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 loans
Living in Freetown, Massachusetts
Freetown is a town in Bristol County on the South Coast of Massachusetts, between Fall River and New Bedford along the Taunton River watershed. English settlers acquired the land in 1659 through Ye Freemen's Purchase from the Wampanoag, and the town once included what is now Fall River and part of Acushnet before those areas separated. Freetown is organized around two villages, Assonet and East Freetown, and includes a large share of state forest land.
Freetown at a glance
- $9.78Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $5,501Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 15-20 minDrive to Fall River
- BristolCounty
Freetown's villages and zip codes
Freetown uses two ZIP codes: 02702 for Assonet and 02717 for East Freetown.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Assonet | 02702 | The town's older village, along the Assonet River, with Town Hall and the historic North Church. |
| East Freetown | 02717 | The town's other village, in the eastern part of Freetown near Long Pond. |
Things to do in Freetown, MA
Start with Profile Rock and Freetown-Fall River State Forest, then 2 more below.
Profile Rock
A granite rock formation on Joshua's Mountain resembling a human profile, a well-known local landmark with a short walk to the overlook.
Slab Bridge Road, Freetown, MA
Freetown-Fall River State Forest
A large state forest covering much of southern Freetown, with trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, and access to Profile Rock and King Philip's Cave.
Slab Bridge Road, Freetown, MA
Historic North Church
A historic church building in Assonet village, one of the town's oldest landmarks.
Assonet, Freetown, MA
Long Pond (Lake Apponequet)
A large pond on the East Freetown side of town, used for boating and fishing.
East Freetown, MA
More worth a visit
- King Philip's CaveA rock formation in the state forest tied to local King Philip's War lore.
A little history
Freetown was first settled by the English on April 2, 1659, through Ye Freemen's Purchase from the Wampanoag.
The town once included the area that became Fall River (separated 1803) and part of what became Acushnet (separated 1815).
Profile Rock, on Joshua's Mountain, has long been a local landmark and is associated with legends about the Wampanoag leader Massasoit.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Freetown
Freetown's terrain runs from the Assonet River and Assonet Bay in the village of Assonet to the hills and pond of East Freetown, with a large share of the town covered by the Freetown-Fall River State Forest.
- Freetown-Fall River State ForestA large state forest with trails, Profile Rock, and King Philip's Cave.
- Assonet River and Assonet BayThe river and bay running through Assonet village toward the Taunton River.
- Long Pond (Lake Apponequet)A large pond in East Freetown used for boating and fishing.
- Breakneck HillA hill in Freetown, part of the town's higher, wooded terrain.
Where to eat in Freetown: restaurants and coffee
2 places in Freetown to try, including restaurant and bar and restaurant. No one paid to be listed.
The Ledge
Restaurant and bar
A family-owned restaurant and bar in Assonet village serving dine-in and takeout.
59 South Main Street, Assonet, MA 02702
Assonet Inn
Restaurant
A restaurant in a converted Victorian house in Assonet village serving comfort food.
Walkability and getting around Freetown
Assonet village has sidewalks near Town Hall and the historic center, but most of Freetown, including the East Freetown side, is low-density and built around state roads and the state forest, so a car is needed for most trips.
Drive times
- Fall River, about 8 miles15-20 min
- New Bedford Regional Airport, about 12 miles20-25 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Freetown has its own MBTA commuter rail stop, Freetown station, at 153 South Main Street in Assonet on the Fall River/New Bedford Line, which opened March 24, 2025 as part of the South Coast Rail project with a 107-space park-and-ride lot. SRTA (Southeastern Regional Transit Authority) bus routes also serve Freetown.
Freetown property taxes
Freetown's FY2026 residential tax rate is $9.78 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $21.21. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $978 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $5,501, on an average assessed value of $562,426.
Freetown's FY2026 tax rates
$9.78per $1,000, residential
- Residential$9.78 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$21.21 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$562,426
- Average single-family tax bill$5,501
- 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 | $12.06 |
| FY2023 | $10.71 |
| FY2024 | $10.43 |
| FY2025 | $9.91 |
| FY2026 | $9.78 |
Look up a Freetown property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 508-644-2201 ext. 8
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Freetown
What we check on a Freetown purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, well & septic, commuter rail, smoke/co certificate.
