📍 Location & Geography
Acton is a suburban town located in Middlesex County in the northeastern state of Massachusetts, United States. The town is approximately 21 miles west-northwest of Boston along Route 2 west of Concord and about 10 miles southwest of Lowell. Acton’s total area is 20.3 square miles, of which 20.0 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles, or 1.53%, is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Acton, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.4851° N latitude and 71.4328° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Acton is part of the Greater Boston area in the New England region. The town is bordered by Westford and Littleton to the north, Concord and Carlisle to the east, Stow, Maynard, and Sudbury to the south and Boxborough to the west.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Acton had a population of approximately 24,000 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant portion of the population being families with children. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a growing Asian community and smaller percentages of African American, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
Acton was first settled by Native Americans who used the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord rivers for transportation and the fields for farming seasonal crops. The town was incorporated in 1735. Acton’s history is deeply tied to the Revolutionary War, as it was the site of the Acton Minutemen’s march to the Old North Bridge in Concord for the first battle of the Revolutionary War.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Acton is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including various parks, conservation lands, and trails. The town is home to the Great Hill Conservation and Recreation Land, which offers hiking trails and a view of the Nashoba Valley. The Acton Arboretum features cultivated and wild plants, while NARA Park provides a beach and outdoor concert facilities.
🏫 Education
Acton has a strong education system, with the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District often ranked among the top in the state. The district includes an early childhood program, six elementary schools, a junior high school, and a high school. Acton is also home to several private schools and is in close proximity to higher education institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.
🚧 Transportation
Acton is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) with a commuter rail station on its Fitchburg Line, which connects the town to Boston. The town is also served by several major roads, including Routes 2, 27, and 111. Acton’s location provides easy access to Interstates 495 and 95.
📜 Trivia & Events
Acton hosts several annual events, including the popular Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market and the Discovery Museums’ “Evening at the Discovery Museums” event. The town is also home to the Iron Work Farm in Acton, which preserves local historical sites and organizes historical reenactments. Acton was named the 16th Best Place To Live among small towns in the country by Money Magazine in 2015.