First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Barnstable County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loans
Living in Falmouth, Massachusetts
Falmouth occupies the southwest corner of Cape Cod, facing Buzzards Bay to the west and Vineyard Sound to the south, with Woods Hole at its southwestern tip. First settled by English colonists in 1660 and incorporated in 1686, it takes its name from Falmouth, Cornwall. Woods Hole is home to major marine science institutions and the ferry terminal for Martha's Vineyard.
Falmouth at a glance
- $5.73Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $5,881Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 90-100 minDrive to Boston
- BarnstableCounty
Falmouth's villages and zip codes
Falmouth's villages use several ZIP codes, including 02540 for Falmouth village, 02543 for Woods Hole, 02536 for East Falmouth and 02556 for North Falmouth.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Falmouth village | 02540 | The town center, with the village green, Town Hall and Main Street shops. |
| Woods Hole | 02543 | The southwestern tip of town, home to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and the ferry terminal to Martha's Vineyard. |
| East Falmouth | 02536 | East of the village center toward Waquoit Bay and the Mashpee line. |
| North Falmouth | 02556 | The northern section of town on Buzzards Bay, bordering Bourne. |
| West Falmouth | A Buzzards Bay shoreline area north of the village center. | |
| Teaticket | Between Falmouth village and East Falmouth. | |
| Waquoit | On Waquoit Bay in the eastern part of town. | |
| Hatchville | An inland section in the northeast part of town. |
Things to do in Falmouth, MA
Start with Woods Hole village and Nobska Light, then 2 more below.
Woods Hole village
Home to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Marine Biological Laboratory, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, and the Steamship Authority ferry terminal to Martha's Vineyard. A bascule drawbridge over Eel Pond opens on a set schedule for boat traffic.
Woods Hole, MA
Nobska Light
A historic lighthouse operated by the U.S. Coast Guard at the entrance to Woods Hole, with views across Vineyard Sound.
Woods Hole Rd, Falmouth, MA
Shining Sea Bikeway
A paved rail-trail running along the Falmouth shoreline between North Falmouth and Woods Hole.
Falmouth, MA
Falmouth Road Race
An annual 7-mile road race established in 1973, run each August from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights.
Falmouth, MA
More worth a visit
- Falmouth Commodores baseballA summer collegiate team in the Cape Cod Baseball League that plays home games in Falmouth.
Around the calendar
- AugustFalmouth Road RaceA 7-mile road race from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights, run annually since 1973.
A little history
Falmouth was first settled by English colonists in 1660 and incorporated as a town in 1686, taking its name from Falmouth, Cornwall.
In 1779, during the Revolutionary War, local militia repelled a British naval attack at Woods Hole in a five-hour engagement.
Rail service reached Falmouth by 1872, spurring the growth of summer homes along its shoreline.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Falmouth
Falmouth's coastline runs from Buzzards Bay around to Vineyard Sound, with a paved bikeway along the shore and bay-side ponds inland.
- Shining Sea BikewayA paved rail-trail along the coast between North Falmouth and Woods Hole.
- Waquoit BayAn estuary on the town's eastern shore, part of the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
- Nobska Light groundsCoastal grounds around the lighthouse at the entrance to Woods Hole.
Walkability and getting around Falmouth
Falmouth village center and Woods Hole are both walkable, with shops, the harbor and ferry terminal close together, while the Shining Sea Bikeway gives a car-free route along the shoreline; the town's outlying villages are spread out and generally require a car.
Drive times
- Boston, about 77 miles90-100 min
- Barnstable Municipal Airport (Hyannis), about 20 miles35-40 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) Sealine route connects Falmouth and Woods Hole to Hyannis, and CCRTA's fixed routes are fare-free. The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority runs daily ferries from Woods Hole to both islands, with seasonal Island Queen service as well.
Falmouth property taxes
Falmouth's FY2026 residential tax rate is $5.73 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $573 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $5,881, on an average assessed value of $1,026,338.
Falmouth's FY2026 tax rates
$5.73per $1,000, residential
- Residential$5.73 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$1,026,338
- Average single-family tax bill$5,881
- 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 | $8.05 |
| FY2023 | $6.92 |
| FY2024 | $6.28 |
| FY2025 | $5.87 |
| FY2026 | $5.73 |
Look up a Falmouth property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 508-495-7380
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Falmouth
What we check on a Falmouth purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, coastal flood zones.
Check the flood zone first
Falmouth's coastline faces both Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound, and water bodies such as Waquoit Bay, Great Pond and Eel Pond put shoreline parcels in FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for FalmouthSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department before the sale closes. Call 508-495-2500 (non-emergency) to schedule.
Falmouth Fire Rescue Department pageCheck FEMA flood maps along the shoreline
Falmouth has coastline on Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound, plus tidal estuaries like Waquoit Bay and Eel Pond. We check the flood map before you make an offer on a property near the water.
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 Falmouth?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Falmouth address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Falmouth: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Falmouth.
- 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
Falmouth Town Hall is at 59 Town Hall Square, Falmouth, MA 02540. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
- Town HallMain line and website
- AssessorProperty values and assessments.508-495-7380
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records and elections.508-495-7360
- Treasurer/CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.508-495-7365
- Inspectional Services (Building)Building permits and inspections.508-495-7470
- Planning DepartmentZoning, land use and planning applications.508-495-7440
- Recreation DepartmentTown recreation programs and facilities.508-457-2567
- Department of Public WorksRoads, town facilities and infrastructure.508-457-2543
- Falmouth Public LibraryThe town's public library.508-457-2555
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic, wells and permits508-495-7485
Falmouth, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Falmouth, MA?
Falmouth's FY2026 residential tax rate is $5.73 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 Falmouth?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $2,292 a year at $5.73 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Falmouth have a split tax rate?
No. Falmouth uses a single rate of $5.73 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Falmouth?
The average single-family tax bill in Falmouth was $5,881 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $1,026,338.
What county is Falmouth, MA in?
Falmouth is in Barnstable County, on Cape Cod's Upper Cape.
What ZIP codes does Falmouth use?
Falmouth's villages use several ZIP codes, including 02540 for Falmouth village, 02543 for Woods Hole, 02536 for East Falmouth and 02556 for North Falmouth.
How far is Falmouth from Boston?
Falmouth is about 77 miles south-southeast of Boston, roughly 90-100 minutes by car.
Is there a ferry from Falmouth?
Yes. The Steamship Authority runs daily ferries from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, with seasonal Island Queen service to Martha's Vineyard as well.
What are Falmouth Town Hall's hours?
Falmouth Town Hall, at 59 Town Hall Square, is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Towns near Falmouth
Neighbors of Falmouth, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Falmouth, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Woods Hole, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Falmouth official website: falmouthma.gov
- Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Nobska Light 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: T.S. Custadio (ToddC4176), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.