East Brookfield center
122 Connie Mack Drive, East Brookfield, MA 01515
Living in East Brookfield, Massachusetts
East Brookfield is a small town in Worcester County on Lake Lashaway and the Quaboag River plains, an area long known locally as "the Flats." First settled in 1664 as part of the Quaboag Plantation and later part of Brookfield, it broke off to incorporate on its own on March 24, 1920, making it, by date, the newest town in Massachusetts.
East Brookfield at a glance
- $11.76Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $5,001Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 30-35 minDrive to Worcester
- WorcesterCounty
East Brookfield's zip code
East Brookfield uses the 01515 zip code.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| East Brookfield center | 01515 | Along Main Street near Town Hall and the shore of Lake Lashaway. |
Things to do in East Brookfield, MA
Start with Lake Lashaway and East Brookfield Historical Museum, then 2 more below.
Lake Lashaway
The town's main water body, used for boating and fishing, with several restaurants and camps along its shore.
East Main Street, East Brookfield, MA
East Brookfield Historical Museum
Housed in the former Hodgkins School, described as the oldest operating original wooden school building in the nation before it closed in 2002; the building also holds the Quaboag Valley Railroaders Club and the Massasoit Art Guild.
East Brookfield, MA
Quaboag and Quacumquasit Ponds
Also known locally as North and South Ponds, these connected water bodies border the southern part of town and are used for paddling and fishing.
East Brookfield, MA
Podunk
A historic, now largely depopulated village area within East Brookfield; entertainer George M. Cohan spent boyhood summers here visiting relatives and later helped popularize the place name in vaudeville.
Podunk section, East Brookfield, MA
A little history
The area was first settled in 1664 as part of the Quaboag Plantation and became part of the town of Brookfield in 1673.
East Brookfield incorporated as its own town on March 24, 1920, making it the newest town in Massachusetts by date of incorporation.
The Hodgkins School, which closed in 2002, was described as the oldest operating original wooden school building in the nation; the building now houses the East Brookfield Historical Museum, the Quaboag Valley Railroaders Club, and the Massasoit Art Guild.
Parks, trails and outdoors in East Brookfield
East Brookfield's outdoor life centers on Lake Lashaway and the Quaboag and Quacumquasit ponds to the south.
- Lake LashawayThe town's principal lake, used for boating and fishing.
- Quaboag Pond and Quacumquasit PondConnected ponds on the town's southern edge, used for paddling and fishing.
Where to eat in East Brookfield: restaurants and coffee
4 places in East Brookfield to try, including restaurant and american restaurant. No one paid to be listed.
308 Lakeside
Restaurant
A restaurant on the shore of Lake Lashaway serving seafood, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, and pizza.
308 E Main St, East Brookfield, MA · 308lakeside.com
Trolley Stop Restaurant
American restaurant
A restaurant overlooking Lake Lashaway serving classic American comfort food.
East Brookfield, MA
Rise N' Shine Diner
Diner
A breakfast diner serving homestyle dishes including corned beef hash and house-baked pies.
East Brookfield, MA
E.B. Flatts
American restaurant
A restaurant serving American comfort fare including steak tips, chicken parmesan, sandwiches, and fish and chips.
East Brookfield, MA
Walkability and getting around East Brookfield
Main Street near Town Hall and the lake has sidewalks connecting a cluster of restaurants and municipal buildings, but most of East Brookfield's residential area is built around driving.
Drive times
- Worcester, about 20 miles30-35 min
- Worcester Regional Airport, about 18 miles25-30 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
East Brookfield has no fixed-route public bus or passenger rail service; a CSX freight line (Boston-to-Selkirk) runs parallel to Main Street but does not carry passengers.
East Brookfield property taxes
East Brookfield's FY2026 residential tax rate is $11.76 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,176 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $5,001, on an average assessed value of $425,271.
East Brookfield's FY2026 tax rates
$11.76per $1,000, residential
- Residential$11.76 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$425,271
- Average single-family tax bill$5,001
- 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 | $13.53 |
| FY2023 | $13.11 |
| FY2024 | $12.77 |
| FY2025 | $12.84 |
| FY2026 | $11.76 |
Look up a East Brookfield property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 508-867-6769 ext. 302
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in East Brookfield
What we check on a East Brookfield purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, smoke & co certificate, wells & septic.
