First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Berkshire County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loans
Living in Hinsdale, Massachusetts
Hinsdale is a town in central Berkshire County, first settled in 1763 and incorporated under its current name in 1804 after the Reverend Theodore Hinsdale. The east branch of the Housatonic River rises near town, and Hinsdale holds several lakes and reservoirs, including Ashmere Lake and Plunkett Lake, along with a stop on the Boston and Albany rail line.
Hinsdale at a glance
- $10.63Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $4,375Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- BerkshireCounty
- 1804Year incorporated
Hinsdale's zip code
Hinsdale shares ZIP code 01235 with the neighboring town of Peru.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Hinsdale center | 01235 | Along South Street, where Town Hall is located; the ZIP code 01235 is shared with neighboring Peru. |
Things to do in Hinsdale, MA
Start with Ashmere Lake and Bas Ridge Golf Course, then 1 more below.
Ashmere Lake
A lake in Hinsdale used for fishing and boating, with public access.
Hinsdale, MA
Bas Ridge Golf Course
A public golf course in Hinsdale.
Hinsdale, MA
Appalachian Trail (Hinsdale section)
The Appalachian Trail crosses through Hinsdale, connecting to trail sections in neighboring towns.
Hinsdale, MA
A little history
Hinsdale was first settled in 1763 and originally incorporated as Partridgefield in 1771.
The Western Parish was renamed and incorporated as Hinsdale in 1804, after the Reverend Theodore Hinsdale.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Hinsdale
Hinsdale's lakes and reservoirs, along with a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, are the town's main outdoor draws.
- Ashmere LakeA lake with public access for fishing and non-motorized boating.
- Plunkett LakeOne of several lakes and reservoirs in town.
- Hinsdale Flats Wildlife Management AreaA state wildlife management area with undeveloped land and informal trails.
- Appalachian TrailCrosses through Hinsdale on its route through the Berkshires.
Walkability and getting around Hinsdale
Hinsdale is a small, rural town without a dense commercial center; getting around town and to neighboring Dalton or Pittsfield generally requires a car.
Drive times
- Pittsfield, about 9 miles
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Hinsdale has a stop on the Boston and Albany rail line used by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited. Berkshire Regional Transit Authority fixed routes are centered on Pittsfield, about 9 miles west.
Hinsdale property taxes
Hinsdale's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.63 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,063 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $4,375, on an average assessed value of $411,579.
Hinsdale's FY2026 tax rates
$10.63per $1,000, residential
- Residential$10.63 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$411,579
- Average single-family tax bill$4,375
- 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 | $13.66 |
| FY2023 | $13.49 |
| FY2024 | $10.99 |
| FY2025 | $11.15 |
| FY2026 | $10.63 |
Look up a Hinsdale property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 413-655-2300
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Hinsdale
What we check on a Hinsdale purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, title 5 septic, private wells.
Check the flood zone first
Hinsdale's lakes and reservoirs, including Ashmere Lake and Plunkett Lake, put some adjacent low-lying parcels in FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for HinsdaleSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Hinsdale Fire Department before the sale closes.
Confirm septic status before closing
Homes outside any sewered area rely on private septic systems, and Massachusetts requires a Title 5 inspection before a septic-served home can be sold. Buyers should factor this into their timeline.
Many properties use private wells
Hinsdale is a rural town with limited public water infrastructure, so many homes rely on private wells. Ask about well testing and yield 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 Hinsdale?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Hinsdale address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Hinsdale: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Hinsdale: Eversource (Western Massachusetts Electric) for power.
- ElectricEversource (Western Massachusetts Electric)
- Trash and recyclingHinsdale operates a transfer station for household waste disposal.
- 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
Hinsdale Town Hall is at 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA 01235. Main line: 413-655-2300.
- Town HallMain line and website413-655-2300
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.413-655-2300
- Board of AssessorsProperty values and assessments.413-655-2300
- Tax CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.413-655-2300
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and inspections.
- Planning BoardZoning and land-use planning.
- Board of HealthSeptic (Title 5) and well permitting.
- Fire DepartmentFire protection and smoke/CO certificates for home sales.
Hinsdale, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Hinsdale, MA?
Hinsdale's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.63 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 Hinsdale?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,252 a year at $10.63 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Hinsdale have a split tax rate?
No. Hinsdale uses a single rate of $10.63 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Hinsdale?
The average single-family tax bill in Hinsdale was $4,375 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $411,579.
What county is Hinsdale, MA in?
Hinsdale is in Berkshire County, in central Berkshire County.
What ZIP code does Hinsdale use?
Hinsdale shares ZIP code 01235 with the neighboring town of Peru.
How far is Hinsdale from Pittsfield?
Hinsdale is about 9 miles east of Pittsfield.
Who supplies electricity in Hinsdale?
Eversource (Western Massachusetts Electric) serves Hinsdale.
Is trash pickup curbside in Hinsdale?
Hinsdale operates a transfer station; check the town website for current curbside collection details.
Is there train service near Hinsdale?
Hinsdale has a stop on the Boston and Albany rail line, served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited.
Which towns border Hinsdale?
Hinsdale borders Windsor, Peru, Washington, and Dalton.
Towns near Hinsdale
Neighbors of Hinsdale, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Hinsdale, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Hinsdale official website: hinsdalema.gov
- Ashmere Lake photo, Wikimedia Commons: commons.wikimedia.org
- Eversource - Massachusetts communities served: eversource.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.
- Photo: ToddC4176, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.