First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Dukes County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansLiving in Edgartown, Massachusetts
Edgartown is the county seat of Dukes County, at the eastern end of Martha's Vineyard, bordering West Tisbury and Oak Bluffs. Founded in 1642 as Great Harbor and incorporated in 1671, it grew into a major whaling port in the 1800s, and its downtown still holds captains' mansions with widow's walks. The town includes Chappaquiddick Island, reached by a small on-demand ferry, and Katama, a southern area near South Beach.
Edgartown at a glance
- $2.48Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $6,721Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 60 (ferry) minDrive to Falmouth (via ferry)
- DukesCounty
Edgartown's villages and zip codes
Edgartown, Katama and Chappaquiddick Island all use ZIP code 02539.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Edgartown center | 02539 | Around the harbor, with the Whaling Church, Daniel Fisher House and downtown shops. |
| Katama | 02539 | South-central Edgartown near South Beach and Katama Airpark. |
| Chappaquiddick Island | 02539 | Across the harbor from Edgartown center, reached by the On Time ferry; includes Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation. |
Things to do in Edgartown, MA
Start with Edgartown Harbor Light and Whaling Church, then 3 more below.
Edgartown Harbor Light
A lighthouse marking the entrance to Edgartown Harbor, reachable by a short walk from downtown along Water Street.
Water St, Edgartown, MA
Whaling Church
A former Methodist church built during Edgartown's whaling era, now used as a performing arts and lecture venue.
Main St, Edgartown, MA
Daniel Fisher House
A Greek Revival house built by a whaling-era merchant, used today for tours and social functions.
Main St, Edgartown, MA
Chappaquiddick On Time ferry
A small vehicle-and-passenger ferry (the On Time II and On Time III) that crosses Edgartown Harbor to Chappaquiddick Island; the crossing has no set schedule, giving the boats their name.
Edgartown harbor front
South Beach
A barrier ocean beach in Katama, popular for swimming and bodyboarding in surf conditions.
Katama Rd, Edgartown, MA
More worth a visit
- Whale Tail SculptureA public sculpture in downtown Edgartown.
A little history
Edgartown was founded in 1642 by Rev. Thomas Mayhew Jr. as Great Harbor, and was incorporated as Edgartown in 1671, named for Edgar, the young son of the future James II.
The town was a major whaling port in the 19th century; downtown captains' houses with widow's walks date from that era.
Parts of the film Jaws (1975) were shot in and around Edgartown.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Edgartown
Edgartown's outdoor destinations range from the harbor and downtown beaches to the wilder south and east shores of Chappaquiddick Island.
- South BeachOcean-facing barrier beach in Katama.
- Wasque ReservationA Trustees of Reservations property on Chappaquiddick's south shore.
- Cape Pogue Wildlife RefugeA refuge on Chappaquiddick's east shore with a lighthouse and trails.
- Manuel F. Correllus State ForestState forest shared with West Tisbury and Oak Bluffs, with multi-use trails.
Walkability and getting around Edgartown
Downtown Edgartown, around the harbor and Main Street, is compact and walkable with shops, restaurants and historic homes close together. Katama and Chappaquiddick are more spread out and generally require a car or bicycle.
Drive times
- Falmouth (via ferry), about 20 miles60 (ferry) min
- Martha's Vineyard Airport, about 5 miles10-15 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) runs island bus routes serving Edgartown. The On Time ferries cross Edgartown Harbor to Chappaquiddick Island. A seasonal passenger ferry (the Pied Piper) connects Edgartown to Falmouth. There is no train service on Martha's Vineyard.
Edgartown property taxes
Edgartown's FY2026 residential tax rate is $2.48 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $248 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $6,721, on an average assessed value of $2,710,268.
Edgartown's FY2026 tax rates
$2.48per $1,000, residential
- Residential$2.48 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$2,710,268
- Average single-family tax bill$6,721
- 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 | $3.03 |
| FY2023 | $2.52 |
| FY2024 | $2.55 |
| FY2025 | $2.65 |
| FY2026 | $2.48 |
Look up a Edgartown property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Edgartown
What we check on a Edgartown purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, septic & title 5, coastal flood zone, island access.
Check the flood zone first
Edgartown's harbor front, South Beach and low-lying parts of Chappaquiddick Island fall within FEMA-mapped coastal flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for EdgartownSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Edgartown Fire Department before the sale closes.
Edgartown Fire Department pageConfirm septic status before closing
Much of Edgartown outside the downtown core, including Katama and Chappaquiddick Island, relies on private septic systems. Massachusetts law requires a Title 5 septic inspection before a home on a septic system can be sold.
Check FEMA flood maps near the shoreline
Property near the harbor, South Beach or Chappaquiddick's outer shores may fall within a FEMA flood zone, which can affect insurance requirements. We check the flood map before you make an offer.
Chappaquiddick is reached by ferry only
Chappaquiddick Island has no bridge to Edgartown center; vehicles and passengers cross on the small On Time ferry, which buyers should factor into daily-access plans.
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 Edgartown?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Edgartown address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Edgartown: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Edgartown: Eversource for power.
- ElectricEversource
- Natural gasNo natural gas service
- WaterEdgartown Water Department
- Sewer or septicEdgartown's downtown and harbor area are served by town sewer; outlying areas, including Katama and Chappaquiddick, rely largely on septic systems.
- 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
Edgartown Town Hall.
- Town HallMain line and website
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.
- AssessorProperty values and assessments.
- Tax CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and inspections.
- Planning BoardZoning, land use, and planning applications.
- Parks & RecreationTown parks, recreation programs, and facility reservations.
- Department of Public WorksRoads, town facilities, and infrastructure.
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic inspections, wells, and public health.
- Fire DepartmentFire department; smoke and carbon-monoxide certificates for home sales.
- Edgartown Free Public LibraryThe town's public library.
Edgartown, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Edgartown, MA?
Edgartown's FY2026 residential tax rate is $2.48 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 Edgartown?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $992 a year at $2.48 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Edgartown have a split tax rate?
No. Edgartown uses a single rate of $2.48 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Edgartown?
The average single-family tax bill in Edgartown was $6,721 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $2,710,268.
What county is Edgartown in?
Edgartown is in Dukes County, on Martha's Vineyard, and is the county seat.
What ZIP code does Edgartown use?
Edgartown, Katama and Chappaquiddick Island all use ZIP code 02539.
How do you get to Chappaquiddick Island?
The On Time ferries cross Edgartown Harbor to Chappaquiddick; the boats run on demand rather than a fixed schedule.
Is there public transit in Edgartown?
Yes. The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) operates island bus routes through Edgartown.
Who supplies electricity in Edgartown?
Eversource is the electric utility serving Edgartown.
Towns near Edgartown
Neighbors of Edgartown, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Edgartown, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Edgartown official website: edgartown-ma.us
- 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.