Acton vs Hopkinton: Which is the best place to live in MA?

• Looking for the best place to live in Massachusetts?
• Acton and Hopkinton usually rank among the top towns in the state for a host of reasons.
• However, which among them is a better choice for someone planning to move to MA?
• Is Hopkinton a good place to live?
• Is Acton a good place to live?
• In this post, we address the Acton vs Hopkinton debate.

Identifying Your Needs and Preferences

Before comparing both places, it’s essential to identify your own living needs and preferences.

As mentioned, both towns are great, attracting newer residents every year. But which one is better suited for you depends on what kind of life you want for yourself and your family.

For instance, if you want to live in a more diverse neighborhood, Acton would comparably be a better choice. However, if you want to live in a less populated town, Hopkinton would be a preferred option.

So, as a first step, know the kind of lifestyle you want, what living conditions do you prefer, what are your priorities. Accordingly, look at Acton and Hopkinton and see which one checks the most number of boxes.

That said, here’s the Acton vs Hopkinton comparison in different parameters:

Population

Both the towns boast a tight-knit community-like environment with friendly people looking out for each other.

Acton has a population of 23,561 with a population density of 1,185. On the other hand, Hopkinton has a population of 17,178 with a population density of 655.

The median age of people in Acton is 44, while for Hopkinton it's 41.

Different pockets in Acton and Hopkinton are more crowded than others. However, in general, the towns are spacious and very peaceful, ensuring you a calm and relaxing living experience.

Employment

There are decent employment opportunities in both Acton and Hopkinton owing to the development works and thriving economy. 4 percent of the population in both towns are unemployed.

While the income per capita in Acton is $63,697, it stands at $68,734 in Hopkinton. The median household income in the former is $141,665 and $157,353 in the latter.

So, you're assured of a comfortable quality of life in both places with a good annual income.

Crime Rate

If your and your family’s security is the biggest priority for you, neither of these places will disappoint you.

Acton and Hopkinton are very safe, which is why many families from across the state choose to move here. The crime index in Acton is 29, and it's 28 in Hopkinton. It is much less than the national average.

Schools

Acton and Hopkinton both consistently rank higher when it comes to places with the best schools. Both towns are preferred by families who prioritize quality education for their kids.

There are a number of reputed elementary, middle, and high schools, from Paul P Gates Elementary School and Blanchard Memorial School in Acton to Hopkins Elementary School and Elmwood in Hopkinton.

Real Estate

The majority of people in both the towns own a home. More specifically, 74 percent and 83 percent of Acton and Hopkinton are homeowners, respectively.

The median home value in Acton is $709,600, and it is $731,800 in Hopkinton. The average household size in both towns is two.

So, if buying a home is in your plan, Acton and Hopkinton have many good properties to offer, irrespective of the size of your family and the type of house you're looking for.

Amenities

The quality of life in Acton and Hopkinton is fairly high, with both towns packing plenty of amenities to make your life simpler, convenient, and fun.

From cafes and restaurants to parks, dog parks, bars, and grocery outlets, both the towns have all these, assuring you and your family maximum convenience and comfort.

So, whether you're someone who likes hitting bars every weekend or someone who enjoys long walks in the park, you will always have the right things to do in either of the towns.

Hopkinton vs Acton: Best Place to Live in MA?

The Acton vs Hopkinton comparison clearly trades very equally. Both the places are great if you’re looking to move to. There’s a reason why they top whenever the question pops up: where is the best place to live in Massachusetts?

From ensuring your family’s security and peace to delivering a social lifestyle with good career opportunities, there’s very little to complain about these towns.

So, as mentioned earlier, as the first step, define your specific needs and requirements. What kind of lifestyle do you want and what type of place do you envision living in.

Subsequently, book a day or two to visit both the towns to cover the grounds in person. Check out the properties there and analyze which one makes sense to your finance and preference. Accordingly, decide!

If you need personalized help, the team at NextBurb is always here.

Go here to compare Acton and Hopkinton in data.

If you want to know more about these places in detail, check out the following guides:

All You Must Know About Acton, Massachusetts Before Your Move

All You Must Know About Hopkinton, MA Before Moving There

Our expert team also offers free neighborhood recommendations. We help people with intensive research, updated data, and personalized assistance in finding a good neighborhood and house. Go here for a free neighborhood recommendation.