First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Bristol County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansLiving in Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Dartmouth is a town in Bristol County on Buzzards Bay, incorporated in 1664 as part of the Old Dartmouth Purchase, an early European land purchase of about 115,000 acres covering what became several South Coast communities. The town has a long Quaker history, including the Apponegansett Meeting House, built in 1791. It borders New Bedford, Fall River, Freetown, and Westport.
Dartmouth at a glance
- $8.03Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $5,276Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 10-15 minDrive to New Bedford
- BristolCounty
Dartmouth's villages and zip codes
North Dartmouth uses ZIP code 02747; South Dartmouth, including Padanaram, uses 02748.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Padanaram | 02748 | A historic fishing and boating village on the Apponagansett Bay in South Dartmouth, home to the New Bedford Yacht Club. |
| North Dartmouth | 02747 | The northern section of town along Route 6 and Route 140. |
| South Dartmouth | 02748 | The southern section of town, including Padanaram and Demarest Lloyd State Park. |
Things to do in Dartmouth, MA
Start with Demarest Lloyd State Park and Padanaram village, then 2 more below.
Demarest Lloyd State Park
A 200-acre state park in South Dartmouth on Buzzards Bay near the mouth of the Slocums River, with an ocean beach, seaside marshlands, swimming, picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching.
South Dartmouth, MA
Padanaram village
A historic fishing and boating village on Apponagansett Bay, home to the New Bedford Yacht Club and small shops along the harbor.
Padanaram, South Dartmouth, MA
Slocum's River Reserve
A Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust property with hiking trails along the Slocum's River.
Dartmouth, MA
Round Hill
A former MIT wind-turbine and atmospheric research site on the Dartmouth coast, now a gated residential community with a golf course.
South Dartmouth, MA
A little history
Dartmouth was incorporated in 1664 as part of the Old Dartmouth Purchase, an early land purchase of about 115,000 acres in southeastern Massachusetts.
The town had a strong Quaker community by 1699; the Apponegansett Meeting House was built in 1791.
Dartmouth residents served in multiple regiments during the Civil War.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Dartmouth
Dartmouth's outdoor recreation centers on its Buzzards Bay shoreline, including Demarest Lloyd State Park, and inland trails such as Slocum's River Reserve.
- Demarest Lloyd State ParkA 200-acre beach and marshland park on Buzzards Bay near the Slocums River.
- Slocum's River ReserveA land-trust property with hiking trails along the Slocum's River.
- Padanaram HarborA working harbor and yacht club on Apponagansett Bay.
Walkability and getting around Dartmouth
Padanaram village has a small, walkable harborfront core, but most of Dartmouth, including North Dartmouth's commercial strips along Route 6, is built around driving.
Drive times
- New Bedford, about 5 miles10-15 min
- New Bedford Regional Airport, about 8 miles15-20 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) serves Dartmouth, connecting to New Bedford and Fall River; the town's SRTA service is more limited than the fixed routes SRTA runs within those two cities. Dartmouth has no MBTA Commuter Rail station of its own; the nearest South Coast Rail stations are in New Bedford.
Dartmouth property taxes
Dartmouth's FY2026 residential tax rate is $8.03 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $15.78. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $803 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $5,276, on an average assessed value of $657,047.
Dartmouth's FY2026 tax rates
$8.03per $1,000, residential
- Residential$8.03 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$15.78 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$657,047
- Average single-family tax bill$5,276
- 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 | $9.47 |
| FY2023 | $8.78 |
| FY2024 | $8.33 |
| FY2025 | $8.26 |
| FY2026 | $8.03 |
Look up a Dartmouth property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Dartmouth
What we check on a Dartmouth purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, coastal flood zones, private wells and septic.
Check the flood zone first
Dartmouth's Buzzards Bay shoreline, including areas around Padanaram Harbor, Apponagansett Bay, and Demarest Lloyd State Park near the Slocums River, puts low-lying coastal parcels within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for DartmouthSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Dartmouth Fire Department before the sale closes.
Check FEMA flood maps near the bay and coves
Dartmouth's coastline along Buzzards Bay, including Padanaram Harbor and Apponagansett Bay, puts nearby parcels within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check the flood map before you make an offer on a property near the water.
Many Dartmouth properties rely on private wells or septic
Outside the more built-up North Dartmouth corridor, parts of town rely on private wells and septic systems rather than town water and sewer. Massachusetts requires a Title 5 septic inspection before a home on a septic system can be sold.
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 Dartmouth?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Dartmouth address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Dartmouth: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Dartmouth.
- Trash and recyclingThe town operates a transfer station for residents; a weather-related transfer station closure has appeared among the town's recent public notices.
- 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
Dartmouth Town Hall is at 400 Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747. Hours: Monday 8:00am-6:30pm; Tuesday-Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm; Friday 8:00am-11:00am.
Dartmouth, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Dartmouth, MA?
Dartmouth's FY2026 residential tax rate is $8.03 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $15.78. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Dartmouth?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $3,212 a year at $8.03 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Dartmouth have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $8.03 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $15.78.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Dartmouth?
The average single-family tax bill in Dartmouth was $5,276 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $657,047.
What ZIP codes does Dartmouth use?
North Dartmouth uses 02747, and South Dartmouth, including Padanaram, uses 02748.
Is there public transit in Dartmouth?
The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) serves Dartmouth, connecting to New Bedford and Fall River. Dartmouth has no MBTA Commuter Rail station of its own; the nearest South Coast Rail stations are in New Bedford.
What is Padanaram?
Padanaram is a historic fishing and boating village on Apponagansett Bay in South Dartmouth, home to the New Bedford Yacht Club.
Is Demarest Lloyd State Park in Dartmouth?
Yes. It's a 200-acre state park in South Dartmouth on Buzzards Bay near the mouth of the Slocums River, with an ocean beach and marshlands.
Towns near Dartmouth
Neighbors of Dartmouth, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Dartmouth, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Dartmouth official website: dartmouthma.gov
- Demarest Lloyd State Park - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.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.
- Checked September 25, 2026.