Bridgewater center
66 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324
Living in Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Bridgewater is a town in Plymouth County, about 25 miles south of Boston, where Routes 18, 28 and 104 converge at Central Square and the Town Common. It was set off from Duxbury in 1645 and incorporated as its own town in 1656; in 2010 it adopted a city-style charter while keeping "Town of Bridgewater" as its legal name. The Taunton River and its tributaries cross the town, and the Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management Area covers much of the western side.
Bridgewater at a glance
- $12.03Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $7,420Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 40-50 minDrive to Boston
- PlymouthCounty
Bridgewater's zip code
Bridgewater's official records list two ZIP codes, 02324 and 02325; Town Hall and most addresses in the center use 02324.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater center | 02324 | Around Central Square and the Town Common, where Town Hall, the library and Bridgewater State University are located. |
Things to do in Bridgewater, MA
Start with Ironworks Park and Bridgewater State University, then 2 more below.
Ironworks Park
A town park on the site of the former Bridgewater Iron Works, a 19th-century foundry that was largely demolished in 1994. Paths follow the Town River through the former mill site.
Spring Street, Bridgewater, MA
Bridgewater State University
A public university founded in 1840 as a normal school for teacher training, now one of the largest public universities in Massachusetts. Its campus includes public art galleries and a performing-arts theater open to the community.
131 Summer St, Bridgewater, MA
Plan a visitLake Nippenicket
Bridgewater's largest pond, on the western edge of town within the Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management Area, with a boat launch used for fishing and paddling.
Off Pine Street, Bridgewater, MA
Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management Area
One of the largest wetland complexes in Massachusetts, with a large portion in western Bridgewater. Trails cross the swamp and surrounding woods for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Western Bridgewater, MA
More worth a visit
- Bridgewater Public LibraryThe town's public library, part of the SAILS Library Network.Website
A little history
Bridgewater was set off from Duxbury in 1645 by purchase from local Native Americans and was incorporated as its own town in 1656.
The Bridgewater Iron Works operated in town through the 19th century, supplying iron for shipbuilding and other industries, before it was largely demolished in 1994 and its site became Ironworks Park.
Bridgewater State University was founded in 1840 as a normal school, one of the first public teacher-training schools in the country, and has grown into one of the largest public universities in Massachusetts.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Bridgewater
Bridgewater's outdoor recreation follows the Taunton River watershed and the Hockomock Swamp, from a riverside town park to thousands of acres of protected wetland.
- Ironworks ParkRiverside walking paths on the former Bridgewater Iron Works site.
- Lake NippenicketFishing and paddling on the town's largest pond.
- Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management AreaTrails through a large wetland wildlife area on the town's western side.
Walkability and getting around Bridgewater
Central Square and the Bridgewater State University campus have sidewalks connecting Town Hall, the library and campus buildings, but most of the town's neighborhoods and its rural western half are built for driving.
Drive times
- Boston, about 25 miles40-50 min
- Logan International Airport, about 30 miles45-55 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The MBTA Commuter Rail's Fall River/New Bedford Line stops at Bridgewater station, 80 Burrill Avenue, at the east end of the Bridgewater State University campus, with service toward Boston.
Bridgewater property taxes
Bridgewater's FY2026 residential tax rate is $12.03 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,203 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $7,420, on an average assessed value of $616,769.
Bridgewater's FY2026 tax rates
$12.03per $1,000, residential
- Residential$12.03 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$616,769
- Average single-family tax bill$7,420
- 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 | $14.32 |
| FY2023 | $12.84 |
| FY2024 | $12.14 |
| FY2025 | $11.83 |
| FY2026 | $12.03 |
Look up a Bridgewater property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 508-697-0919
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Bridgewater
What we check on a Bridgewater purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, transfer station, no curbside, septic & title 5.
First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Plymouth County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansCheck the flood zone first
The Taunton River and its tributaries, along with Lake Nippenicket and the Hockomock Swamp, put low-lying parcels in parts of Bridgewater within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for BridgewaterSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Bridgewater Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 508-697-0900 to schedule.
Bridgewater Fire Department pageBridgewater has no curbside trash pickup
Residents bring trash and recycling to the town transfer station on Bedford Street, which requires a paid sticker, or contract with a private hauler. Ask what a seller currently uses before you close.
Transfer station detailsSome properties rely on private septic systems
Massachusetts requires a Title 5 septic system inspection before most property sales. Bridgewater's Board of Health reviews inspection reports and charges a fee for conditional or failed reports.
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 Bridgewater?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Bridgewater address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Bridgewater: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Bridgewater: National Grid for power.
- ElectricNational Grid
- Trash and recyclingBridgewater does not offer curbside trash pickup; residents bring trash and recycling to the town transfer station or contract with a private hauler.
- 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
Bridgewater Transfer Station
1200 Bedford Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324 Monday, Tuesday, Friday 9 AM-4 PM; Saturday 7 AM-2 PM; Sunday 8 AM-12 PM; closed Wednesday and Thursday
$50 for a 1-year sticker, $75 for 2 years, $15 for a 1-day pass (effective July 1, 2025); a $2 per bag disposal fee also applies
Transfer station detailsTown Hall offices and contacts
Bridgewater Town Hall is at 66 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8 AM-4 PM; Tuesday 8 AM-7 PM; Friday closed. Main line: 508-697-0919.
- Town HallMain line and website508-697-0919
- Town ClerkVital records, elections and land records.508-697-0919
- AssessorProperty values and assessments.508-697-0919
- Tax Collector/TreasurerProperty tax billing and payment.508-697-0919
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic inspections, food and housing inspections.508-697-0903
- Public WorksWater, sewer, highways and the transfer station.
- Bridgewater Public LibraryThe town's public library, part of the SAILS Library Network.
- Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School DistrictThe regional school district serving Bridgewater and Raynham.
Bridgewater, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Bridgewater, MA?
Bridgewater's FY2026 residential tax rate is $12.03 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Bridgewater?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,812 a year at $12.03 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Bridgewater have a split tax rate?
No. Bridgewater uses a single rate of $12.03 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Bridgewater?
The average single-family tax bill in Bridgewater was $7,420 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $616,769.
What county is Bridgewater, MA in?
Bridgewater is in Plymouth County.
Does Bridgewater have curbside trash pickup?
No. Residents use the town transfer station on Bedford Street with a paid sticker, or hire a private hauler.
Who supplies electricity in Bridgewater?
National Grid is the electric utility referenced in the town's municipal energy aggregation program.
Is there a train station in Bridgewater?
Yes. The MBTA Commuter Rail's Fall River/New Bedford Line stops at Bridgewater station on Burrill Avenue, next to the Bridgewater State University campus.
How far is Bridgewater from Boston?
Bridgewater is about 25 miles south of Boston.
Which towns border Bridgewater?
Bridgewater borders West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Middleborough and Raynham.
Towns near Bridgewater
Neighbors of Bridgewater, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Bridgewater, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Bridgewater (MBTA station) - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Bridgewater official website: bridgewaterma.gov
- Bridgewater Health Department: bridgewaterma.gov
- Bridgewater Transfer Station: bridgewaterma.gov
- Bridgewater Municipal Energy Aggregation: bridgewaterma.gov
- Bridgewater Fire Department: bridgewaterfire.org
- Bridgewater Central Square photo, Wikimedia Commons: commons.wikimedia.org
- 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.
- Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.