If you’re standing in the middle of Main Street, smelling the wood-fired pizza from Rail Trail Flatbread or waiting for a scoop of liquid-nitrogen ice cream, you probably aren't thinking about bureaucratic boundaries. But for anyone moving here, buying a house, or just settling a bet, the question remains: what county is Hudson MA in?
Hudson is located in Middlesex County.
It’s a simple answer, sure. But in Massachusetts, "Middlesex" carries a lot of weight. This isn't just a line on a map; it’s an identity tied to the MetroWest region. Hudson sits on the western edge of this massive county, rubbing elbows with Worcester County just a few miles down the road. Honestly, if you drive ten minutes west into Berlin or Bolton, you’ve already crossed the line.
Why Middlesex County Actually Matters
Middlesex is the most populous county in all of New England. It’s huge. We're talking about a footprint that stretches from the borders of New Hampshire all the way down to the suburbs of Boston.
Because of this size, Hudson finds itself in a unique spot. It’s part of the "MetroWest" sub-region. It’s where the urban sprawl of Boston starts to give way to rolling hills and old apple orchards. People often get confused because Hudson feels very distinct from cities like Cambridge or Lowell, which are also in Middlesex.
The Identity Crisis of a Border Town
You’ve probably noticed that Hudson shares a lot of its DNA with its neighbors. To the south, you have Marlborough (also Middlesex). To the east, there’s Sudbury. But once you look toward Berlin or Clinton to the west, you’re looking at Worcester County.
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This proximity is why some folks mistakenly think Hudson is in Worcester County. The "01749" zip code feels very Central Mass, and the town definitely has that gritty, industrious "mill town" spirit that defines many Worcester County spots. But officially? It’s been Middlesex since the town was carved out of Marlborough and Stow back in 1866.
A Quick Look at the Numbers
If you’re a data person, the 2026 reality of Hudson looks a bit like this:
- Population: Around 20,400 people and growing.
- Median Household Income: We’re seeing numbers north of $107,000.
- Home Values: Expect to see median prices around $480,000 to $530,000 depending on the neighborhood.
- School District: Managed by Hudson Public Schools (District ID: 2506390).
What Makes This Part of the County Special?
For a long time, Hudson was "that town with the shoe factories." It was blue-collar, hardworking, and maybe a little overlooked. Then, something shifted.
The downtown area underwent a massive renaissance. You can’t talk about Hudson without mentioning the Assabet River Rail Trail. This paved path connects Hudson to Marlborough and beyond, following the old path of the Fitchburg Railroad. It’s a literal artery of the community. On any given Saturday, you’ll see hundreds of cyclists and runners blurring the lines between these Middlesex County towns.
The Food Scene That Punches Above Its Weight
Basically, Hudson has become a foodie destination. People drive from all over the county—and even from Boston—to visit places like:
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- Medusa Brewing Company: Their taproom is a massive anchor for downtown.
- New City Microcreamery: They use liquid nitrogen to make ice cream. It's science, but delicious.
- Kith and Kin: High-end comfort food that feels like a neighborhood secret.
Living the Middlesex Life
If you’re looking at local services, being in Middlesex County means your legal documents, deeds, and court cases go through the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds (located in Cambridge) or the Middlesex Superior Court.
However, day-to-day life is handled by the Town of Hudson’s executive assistant and the Select Board. In Massachusetts, "county government" doesn't have the same power it does in states like Florida or California. Most of the power is local. You’ll pay your property taxes to the Town of Hudson, not the county.
Surprising Facts About Hudson's History
Hudson wasn't always Hudson. Before 1866, it was a village called Feltonville.
The name change happened because a guy named Charles Hudson donated money for a library. Money talks, apparently. Even back then.
The town also has deep roots in the abolitionist movement. Several houses in the area were actually stops on the Underground Railroad. If you look closely at some of the older architecture near the Assabet River, you’re looking at history that predates the very existence of the town as an independent entity.
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Military Buffs Take Note
If you're in Hudson, you're also home to the American Heritage Museum. This isn't just some dusty room with uniforms. It houses the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection, which is one of the largest collections of tanks and armored vehicles in the world. People fly into Logan Airport specifically to drive out to this corner of Middlesex County just to see these machines.
Actionable Tips for Newcomers
If you just moved here or are planning to, here is the "locals only" checklist for navigating life in this part of Middlesex County:
- Get a Trash Sticker: Hudson doesn't just pick up your trash for free. You need to head to the Town Hall or the DPW to set up your service or buy specific bags.
- Check the Rail Trail Map: Don't just stick to the downtown section. The trail goes for miles. If you're feeling ambitious, you can bike all the way into Acton once the final gaps are bridged.
- Join the "Hudson MA Community" Groups: Facebook is still where the real news happens here. Whether it's a lost dog or a debate about a new apartment complex, that's where the pulse of the town is.
- Visit the Library: Since the town is literally named after the guy who funded the library, it’s only right that you go check it out. It’s a great resource for local history and community events.
Knowing what county is Hudson MA in is just the starting point. Whether you're here for the breweries, the history, or the schools, you're part of a community that manages to feel like a small town while having the resources of the biggest county in Massachusetts.
Next Steps for You:
If you are looking to move to the area, your next move is to contact the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds to look up property records or visit the Hudson Town Clerk’s office on Main Street to register for local voting and get your parking permits.