Check the flood zone first
The Assonet River, Assonet Bay and Long Pond put some low-lying parcels in Freetown within FEMA flood zones; check the flood map for any specific property near water. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for FreetownSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Freetown Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 508-763-4829 to schedule.
Freetown Fire Department pageMost homes use private wells and septic systems
Freetown has no confirmed town-wide public water or sewer system; most properties rely on private wells and septic systems. A Title 5 septic inspection, arranged through the Board of Health, is required before a home with a septic system is sold.
Board of HealthNew MBTA station in Assonet
Freetown station, on South Main Street in Assonet, opened in March 2025 as part of the South Coast Rail project, giving the town its own direct commuter rail connection for the first time.
Fire department inspection required before closing
Massachusetts law requires a smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspection and certificate from the local fire department before a home sale closes.
Fire DepartmentAll 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 Freetown?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Freetown address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Freetown: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Freetown: Eversource for power.
- ElectricEversource
- Natural gasNo confirmed natural gas service found
- WaterMostly private wells
- Sewer or septicMostly private septic systems; no confirmed town-wide sewer service found
- Trash and recyclingFreetown provides curbside trash and recycling collection through a contracted hauler, Borges Bros. Trucking, overseen by the Board of Health. The town also operates a transfer station for residents.
- 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
Freetown Transfer Station
49 Howland Road, Freetown, MA Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM (gate closes 30 minutes early)
Free resident sticker required; recycling free, bulky items for a fee
Transfer station detailsTown Hall offices and contacts
Freetown Town Hall is at 3 North Main Street, Assonet, MA 02702. Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. Main line: 508-644-2201.
- Town HallMain line and website508-644-2201
- Town ClerkVital records, elections and licensing.508-644-2201 ext. 2
- Board of AssessorsProperty values and assessments.508-644-2201 ext. 8
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and inspections, located at the Town Hall annex.508-644-2201 ext. 3
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic inspections, well permits and curbside trash oversight.508-644-2201 ext. 3
- Fire DepartmentFire prevention and smoke/CO detector inspections for home sales.508-763-4829
- Council on AgingPrograms and services for older adults.508-763-9557
- Public LibraryThe town's public library.508-644-2385
- Freetown-Lakeville Regional School DistrictThe public school district serving Freetown and Lakeville.
Freetown, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Freetown, MA?
Freetown's FY2026 residential tax rate is $9.78 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $21.21. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Freetown?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $3,912 a year at $9.78 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Freetown have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $9.78 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $21.21.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Freetown?
The average single-family tax bill in Freetown was $5,501 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $562,426.
What county is Freetown, MA in?
Freetown is in Bristol County, Massachusetts.
What ZIP codes does Freetown use?
Freetown uses two ZIP codes: 02702 for Assonet and 02717 for East Freetown.
Does Freetown have curbside trash pickup?
Yes. Freetown has curbside trash and recycling collection through a contracted hauler, plus a transfer station on Howland Road for residents.
Who supplies electricity in Freetown?
Eversource is the electric utility serving Freetown.
Is there train service in Freetown?
Yes. Freetown station, at 153 South Main Street in Assonet, opened in March 2025 on the MBTA's Fall River/New Bedford Line as part of the South Coast Rail project.
What villages make up Freetown?
Freetown consists of two villages: Assonet (ZIP 02702), the older village along the Assonet River, and East Freetown (ZIP 02717), near Long Pond.
Towns near Freetown
Neighbors of Freetown, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Freetown, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Freetown, MA official website: freetownma.gov
- Staff Directory - Freetown, MA: freetownma.gov
- Transfer Station - Freetown, MA: freetownma.gov
- Board of Health - Freetown, MA: freetownma.gov
- Fire Department - Freetown, MA: freetownma.gov
- Freetown station - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- South Coast Rail - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- North Church, Assonet 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: , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.