If you’re typing zip code Acton MA into a search bar, you’re likely trying to figure out if this slice of Middlesex County is actually worth the hype. Or maybe you're just trying to see if a specific house falls into the 01720 boundary. Most people think a zip code is just a routing number for the USPS. In Acton, it’s basically a membership card to a specific brand of New England living that feels half-suburban, half-wild, and entirely focused on school rankings.
Acton is 01720. That’s it. Unlike bigger towns that get chopped up into three or four different zones, Acton keeps it simple. But don’t let the single zip code fool you. The vibe shifts fast depending on whether you're hanging out near the South Acton train station or wandering the deep woods near the Boxborough line.
Honestly, the real story isn't the five digits. It's the fact that 01720 consistently lands on those "Best Places to Live" lists from Money Magazine and Niche. People move here for the schools, stay for the conservation trails, and occasionally complain about the traffic on Route 2. It’s a specific kind of life.
Why the 01720 Zip Code is a Real Estate Magnet
Living in the Acton MA zip code isn't cheap. Let’s just be real about that right now. According to recent data from the Warren Group and the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, median single-family home prices in 01720 have hovered significantly above the state average for years. We aren't just talking about a house; we're talking about an investment in a town that has historically held its value even when the economy gets weird.
The housing stock is a total mix. You’ve got these classic, creaky Colonials from the 1800s in Acton Center that look like they belong on a postcard. Then you head over to the west side of town and find 1970s split-levels and massive new constructions that look like they were built by someone who really loves crown molding.
South Acton is where the action is for commuters. The MBTA Fitchburg Line stops right there. If you work in Boston or Cambridge, that 01720 zip code means you can skip the nightmare of the Mass Pike, hop on a train, and actually read a book while someone else drives. It’s a huge selling point. It’s also why home prices within a mile of the station tend to have an extra "convenience tax" baked into the price tag.
But here’s the thing: Acton shares a school district with Boxborough (01719). This is the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD). Even though they have different zip codes, they are spiritually tied at the hip because of the kids.
The School District Obsession
You can't talk about the Acton MA zip code without talking about the schools. It’s the elephant in the room. It’s the reason people pay $800,000 for a house that needs a new kitchen.
👉 See also: Images of Thanksgiving Holiday: What Most People Get Wrong
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School is a powerhouse. We’re talking about a school that regularly produces National Merit Scholars and sends kids to the Ivy League like it’s a factory. It’s intense. Some parents love the rigor; others worry about the pressure. In recent years, the district has actually made a concerted effort to scale back on homework and focus more on "social-emotional learning."
The elementary schools are a bit of a quirk in the 01720 area. Acton uses a "school choice" system. This means just because you live next door to the Merriam School doesn't mean your kid goes there. You rank your preferences—Merriam, McCarthy-Towne, Douglas, Gates, Conant—and a lottery system sorts it out. Each school has a different philosophy. Some are more traditional; others are "open classroom" or project-based. It’s a bit of a headache for new parents, but it allows for a level of customization you don't see in many other Massachusetts towns.
Navigating the 01720 Neighborhoods
Acton is bigger than it looks on a map. It’s about 20 square miles.
West Acton Village is the "cool" part. Or at least, as cool as a suburban New England village can get. It’s walkable. You’ve got Legend Cafe for your morning caffeine fix and West Acton Villageworks, which is this clever redevelopment project that brought in a wellness center, an art gallery, and True West Brewing Co. It feels local. It feels intentional.
South Acton is the industrial-meets-residential hub. It’s got a bit more of a rugged feel, especially with the old mills and the proximity to the train. It's also home to some great parks.
East Acton is dominated by the intersection of Route 2 and Route 27. It’s where you go when you need to get stuff done. Staples, Trader Joe's, and the Roche Bros. plaza are the anchors here. It’s functional. Not exactly "charming" in the historic sense, but you’ll be glad it’s there when you need groceries at 7:00 PM on a Tuesday.
Acton Center is the quintessential "Old New England" spot. The Town Hall is there, the library is there, and the monument on the green reminds you that Acton Minutemen were the first to march to Concord on April 19, 1775. Isaac Davis, the captain who died at the Old North Bridge, lived here. The history isn't just a plaque; it’s the town’s identity.
