The charming New England town of Groton MA is known for its colonial history, historical significance in the American Revolutionary War, and prestigious college prep boarding schools, Lawrence Academy and Groton School. In 1655, Groton was officially settled and incorporated. Named for Groton in Suffolk, England by its founders, the town motto is “All Are Welcome.”
Living in Groton, MA is a smart choice compared to larger cities. It’s a tight-knit community surrounded by nature with a diversity of lakes, rivers, trees, and wildlife. Great for raising a family, life is peaceful and locals are involved in town happenings. The schools are excellent and Groton boasts a proud heritage that goes back centuries, making moving to Groton a smart choice.
Where Is Groton, MA?
Groton MA is an affluent community located in the Nashoba Valley, within northwestern Middlesex County, where both the Nashua and Squannacook Rivers flow through it. Fifty percent of Groton’s land is in conservation, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy its rich, natural beauty. Thanks to this land conservation, there are numerous outdoor activities for both adults and children to enjoy while living in Groton, MA.
There are also several interesting historical sites and buildings to visit, especially along Main Street. Living in Groton, MA, offers both the luxury of small-town life and easy access to larger cities. It borders the towns of Pepperell, Dunstable, Tyngsborough, Westford, Littleton, Ayer, Shirley, and Townsend. Groton is about 43 miles from Boston MA, and 36 miles from Worcester MA.
Groton Population & Demographics
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The population of Groton at the time of the 2020 census was 11,315, up 6.28% from 2010. The population density is 340 people per square mile. It is the largest town in Middlesex County and is part of the Boston Metro area–the largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts.
Living in Groton, MA, puts you in close proximity to some impressive individuals. Notable people from Groton WA include William Prescott, the American commander at Bunker Hill, and 68th U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry. Also of note is Shabazz Napier, an American basketball player and graduate of the prestigious Lawrence Academy in Groton.
Groton Demographics
- 50.6% men vs 49.4% women
- Median age: 40
- The racial and ethnic composition of Groton MA is 84.9% White (84.3% non-Hispanic), Asian 6%, Black or African American 1%
- Foreign-born population: 11.3%
- Median Household Income: $189,180 (86.7% higher than the state median household income)
- Educational Attainment: Percentage of high school grads is 96.4%, percentage with a B.A. or higher is 65.7%
Is Groton Safe?
Wondering if Groton MA is a safe place to live? Yes, living in Groton, MA, is safe. Groton’s crime rate is exceptionally low at 226 per 100,000 people. The Groton crime rate is 90.3% lower than the national average, with 81 violent crimes and 144 property crimes per 100,000 people.
Compared to the entire state of Massachusetts, Groton’s crime rate is 83.8% lower. Statewide, there are an average of 322 violent crimes and 1,070 property crimes per 100,000 people.
According to this data, Groton is quite safe! To learn more about safety when living in Groton, MA, be sure to visit the Groton MA police department website. There, you can learn more about the 20 dedicated police officers serving the Groton community.
Cost of Living in Groton, MA
Based on the cost of living in the Boston metro area, Groton cost of living is quite expensive–about 46.5% more expensive than the national average! According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four should earn about $156,019 annually in order to afford living in Groton, MA.
Typical Groton Living Expenses
These are the prices you can expect to pay for everyday items living in Groton, MA, according to Payscale.
One dozen eggs: $3.81
One gallon milk: $5.03
One loaf of bread: $4.23
Hamburger: $6.07
Bunch of bananas: $0.79
Average Groton utilities per month: $792.00
Home Prices
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Groton MA real estate is somewhat expensive. The median home price in Groton is $801,000, with an average price of $388 per square foot. According to Redfin, homes for sale in Groton MA sell after about 21 days on the market at about 5% above the list price. Interested in buying a home in Groton? Check out Groton MA homes for sale currently listed on Redfin.
Average Rent in Groton
Redfin reports that the average Groton rent is $2,336 per month. Renting an apartment vs renting a home is more cost effective depending on the part of town when living in Groton, MA.
If you’re considering living in Groton MA apartments, locals recommend the Country Glen Apartments Groton for the amenities (fitness center, pool, spa) and Groton Estates for its great location, management, and maintenance staff.
Groton Massachusetts Neighborhoods
Moving to Groton is a wonderful experience when you find the right neighborhood:
West Groton – Historic, Older Homes
West Groton features an old red brick factory. The factory was the Groton Leatherboard factory during its late industrial period as a New England mill village. Although a small area, it still has its own post office, fire station, and water department. Homes in West Groton are older and cost well below the $801,000 Groton median home price. Living in Groton, MA, West, would be interesting for its historical appeal.
Northwoods Rd – Highly Desirable, Family-Friendly Neighborhood
The Northwoods Rd area of Groton is highly desirable for the privacy it offers and the beautiful landscaping. It’s close to the Groton trail systems for easy access to hiking and serene daily walks. Homes in this area are well taken care of and consistently updated, making living in Groton, MA, a wonderful experience.
Groton MA Weather and Climate
According to the Köppen classification, Groton has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Dfa). The best time to visit Groton is from June to August, when the weather is warm (around 80°F/27°C) and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities. Long humid summers aside, when living in Groton, MA, expect about 46 inches of rainfall throughout the year and 18-30 inches during the winter months.
Winter temperatures can get as low as 20°F/-7°C.
