where you’ll find everything from older houses and ranch homes to newer construction on bigger lots. Most homes sit on quiet side streets, giving the whole area a relaxed, family-friendly feel where neighbors know each other. For professionals moving to Littleton MA, this area provides excellent commuter convenience.
Littleton Weather
Littleton enjoys a classic humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb), offering that classic New England four-season feel. Summers are usually warm but not too hot, with highs between 73 and 83°F and cooler nights in the 50s or low 60s – the perfect weather for getting outside and enjoying the fresh air.
Winters are cold and snowy: average January lows dip to 18°F, and daytime highs stay around 34–40°F, with temperatures rarely falling below 2°F (Weather Spark).
Littleton gets about 49 inches of rain a year, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast. If you want to avoid bad weather and make the move a little easier, try aiming for late spring or early fall – temperatures are more comfortable, and you’re less likely to get rained out.
Things to Do in Littleton MA
Whether visiting or moving to Littleton, MA, you’ll find a mix of outdoor recreational areas, local history, and small-town charm. The town has parks, trails, and gathering spots that draw nature enthusiasts, families, and people interested in local culture.
Harold Parker State Forest
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This massive forest sits right outside Littleton and offers plenty to explore. There are many hiking and mountain biking trails, several ponds to fish or paddle, and lovely spots to spread a picnic blanket.
133 Jenkins Rd, Andover, MA 01810, (978) 475-7972
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Located a short drive away, this large nature preserve offers rugged hiking, rock climbing, and beautiful views.
4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham, MA 02180, (617) 727-1199
Littleton Historical Society Museum
Explore the town’s rich colonial and industrial history through engaging exhibits, walking tours, and seasonal events that celebrate the town’s heritage.
4 Rogers St, Littleton, MA 01460, (978) 486-8201
Additional Attractions Near Littleton MA:
- Littleton Common: Hosts farmers’ markets, concerts, and seasonal festivals that unite the community.
- Nashoba Valley Ski Area: Just 15 minutes away, offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing during winter months.
- Nashoba Valley Winery: Known for local wines and live music events, great for a weekend outing.
Parks & Recreation and Town Events Calendar
Check the Town of Littleton’s Parks and Recreation Department for details on programs, sports leagues, and special events. Living in Littleton MA means connecting and enjoying community life year-round, from summer concerts to the common to holiday celebrations.
Littleton MA Restaurants
If you’re new to Littleton or just checking it out, there are some excellent restaurants around town. You’ve got your casual spots for a quick meal and fancier places when you want to sit down for dinner. Here are some local favorites that people moving to Littleton MA should try!
Tavern in the Square
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Tavern in the Square is known for its extensive beer selection and fresh ingredients menu.
810 Constitution Ave, Littleton, MA 01460, (978) 339-5372
Great Road Kitchen
Great Road Kitchen offers a menu emphasizing local ingredients, including fresh oysters and seafood dishes.
613 Constitution Ave, Littleton, MA 01460, (978) 952-7333
Il Forno Restaurant and Catering
A staple in Littleton, Il Forno has been serving authentic Italian dishes since 1991.
529 King St, Littleton, MA 01460, (978) 540-2880
Littleton MA Jobs
Moving to Littleton MA provides excellent employment opportunities in the greater Boston area. According to Payscale, the average salary in Middlesex County is approximately $93,000 per year ($26.44/hr).
Major employers in the area include:
Check for jobs in Littleton, MA on Indeed or the Town of Littleton job board for current listings.
Littleton MA Public Schools & Higher Education
Littleton Public Schools focuses on helping students succeed academically while getting involved in their community. The district includes Russell Street Elementary, Littleton Middle School, and Littleton High School. Overall, it is a great place to raise kids.
There aren’t any colleges in town, though you’ll find some pretty good ones just a short drive away:
- Middlesex Community College in Bedford, offering associate degrees and transfer programs
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, a major public research university nearby
- Prestigious schools in Cambridge, like Harvard University and MIT
Residents also enjoy access to the Littleton Public Library, which provides educational resources and year-round community programs!
Littleton MA Statistics
- County: Middlesex County
- Littleton area: 17.6 square miles
- Littleton zip codes: 01460
- Littleton area codes: 351, 978
- Littleton elevation: 229 feet above sea level
- Littleton time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
Littleton benefits from easy access to Boston Logan International Airport, roughly 40 miles away.
Littleton MA Map
Thinking of Moving to Littleton MA? Contact Mass Bay Movers Today!
Littleton strikes a great balance – it’s close enough to Boston for an easy commute, but far enough to maintain that small-town New England charm. The schools are exceptional, the neighborhoods are welcoming, and you’ll find plenty of green space, outdoor activities, and local dining spots to enjoy. Whether you’re raising a family, commuting to the city, or just looking for a quieter pace of life, Littleton offers a tight-knit community that feels like home.
When you’re ready to move, Mass Bay Movers has been helping people relocate in the area for nearly two decades. They know the area and can handle the logistics, so you don’t have to stress. Call us (978) 587-3775 to get the process started.