✨ Don't miss: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessing Over Maybelline SuperStay Skin Tint
Nature and the "Green" Zip Code
If you hate trees, don't move to 01720.
Acton is obsessed with land conservation. The Acton Conservation Trust and the town's Conservation Commission have protected over 1,600 acres of land. That is a massive amount of space for a town this size.
- Nara Park: This is the crown jewel. There’s a swimming pond, a massive playground, and an amphitheater for summer concerts. In the winter, the hills are prime sledding territory.
- Wetherbee Conservation Area: Great for hiking without seeing too many people.
- The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail: This is a big deal. It’s a paved multi-use path that eventually will connect Lowell to Framingham. The Acton section is beautiful and connects the different villages, making it possible to bike across town without fearing for your life on the main roads.
The biodiversity is real. It’s not uncommon to see coyotes, foxes, and the occasional black bear wandering through backyards in the northern part of town. You have to keep your trash cans locked up.
The Cost of Living Reality Check
Let’s talk numbers, but not in a boring way. Living in the zip code Acton MA means paying some of the higher property tax rates in the region. The town services are excellent—the DPW actually clears the snow, and the police department is responsive—but you pay for it.
Water is another thing people forget. Acton has its own Water District. Because of some historical issues with groundwater contamination (look up the W.R. Grace Superfund site if you want the gritty history), the town has been incredibly vigilant about water quality for decades. The cleanup has been a massive, multi-decade success story, but it’s something long-term residents always keep an eye on.
And then there's the commute. If you aren't taking the train, you're taking Route 2. Route 2 is... well, it's an experience. During rush hour, it can take 20 minutes just to get through the rotary in Concord. If you work in the city, you’re looking at an hour each way, easy.
Cultural Flavor and Diversity
For a long time, Acton was pretty homogenous. That has changed fast. 01720 has become a melting pot, particularly with a growing Asian-American population. You see this reflected in the local businesses and the grocery stores. There are amazing Indian and Chinese markets nearby, and the school district celebrates a wide range of cultural holidays.
🔗 Read more: Coach Bag Animal Print: Why These Wild Patterns Actually Work as Neutrals
There is a certain "intellectual" vibe to the town. You’ve got engineers from the 128 tech belt, professors from the Boston universities, and scientists from the nearby labs. Conversations at the local coffee shop are more likely to be about software architecture or climate change than reality TV.
Common Misconceptions About 01720
People think Acton is "snobby." Honestly? It’s more "intense" than snobby. People are very focused on their kids and their property values. But there’s also a deep-seated community spirit. When someone’s house burns down or a family is in trouble, the Acton community groups on Facebook go into overdrive.
Another misconception is that there's "nothing to do." If you want a nightclub, go to Boston. If you want a killer farmer’s market, a local brewery, a world-class children's museum (The Discovery Museum is a legit destination for people all over the state), and some of the best hiking trails in Middlesex County, then Acton is plenty busy.
How to Actually Use This Information
If you are looking to move to the zip code Acton MA, don't just look at Zillow.
- Check the School Lottery: If you have elementary-aged kids, research the "School Choice" system early. You don't just "get into" the school down the street.
- Walk the Villages: Spend a Saturday morning in West Acton. Grab a bagel, walk the rail trail, and see if you actually like the people.
- Test the Commute: If you plan on driving to Boston, do the drive at 7:30 AM on a Tuesday. If you can't handle it, look for a house near the South Acton train station.
- Look at the Conservation Maps: If you want privacy, find a house that abuts town forest land. It ensures no one will build a McMansion in your backyard in five years.
Acton isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a place that demands a bit of your time and energy, whether through town meetings or volunteering. It’s a town for people who want to be involved. 01720 is more than a zip code; it’s a commitment to a very specific, high-achieving, nature-loving lifestyle.
Next Steps for Future Residents
- Visit the Acton Memorial Library: It’s a great way to see the town’s history and get a feel for the current community.
- Download the "Acton Conservation Trails" maps: Get out into the woods before you buy a house to see the terrain.
- Review the Town of Acton website: Look at the upcoming town meeting agendas. It sounds boring, but it’s how you see what the town is actually worried about—usually things like bridge repairs, zoning for affordable housing, or new school buildings.
01720 is a complicated, expensive, beautiful, and rewarding place to call home. Just make sure you're ready for the pace.