Groton is a town in northwestern Middlesex County, MA, within the Greater Boston metropolitan area. The population was 10,873 at the 2012 town census. It is home to two prep schools: Groton School, founded in 1884, and Lawrence Academy at Groton, founded in 1792 and the third-oldest private school in Massachusetts.
Like many quaint New England towns, Groton has historic homes, farms (Blood Farm, a slaughterhouse and retail store; The Herb Lyceum at Gilson’s; and Kirk Farm for organic vegetables), and acres of conservation land.
But what sets Groton apart from other communities, is its busy Main Street and town gatherings, like the free monthly community dinners and the annual Grotonfest arts and crafts fair. Many people note the attractive Main Street which is well defined, so you know you’re in the center of something when you drive through.
BY THE NUMBERS 42% The amount of land in the community permanently protected by the town, state, or through private organizations or trusts — 8,938 acres in 14 square miles 100+ The number of trails and also the number of miles those trails cover in town. The network includes paths for mountain biking, dog walking, camping, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. 2 Number of private boarding schools. The Groton School (founded in 1884) serves students in the eighth through 12th grades; Lawrence Academy (founded in 1793) is a high school. 32.54 The number of square miles that make up Groton, the largest community landwise in Middlesex County, according to the town manager
PROS & CONS Pro Protected area Groton is known for its acres of open space and extensive trail system, including a bike path (Nashua River Rail Trail) that goes through town to the New Hampshire border. Con Tax base The small number of commercial properties (and two tax-exempt private schools) puts the tax burden primarily on homeowners. For 2019, the rate is $18.11. Pro Downtown Despite its rural character, Groton has a vibrant Main Street with several small businesses, a private school (Lawrence Academy), and restaurants. The Groton Inn, one of the nation’s oldest in operation when it burned down five years ago, is being rebuilt. The oldest part of the inn dated to 1678.