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MassHousing home loansLiving in Eastham, Massachusetts
Eastham sits on the narrow forearm of Cape Cod, with Cape Cod Bay on its west shore and the Atlantic Ocean on its east, and it is bisected north-south by Route 6. Settled by English colonists in 1644 and incorporated in 1651, its original bounds once included present-day Orleans, Wellfleet and Truro. About a third of the town lies within the Cape Cod National Seashore, and its outer beaches and Nauset Light are landmarks along that stretch of coast.
Eastham at a glance
- $7.71Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $6,664Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 40-50 minDrive to Hyannis
- BarnstableCounty
Eastham's villages and zip codes
Eastham uses ZIP code 02642 for most of town, with 02651 (North Eastham) covering the northern section.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Eastham center | 02642 | Along Route 6 near Town Hall, roughly midway through town. |
| North Eastham | 02651 | The northern section of town toward the Wellfleet line, near the Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitor Center. |
Things to do in Eastham, MA
Start with Nauset Light and Three Sisters of Nauset, then 3 more below.
Nauset Light
An active red-and-white lighthouse on the Cape Cod National Seashore, with tower and oil house tours run seasonally by the Nauset Light Preservation Society on Sundays from May to late October and Wednesdays in July and August.
Cable Rd, North Eastham, MA
Three Sisters of Nauset
Three small wooden lighthouses, decommissioned when Nauset Light took over in 1923 and relocated about 1,000 feet inland, now preserved as a historic site near Nauset Light.
Cable Rd, North Eastham, MA
Salt Pond Visitor Center
The Cape Cod National Seashore's main visitor center, with exhibits, a bookstore, ranger programs and trailheads onto the Nauset Marsh Trail.
50 Nauset Rd, Eastham, MA
First Encounter Beach
A Cape Cod Bay beach and the site where the Mayflower's exploring party first encountered the Nauset people in December 1620, known today for calm bay water and sunset views.
First Encounter Beach Rd, Eastham, MA
Eastham Windmill
A working grist mill on the town green, considered the oldest windmill on Cape Cod.
Samoset Rd, Eastham, MA
More worth a visit
- Edward Penniman HouseA 19th-century sea captain's house on the National Seashore, open seasonally for tours.
A little history
Eastham was settled by English colonists in 1644 and incorporated in 1651; its original territory once included present-day Orleans, Wellfleet, Truro and part of Chatham.
In December 1620, an exploring party from the Mayflower had its first encounter with the Nauset people at what is now First Encounter Beach.
Nauset Light was moved to its current site in Eastham in 1923, replacing the three wooden Three Sisters lighthouses, which were relocated nearby rather than demolished.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Eastham
Eastham has ocean beach on its Atlantic side and calmer bay beaches on its Cape Cod Bay side, plus National Seashore trails through pine woods and salt marsh.
- Coast Guard BeachAn Atlantic-facing National Seashore beach popular for swimming and surfing, shared with the Orleans/Eastham line.
- Nauset Marsh TrailA loop trail from the Salt Pond Visitor Center through salt marsh and along Nauset Marsh.
- First Encounter BeachA Cape Cod Bay beach known for calm water, tide pools and sunsets.
Walkability and getting around Eastham
Eastham center near Town Hall has limited sidewalks, and North Eastham near the Salt Pond Visitor Center has short walkable stretches, but most of the town is spread along Route 6 and side roads that require a car, aside from National Seashore trails and bike paths.
Drive times
- Hyannis, about 32 miles40-50 min
- Cape Cod Gateway Airport (Hyannis), about 32 miles45-50 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority's FLEX bus route runs through Eastham between Harwich and Provincetown, with fixed stops and on-demand deviation service by reservation. There is no train station in Eastham; the seasonal CapeFLYER train from Boston ends at Hyannis, about 32 miles away.
Eastham property taxes
Eastham's FY2026 residential tax rate is $7.71 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $7.66. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $771 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $6,664, on an average assessed value of $864,368.
Eastham's FY2026 tax rates
$7.71per $1,000, residential
- Residential$7.71 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$7.66 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$864,368
- Average single-family tax bill$6,664
- 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 | $8.58 |
| FY2023 | $7.24 |
| FY2024 | $7.01 |
| FY2025 | $7.71 |
| FY2026 | $7.71 |
Look up a Eastham 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
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Eastham
What we check on a Eastham purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, septic systems, national seashore.
Check the flood zone first
Low-lying land along the Atlantic outer beaches and along Cape Cod Bay, plus areas around Nauset Marsh and Salt Pond, fall within FEMA-mapped flood zones subject to coastal erosion. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for EasthamSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Eastham Fire Department before the sale closes.
Eastham Fire Department pageNo municipal sewer in Eastham
Eastham has no town sewer system, so every property relies on a private septic system. A Title 5 septic inspection is required before a sale closes, and buyers should ask about system age and capacity.
Some land is within the Cape Cod National Seashore
About a third of Eastham lies within the Cape Cod National Seashore, which can affect building and renovation rules on nearby parcels. Buyers should check with the town and the National Park Service before planning changes.
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 Eastham?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Eastham address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Eastham: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Eastham: Eversource, with Cape Light Compact administering energy-efficiency programs for power.
- ElectricEversource, with Cape Light Compact administering energy-efficiency programs
- Natural gasNo natural gas service; propane is common for heating and cooking
- WaterEastham Water Division (town public water)
- Sewer or septicEastham has no municipal sewer system; properties rely on private septic systems
- Trash and recyclingEastham residents bring trash and recycling to the town Transfer Station; curbside pickup is not provided town-wide.
- 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
Eastham Town Hall is at 2500 State Highway, Eastham, MA 02642. Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, by appointment 12-4 PM. Main line: 508-240-5900.
- Town HallMain line and website508-240-5900
- Town ClerkVital records, elections and public records.508-240-5900
- AssessingValues real and personal property in Eastham.508-240-5900
- Treasurer/CollectorCollects and disburses town funds and tax payments.508-240-5900
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and state building code enforcement.508-240-5900
- Planning DivisionZoning, land use and planning applications.508-240-5900
- Public WorksRoads, infrastructure and the transfer station.508-240-5900
- Recreation & Beach DepartmentBeach permits, town recreation programs.508-240-5900
- LibraryThe town's public library.508-240-5900
- Nauset Regional School DistrictThe regional school district serving Eastham.
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic, wells and permits
Eastham, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Eastham, MA?
Eastham's FY2026 residential tax rate is $7.71 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $7.66. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Eastham?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $3,084 a year at $7.71 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Eastham have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $7.71 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $7.66.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Eastham?
The average single-family tax bill in Eastham was $6,664 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $864,368.
What county is Eastham, MA in?
Eastham is in Barnstable County, on Cape Cod.
What ZIP codes does Eastham use?
Eastham uses 02642 for most of town and 02651 for North Eastham.
Is there curbside trash pickup in Eastham?
No; residents bring trash and recycling to the town Transfer Station.
Who supplies electricity in Eastham?
Eversource is the electric utility, with Cape Light Compact running local energy-efficiency programs.
Is there a train to Eastham?
No. The seasonal CapeFLYER train from Boston ends at Hyannis, about 32 miles away.
Is there bus service in Eastham?
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority's FLEX route runs through Eastham between Harwich and Provincetown.
Towns near Eastham
Neighbors of Eastham, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Eastham, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Nauset Light - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Eastham official website: eastham-ma.gov
- Eastham Departments directory: eastham-ma.gov
- Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority FLEX route: capecodrta.org
- CapeFLYER route: capeflyer.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.