Background

Acton is a suburban community located 25 miles northwest of Boston. Although Acton's population has almost tripled in the last three decades, the town has retained much of its rural New England character, as evidenced by the traditional town center and green, with fine examples of historic architecture, and the stone walls and tree-lined country roads.

However, Acton is well prepared for the 21st century. Acton affords a full range of services to its residents and businesses, including an active town government, top-notch libraries, a nationally accredited police department, a full-time fire department, and local and regional school systems that are ranked among the top in the state. Commerce continues to thrive and grow in Acton due in large part to its prime location along Routes 2, 27 and 111, the commuter train stop, and its proximity to Route 495. A wide range of retail stores and services, a community theater, various types of commercial recreation and several museums, can all be found in Acton.

Narrative compiled by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

Location

Eastern Massachusetts, bordered by Carlisle and Concord on the east, Westford and Littleton on the north, Sudbury on the south, Maynard and Stow on the southwest, and Boxborough on the west. Acton is 25 miles northwest of Boston, 14 miles south of Lowell, 29 miles northeast of Worcester, and 203 miles from New York City.

Transportation

Acton is situated in the Greater Boston Area, which has excellent rail, air, and highway facilities. State Route 128 and Interstate Route 495 divide the region into inner and outer zones, which are connected by numerous "spokes" providing direct access to the airport, port, and intermodal facilities of Boston (MBTA)