When people ask me what makes Lexington a special place to live, there is no short answer. There are so many wonderful aspects of the town that it's hard to condense its best attributes down to a sentence or two. But here are just a few of the reasons I love Lexington:
History
Not everyone lives in a place so rich with history. The town was founded in 1713 and was primarily a farming community – some of the remaining farmland around town is a reminder of that era. But of course the town is best known for its role in the Revolutionary War. Every school age child in the country has heard of the "shot heard ‘round the world," which heralded the first battle of the war, right on Lexington Green. Yearly reenactments on Patriot's Day and the Patriot's Day Parade are unique to the town.
Lexington enjoys a significant amount of tourism thanks to its history. And with historical buildings and landmarks like Buckman Tavern, the Hancock-Clarke House and the Old Burying Ground, visitors and locals can step back in time and see what life was like during the Revolutionary War era.
Notable residents include multiple Nobel prize winners, actors, authors, and musicians.
Schools
It's widely acknowledged that Massachusetts is home to some of the highest-quality education in the nation, and Lexington continually garners top rankings both statewide and nationally. Lexington students regularly post high test scores on statewide MCAS exams and the school district is regarded as one of the best in the state.
Things to Do
The Old Reservoir is a great place for a picnic and some swimming during the summertime, and locals can ice skate there when it freezes over during the winter months. The town center is home to shopping and dining options, art galleries, town library and nearby Hayden Recreation Center. Lexington offers the Minuteman Bikeway, which is an 11 mile rail trail passing through four towns and utilized for both transportation and recreation. And the town's proximity to downtown Boston provides residents access to all of the cultural opportunities of a big city.
Since 1995, Lexington has been home to its own symphony. The Lexington Venue is one of the last remaining small-town movie theaters. The town sponsors a summer concert series, a crafts festival in the fall, and a lighting ceremony in December.
With access to area parks, museums, libraries, and beautiful conservation land, residents of Lexington are never lacking for things to do right in their own back yards.
Lifestyle
Lexington offers the picturesque charm associated with small-town New England and all of the modern conveniences necessary for living comfortably in a community. For commuters, Boston and Cambridge are easily accessible by car or by MBTA buses. Lexington is more than its history, attractions, and activities. It's the sense of community that truly makes a town special to live in. And the neighborly feel of Lexington is what makes it great place to live.