About Acton Massachusetts

 

Acton is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, about twenty-one miles west-northwest of Boston along Route 2 west of Concord and about ten miles (16 km) southwest of Lowell. The population was 21,929 at the 2010 census. It 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. Acton became an incorporated town in 1735. The town employs the Open Town Meeting form of government with a Town Manager and an elected, five-member Board of Selectmen. Acton was named the 11th Best Place To Live among small towns in the country by Money Magazine in 2015, and the 16th best in 2009 and in 2011. The local high school, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, was named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2009. Acton is home to the corporate headquarters of Terrafugia, a Chinese-owned company that is developing a flying car. Acton is also home to the Massachusetts Computer Association, a trade organization that represents approximately 500 technology companies and professionals.

 

 

 

History of Acton

Acton was first settled in 1640 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1735. The town was named after Acton, a parish in the county of Middlesex, England. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Acton was an agricultural community known for its fruit orchards. The town began to industrialize in the late 19th century, with the development of shoe and woolen mills. In the mid-20th century, Acton became a suburban community, with the construction of numerous housing developments.

Acton has a long history of town meetings and local government. The town employed the Open Town Meeting form of government, with a Town Manager and an elected, five-member Board of Selectmen, since the 1940s. Acton has a number of historic homes, including the Isaac Davis House, which was the site of the first shot of the American Revolution, and the Acton Town Hall, which was built in 1894 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In recent years, Acton has become a hub for technology and innovation. The town is home to the corporate headquarters of Terrafugia, a Chinese-owned company that is developing a flying car, and the Massachusetts Computer Association, a trade organization that represents approximately 500 technology companies and professionals.

 

 

Things to do in Acton, MA

There are many things to do in Acton, Massachusetts, for people of all ages and interests. Some suggestions for activities and attractions in the town include:

1. Visit the Discovery Museums: The Discovery Museums are a children's museum and science center located in Acton. The museum features hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that are designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages.
2. Explore the outdoors: Acton is home to several conservation areas and parks, including the Acton Arboretum and the Acton Woods. These areas are great for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the town.
3. Check out the local shops and restaurants: Acton has a vibrant downtown area with a variety of local shops and restaurants. Some popular options include the Old Town Hall, a historic building that now houses a cafe and artisanal shops, and the Acton Coffee House, a cozy spot for coffee and pastries.
4. Attend a community event: Acton hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including the Acton Fall Festival and the Acton Winter Farmers' Market. These events are a great opportunity to learn about the town's history and culture, and to meet local residents.
5. Visit a museum or cultural center: Acton is home to a number of museums and cultural centers, including the Acton Historical Society and the Boxborough Historical Society. These institutions offer a variety of exhibits and programs that explore the history and culture of the town.

 

Transportation

Acton, Massachusetts is served by a number of transportation options, including roads, public transit, and airports.

Roads: Acton is located along Massachusetts Route 2, a major east-west highway that runs through the town. The town is also accessible via several other state and local roads, including Massachusetts Route 27 and Massachusetts Route 111.

Public Transit: Acton is served by the MBTA Commuter Rail, with stops at the Acton and West Acton stations. The town is also served by the Fitchburg Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail, with a stop at the South Acton station. In addition, Acton is served by several MBTA bus routes, including the 62, 76, and 78.

Airports: Acton is located within a short drive of several airports, including Logan International Airport in Boston, which is about 20 miles to the east, and Worcester Regional Airport, which is about 25 miles to the west. The town is also within a few hours' drive of several other major airports, including Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire.

Overall, Acton is well-connected to the rest of the region by a variety of transportation options, making it easy for residents and visitors to get around.

 

Education

Acton, Massachusetts is served by the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, which is responsible for the public education of students in grades K-12. The district consists of nine schools: four elementary schools (Douglass, Gates, Merriam, and RJ Grey), two middle schools (Acton and RJ Grey), and three high schools (Acton-Boxborough Regional High School and the Minuteman Technical High School and the Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School).

Acton-Boxborough Regional High School is a highly regarded public school that serves students in grades 9-12. The school has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, and it consistently ranks among the top high schools in the state. The school offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced placement courses, a variety of sports teams, and various clubs and organizations.

In addition to the public schools, Acton is home to several private schools, including the Faith Christian School and the Acton Montessori School. The town is also within a short drive of several colleges and universities, including Bentley University, Brandeis University, and Tufts University.

Overall, Acton is known for its strong education system, with a variety of public and private schools and a number of higher education institutions nearby.

 

Living in the town of Acton

Acton, Massachusetts is a town located about 21 miles west-northwest of Boston, in Middlesex County. It is known for its small-town feel, excellent schools, and convenient location.

One of the main advantages of living in Acton is its high quality of life. The town has a strong sense of community, with a variety of local events and activities, including the Acton Fall Festival and the Acton Winter Farmers' Market. The town is also home to a number of parks and conservation areas, including the Acton Arboretum and the Acton Woods, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoyment of the natural beauty of the area.

Acton is also known for its excellent schools. The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District is highly regarded, with several schools receiving recognition from the U.S. Department of Education. The district serves students in grades K-12, and offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs.

In terms of location, Acton is convenient for commuting to Boston and other nearby cities. The town is served by the MBTA Commuter Rail, with stops at the Acton, West Acton, and South Acton stations, and it is also accessible via several major roads, including Massachusetts Route 2 and Massachusetts Route 27. Acton is also within a short drive of several airports, including Logan International Airport in Boston.

Overall, Acton is a great place to live, with a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a convenient location.

 

 

 

Official Link: https://www.acton-ma.gov/