Things to Do in Groton, MA
When living in Groton, MA, there are plenty of things to do. Beginning with shopping, the Groton Market offers a nice selection of liquor, fine wines, craft beers, and ciders. The Groton, MA, CVS can cover your personal care, pharmacy, and convenience product needs. And Lavender is a local floral shop offering beautiful flowers for all occasions and friendly customer service.
With its commitment to preserving both its beautiful land and fascinating history, there are many interesting and fun things to do in Groton. Some fun things to do in Groton include:
Bancroft’s Castle
A historical site, General William Bancroft built Bancroft’s Castle in 1906 at the top of Gibbot Hill, Groton, MA. Bancroft’s castle is on protected open land surrounded by many hiking trails and scenic views. Visitors suggest arriving early before the crowds, and there is free parking.
Groton Hill Music Center
A concert venue and music school, Groton Hill Music Center hosts many concerts, lectures, and recitals throughout the year. Attend a concert with the family, it’s one of the best things to do in Groton! The Center’s “Live on the Lawn” series of family-friendly outdoor concerts is a hit every year, and kids under 12 are free.
122 Old Ayer Rd, Groton, MA 01450 (978) 486-9524
Autumn Hills Orchard
Another family-friendly attraction to see when living in Groton, MA, is Autumn Hills Orchard. Autumn Hills is a working orchard that offers fruit picking. Pick apples and a variety of seasonal berries during different times of the year. The orchard is beautiful and peaceful, and visitors enjoy the beautiful views as they walk the orchard paths.
495 Chicopee Row, Groton, MA 01450 (978) 448-8388
Additional Attractions in Groton
For more information about things to do in Groton, check out the official town of Groton park commission website. And stay up to date on upcoming community events via helpful the events calendar. There’s always something fun to do when you’re living in Groton, MA.
Groton MA Restaurants
Living in Groton, MA, means you have access to fantastic restaurants. We’ve done some searching and found some of the best places to eat in Groton:
Filho’s Cucina
Craving Italian? Filhos Groton MA is one of the best places to eat in Groton. Family-owned Filho’s serves delicious Italian food in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. You can eat in (Filho’s offers counter service) or take out. Locals love the chicken parmesan as well as the paninis, and feel free to bring your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal.
235 Main St, Groton, MA 01450 (978) 448-5664
Groton Publick House
One of the best Groton restaurants for casual dining with great drinks is Groton Publick House located at the Groton Country Club, just steps away from the golf course. The food is made with ingredients sourced from local farmers, so it is fresh and seasonal. If you’re craving BBQ or pub-inspired fare in a family-friendly environment, this is the perfect place to eat.
94 Lovers Ln, Groton, MA 01450 (978) 842-8058
Gibbit Hill Grill
Gibbit Hill Grill Groton MA is a unique farm-to-table restaurant. It has a multi-acre livestock and produce farm onsite and offers seasonal menus. The specialty cocktail menu uses farm-grown ingredients, house-made syrups, and spirits made by local distillers. Each meal starts with cornbread that diners rave about, and the menu has options from prime steak cuts to fish.
61 Lowell Rd, Groton, MA 01450 (978) 448-2900
Jobs in Groton
Groton is known as a “bedroom community,” meaning most people living in Groton, MA, travel to neighboring cities for work. In this case, many people moving to Groton decide to commute to Boston for work via a combination of driving and commuter rail accessible in neighboring areas.
The GDP for the Boston metro area is $610.486 billion, and the largest industries include finance, higher education, technology, health care, and government. According to Payscale, the average salary in Boston is $92,00 per year ($27.13 per hour). Major employers in Boston include Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Fidelity Investments, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
For more information about employment opportunities with these major employers, regularly check their career pages. Browse jobs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, or at the Fidelity Investments career page.
Looking for quality jobs in Groton MA? Start here on Indeed.com or look for available employment opportunities on the town of Groton job board.
Groton Schools
Living in Groton, MA, means you’re close to some of the best private schools. Although small, Groton is home to excellent schools, both public and private. The school district for Groton is the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District. The school district serves students in both Groton and Dunstable due to the small sizes of each community.
There are no colleges or universities located in Groton–the closest colleges include Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg and Middlesex Community College in Lowell.
Private Schools
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Living in Groton, MA, means you’re close to some of the best private schools in the region. Groton School and Lawrence Academy are two private schools in Groton MA. Groton School is a college-prep day and boarding school founded in 1884. It boasts notable alumni like 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Nobel laureate John B. Goodenough.
Lawrence Academy is also a college prep day and boarding school, and is the 10th oldest boarding school in the U.S. Notable alumni include AOL CEO Tim Armstrong, and federal judge Robert H. Terrell. Sports are important at Lawrence, as it produces many fine athletes, including two-time NCAA champion Greg Cozier.
Groton Public Library
The Groton Public Library is an excellent resource that offers e-books, WIFI, study rooms, and more. There are plenty of fun resources for kids and teens, including book groups, storytimes, and homework help.
Groton Statistics & Information
County: Middlesex County
Groton area: 33.7 square miles
Groton zip code: 01450
Groton area code: 360
Groton elevation: 320 ft (97.5 m)
Groton time zone: UTC -5 and -4
Closest airport to Groton: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), 26 miles away.
Groton MA Map
Looking for more things to do in Groton MA? Explore what the town has to offer with this map of Groton.
Ready to Move to Groton?
If living in Groton MA is in your future, Mass Bay Movers is ready to assist with your move! Call 978-587-3775 for a free quote from the best Groton movers. We’re ready to help make your moving to Groton experience as smooth as possible.