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 loansCheck the flood zone first
Low-lying land along Lake Lashaway and the Quaboag River plains ("the Flats") puts some parcels in FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for East BrookfieldSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the East Brookfield Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 508-867-3124 to schedule.
East Brookfield Fire Department pageMassachusetts requires a smoke and CO certificate before closing
Sellers need a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance certificate from the local fire department before a sale can close. The East Brookfield Fire Department handles these inspections.
East Brookfield Fire DepartmentMost homes use private wells and septic systems
East Brookfield has no townwide public water or sewer system, so buyers should budget for well and septic inspections, including a Title 5 septic inspection before closing.
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 East Brookfield?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a East Brookfield address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to East Brookfield: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in East Brookfield: National Grid for power.
- ElectricNational Grid
- Natural gasNo natural gas service confirmed; homes typically use propane, oil, or electric heat
- WaterMostly private wells
- Sewer or septicNo town sewer system; properties rely on private septic systems
- Trash and recyclingEast Brookfield uses curbside trash collection with official bags sold locally for $15 per ten bags; a separate Recycle Center handles recyclables and, seasonally, bulky items for a fee.
- 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
East Brookfield Recycle Center
100 Stevens Road, East Brookfield, MA Saturdays 9am-3pm year-round (except holidays); also Thursdays 2:30-4:30pm from April through November
Transfer station detailsTown Hall offices and contacts
East Brookfield Town Hall is at 122 Connie Mack Drive, East Brookfield, MA 01515. Main line: 508-867-6769.
- Town HallMain line and website508-867-6769
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.508-867-6769 ext. 301
- Board of AssessorsProperty values and assessments.508-867-6769 ext. 302
- Tax CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.508-867-6769 ext. 303
- Fire DepartmentFire prevention and emergency response; issues smoke and CO certificates for home sales.508-867-3124
- Board of HealthSeptic, well, and food permitting.508-867-6769 ext. 307
- Department of Public Works (Highway)Roads and highway maintenance.508-867-6575
- East Brookfield Public LibraryThe town's public library, established in 1921.
- Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School DistrictEast Brookfield is regionalized K-12 with Spencer; students attend Knox Trail Junior High School and David Prouty High School in Spencer.
East Brookfield, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in East Brookfield, MA?
East Brookfield's FY2026 residential tax rate is $11.76 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 East Brookfield?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,704 a year at $11.76 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does East Brookfield have a split tax rate?
No. East Brookfield uses a single rate of $11.76 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in East Brookfield?
The average single-family tax bill in East Brookfield was $5,001 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $425,271.
What ZIP code does East Brookfield use?
East Brookfield uses ZIP code 01515.
Is trash pickup curbside in East Brookfield?
Yes. East Brookfield collects trash curbside using official bags sold at local stores, and residents can also use the town's Recycle Center on Stevens Road for recycling and, seasonally, bulky items.
Who supplies electricity in East Brookfield?
National Grid is the electric utility serving East Brookfield.
How far is East Brookfield from Worcester?
East Brookfield is roughly 20 miles from Worcester, about a 30-35 minute drive.
Is there public transit in East Brookfield?
No. East Brookfield has no fixed-route bus or passenger rail service; a CSX freight line runs through town but carries no passengers.
What school district serves East Brookfield?
East Brookfield is regionalized K-12 with Spencer, and students attend Knox Trail Junior High School and David Prouty High School in Spencer.
Towns near East Brookfield
Neighbors of East Brookfield, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- East Brookfield, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of East Brookfield official website: eastbrookfieldma.us
- Solid Waste Department - East Brookfield, MA: eastbrookfieldma.us
- Public Library - East Brookfield, MA: eastbrookfieldma.us
- Directory - East Brookfield, MA: eastbrookfieldma.us
- 308 Lakeside restaurant: 308lakeside.com
- MassDOT Utility Contacts by District/Municipality: hwy.massdot.state.ma.us
- EastBrookfield-MA.jpg, 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: Richard B. Johnson (en:User:LymanSchool), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.