First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Essex County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loans
Living in Haverhill, Massachusetts
Haverhill is a city in Essex County on the Merrimack River, about 35 miles north of Boston near the New Hampshire border. Settled in 1640 and incorporated as a city in 1870, it grew into a major shoe-manufacturing center known as the "Queen Slipper City," and its former mill buildings along the river now anchor a downtown of lofts, restaurants, and a riverfront boardwalk.
Haverhill at a glance
- $10.61Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $5,962Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- EssexCounty
- 1870Year incorporated
Haverhill's villages and zip codes
Haverhill uses ZIP codes 01830, 01831, 01832 and 01835 (Bradford/Ward Hill).
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Haverhill | 01830 | The city's commercial center along the Merrimack River, with City Hall, the MBTA Haverhill station, and former mill buildings converted to housing and shops. |
| Bradford | 01835 | The section of the city south of the Merrimack River, a separate town until it was annexed to Haverhill in 1897; home to the Bradford MBTA station. |
| Rocks Village | 01830 | A riverside historic district in the northeastern part of the city, near a Merrimack River crossing to West Newbury. |
| Ward Hill | 01835 | A section of Bradford, south of the river, with industrial and residential areas. |
Things to do in Haverhill, MA
Start with Winnekenni Park and Grand Army of the Republic Park, then 2 more below.
Winnekenni Park
A city conservation area with Winnekenni Castle, a stone mansion overlooking Lake Saltonstall, plus trails and a seasonal farmers market on the grounds.
347 Kenoza Ave, Haverhill, MA
Grand Army of the Republic Park
A downtown park on the Merrimack River holding the Hannah Dustin statue, cited as one of the first statues erected in honor of a woman in the United States (1879).
Downtown Haverhill, MA
Museum of Printing
A museum devoted to the history of printing technology, with working antique presses and typesetting equipment.
15 Thornton Ave, Haverhill, MA
Downtown riverfront boardwalk
A boardwalk and boat docks along the Merrimack River in downtown Haverhill, part of a redevelopment of the former mill district into housing, restaurants, and public space.
Downtown Haverhill, MA
A little history
By 1913, roughly one-tenth of the shoes made in the United States were produced in Haverhill, earning the city the nickname "Queen Slipper City."
In 1897, John C. Chase was elected mayor of Haverhill as a member of the Socialist Labor Party, making Haverhill the first American city to elect a socialist mayor.
A statue of Hannah Dustin erected in Haverhill in 1879 is cited as one of the first statues in the United States honoring a woman.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Haverhill
Haverhill's outdoor recreation centers on the Merrimack River waterfront downtown and Winnekenni Park's woods and lake on the city's north side.
- Winnekenni Park Conservation AreaTrails, Winnekenni Castle, and Lake Saltonstall on the city's north side.
- Merrimack River boardwalkA walkable riverfront path and boat docks through downtown.
- Ayers HillA drumlin that is the city's highest point, with two knobs reaching more than 335 feet.
Walkability and getting around Haverhill
Downtown Haverhill, around Merrimack and Washington streets and the riverfront, is walkable with restaurants and shops in converted mill buildings, while Bradford's village center and much of the rest of the city are more car-oriented.
Drive times
- Boston, about 35 miles
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
MBTA Commuter Rail's Haverhill Line serves Haverhill and Bradford stations, connecting to Boston's North Station. Amtrak's Downeaster also stops at Haverhill station on its Boston-to-Portland route.
Haverhill property taxes
Haverhill's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.61 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $19.17. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,061 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $5,962, on an average assessed value of $561,903.
Haverhill's FY2026 tax rates
$10.61per $1,000, residential
- Residential$10.61 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$19.17 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$561,903
- Average single-family tax bill$5,962
- 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 | $12.72 |
| FY2023 | $11.15 |
| FY2024 | $10.64 |
| FY2025 | $10.71 |
| FY2026 | $10.61 |
Look up a Haverhill property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- City ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 978-358-1311
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Haverhill
What we check on a Haverhill purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, river flood zone.
Check the flood zone first
The Merrimack River, which runs through the city and separates downtown from Bradford, puts riverside parcels in Haverhill within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for HaverhillSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Haverhill Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 978-358-1311 to schedule.
Haverhill Fire Department pageCheck FEMA flood maps near the Merrimack River
The Merrimack River runs through the center of Haverhill and separates Bradford from the rest of the city. Buyers should check FEMA flood zone status for any riverfront or low-lying property before making an offer.
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 Haverhill?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Haverhill address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Haverhill: utilities, trash and city hall
Who to call in Haverhill.
- 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
City Hall offices and contacts
Haverhill City Hall is at 4 Summer St, Haverhill, MA 01830. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Main line: 978-358-1311.
- City HallMain line and website978-358-1311
- City ClerkVital records, elections, licensing978-358-1311
- Board of AssessorsProperty values and assessments978-358-1311
- Treasurer/Tax CollectorProperty tax billing and payment978-358-1311
- Health and Inspections DepartmentBuilding permits, inspections, and health licensing978-358-1311
- Economic Development and PlanningZoning and development978-358-1311
- Recreation DepartmentParks, programs, and facility reservations978-358-1311
- Engineering / Street MaintenancePublic works, roads, and infrastructure978-358-1311
- Haverhill Public LibraryMain library
- Haverhill Public SchoolsSchool district
Haverhill, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Haverhill, MA?
Haverhill's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.61 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $19.17. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Haverhill?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,244 a year at $10.61 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Haverhill have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $10.61 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $19.17.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Haverhill?
The average single-family tax bill in Haverhill was $5,962 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $561,903.
What county is Haverhill in?
Haverhill is in Essex County, Massachusetts.
What ZIP codes does Haverhill use?
Haverhill uses ZIP codes 01830, 01831 and 01832, plus 01835 for the Bradford section.
Is Haverhill on the MBTA Commuter Rail?
Yes. The Haverhill Line serves Haverhill and Bradford stations, with direct service to Boston's North Station. Amtrak's Downeaster also stops in Haverhill.
How far is Haverhill from Boston?
Haverhill is about 35 miles north of Boston.
Which towns border Haverhill?
Haverhill borders Merrimac, West Newbury, Groveland, Boxford, North Andover, and Methuen in Massachusetts, and Salem, Atkinson, and Plaistow, New Hampshire.
What are City Hall's hours?
Haverhill City Hall, at 4 Summer St, is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Towns near Haverhill
Neighbors of Haverhill, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Haverhill, Massachusetts: en.wikipedia.org
- City of Haverhill official website: haverhillma.gov
- Wikimedia Commons: Haverhill, Massachusetts (cropped).jpg: 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: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.