First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Worcester County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansLiving in Berlin, Massachusetts
Berlin is a small town in north Worcester County, first settled in 1665 and incorporated in 1812.
Berlin at a glance
- $14.06Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $9,951Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 20-25 minDrive to Worcester
- WorcesterCounty
Berlin's zip code
Berlin uses a single ZIP code, 01503, for the whole town.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin center | 01503 | Around Town Hall on Linden Street. |
Things to do in Berlin, MA
Start with Berlin Public Library.
Berlin Public Library
The town's public library.
Berlin, MA
A little history
Berlin was first settled in 1665 and incorporated as a town in 1812.
After the Civil War, Berlin had a shoe manufacturing industry and later became known for specialty agriculture, marketing about 41,000 bunches of asparagus in 1885 and reaching about 836,600 dozen eggs produced annually by 1940.
Walkability and getting around Berlin
Berlin's small center around Town Hall has limited sidewalks, and most of the town is built for driving.
Drive times
- Worcester, about 12 miles20-25 min
- Worcester Regional Airport, about 18 miles30 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Berlin has no fixed-route public bus service or train station confirmed by official sources.
Berlin property taxes
Berlin's FY2026 residential tax rate is $14.06 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $21.13. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,406 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $9,951, on an average assessed value of $707,787.
Berlin's FY2026 tax rates
$14.06per $1,000, residential
- Residential$14.06 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$21.13 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$707,787
- Average single-family tax bill$9,951
- Motor vehicle excise (statewide)$25 per $1,000 of value
Source: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
How the residential rate has changed
| Fiscal year | Residential rate |
|---|---|
| FY2022 | $15.63 |
| FY2023 | $13.84 |
| FY2024 | $12.75 |
| FY2025 | $14.19 |
| FY2026 | $14.06 |
Look up a Berlin property
- Property record cardsAssessed value, lot size and building details
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 978-838-2256
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Berlin
What we check on a Berlin purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, wells & septic.
Check the flood zone first
Flood zones are set address by address. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for BerlinSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Berlin Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 978-838-2444 to schedule.
Berlin Fire Department pageConfirm well and septic status before making an offer
Berlin is a small, largely rural town where properties outside the center may rely on private wells and septic systems. Massachusetts requires a Title 5 septic inspection before most home sales; buyers should confirm the utility setup for a specific property.
All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and property and program requirements. MassHousing limits and eligibility are set by MassHousing and change from time to time.
Thinking about buying in Berlin?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Berlin address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Berlin: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Berlin.
- Registry of Motor VehiclesUpdate your address with the RMV within 30 days. Excise tax goes to the city or town where the car is garaged.Mass. RMV
Town Hall offices and contacts
Berlin Town Hall is at 23 Linden Street, Berlin, MA 01503. Main line: 978-838-2442.
- Town HallMain line and website978-838-2442
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.978-838-2931
- AssessorProperty values and assessments.978-838-2256
- Tax Collector / TreasurerProperty tax billing and payment.978-838-2765
- Building InspectorBuilding permits and inspections.978-838-0046
- Board of HealthSeptic (Title 5), wells and public health.978-310-5917
- Fire DepartmentFire safety, inspections and smoke-certificate compliance.978-838-2444
- Highway DepartmentRoads and town infrastructure.978-838-2898
- Berlin Public LibraryThe town's public library.978-838-2812
- Berlin-Boylston Regional School DistrictThe town's regional school district, shared with Boylston (Berlin Memorial School and Tahanto Regional High School).
Berlin, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Berlin, MA?
Berlin's FY2026 residential tax rate is $14.06 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $21.13. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Berlin?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $5,624 a year at $14.06 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Berlin have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $14.06 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $21.13.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Berlin?
The average single-family tax bill in Berlin was $9,951 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $707,787.
What county is Berlin, MA in?
Berlin is in Worcester County.
What ZIP code does Berlin use?
Berlin uses a single ZIP code, 01503, for the whole town.
Which towns border Berlin?
Berlin borders Hudson and Marlborough to the east, Bolton to the north, Clinton and Boylston to the west, and Northborough to the south.
How far is Berlin from Worcester?
Berlin is about 12 miles from Worcester, roughly a 20-25 minute drive.
Where can I look up property assessment records in Berlin?
The town's online property database is at gis.vgsi.com/BerlinMA.
Towns near Berlin
Neighbors of Berlin, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Berlin, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Berlin - Massachusetts Municipal Association: mma.org
- Town of Berlin official website - Directory: townofberlin.com
- Tax rates and average single-family value and tax bill: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
- Motor vehicle excise: M.G.L. c. 60A, $25 per $1,000 of value statewide.
- Walkability: Walk Score®, provided live by Walk Score.
- Checked September 25, 2026.