Ipswich center
25 Green St, Ipswich, MA 01938
Living in Ipswich, Massachusetts
Ipswich is a town in Essex County on the North Shore, incorporated in 1634 and one of the oldest settlements in New England. The Ipswich River winds through the town center before reaching Plum Island Sound, and the town's coastline includes Crane Beach and the Crane Estate. In 1687, Ipswich residents led by the Rev. John Wise protested taxation without representation, earning the town the nickname 'Birthplace of American Independence.'
Ipswich at a glance
- $10.78Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $9,733Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 40-50 minDrive to Boston
- EssexCounty
Ipswich's villages and zip codes
All of Ipswich uses ZIP code 01938.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Ipswich center | 01938 | The downtown around Town Hall, South Main Street and the Ipswich River, with the town's historic district and most shops and restaurants. |
| Little Neck | 01938 | A seaside neighborhood on a peninsula with views of Plum Island Sound, with a mix of year-round and seasonal homes. |
| Great Neck | 01938 | A coastal neighborhood near Little Neck along Plum Island Sound. |
| Linebrook | 01938 | A rural section in the western part of town, once a separate parish. |
| Candlewood | 01938 | A residential neighborhood in Ipswich. |
Things to do in Ipswich, MA
Start with Crane Beach and Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, then 2 more below.
Crane Beach
A roughly 1,234-acre barrier-beach property owned by the Trustees of Reservations, with about four miles of white-sand beach and five miles of trails through dunes and a pitch pine forest. A day-use fee applies.
Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA
Plan a visitCastle Hill on the Crane Estate
A 59-room English-manor-style mansion built in 1928 for industrialist Richard T. Crane Jr., set on a 2,100-acre estate overlooking Crane Beach and Ipswich Bay. The Trustees of Reservations run house tours and summer concerts on the back terrace.
290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA
Plan a visitClam Box of Ipswich
A fried-clam restaurant built in 1935 in a building shaped like an open takeout container, a longtime North Shore landmark for Ipswich's well-known fried clams.
246 High St, Ipswich, MA
Plan a visitIpswich River
A river running through the town center, used for kayaking and canoeing, with public landings and views of the town's historic houses along its banks.
Downtown Ipswich, MA
More worth a visit
- Zumi's Espresso & Ice CreamA coffee and ice cream shop on Market Street in the town center.
- Ipswich Public LibraryThe town's public library.
A little history
Ipswich was incorporated in 1634, making it one of the oldest towns in New England, with First Period houses still standing in its historic district.
In 1687, the Rev. John Wise led Ipswich residents in refusing to pay a tax imposed without their consent by the colonial governor, an episode the town cites as the origin of its 'Birthplace of American Independence' nickname.
Richard T. Crane Jr. built the Castle Hill mansion on the Crane Estate in 1928; the estate and adjoining Crane Beach are now owned and operated by the Trustees of Reservations.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Ipswich
Crane Beach and the Crane Estate give Ipswich four miles of barrier beach and thousands of acres of trails, dunes and salt marsh, and the Ipswich River runs through the town center for paddling.
- Crane Beach on the Crane EstateAbout four miles of beach and five miles of trails through dunes and pitch pine forest, owned by the Trustees of Reservations.More information
- Crane Wildlife Refuge / Castle Hill groundsTrails and salt marsh views across the Crane Estate's grounds around Castle Hill.More information
- Ipswich RiverA tidal river through the town center used for kayaking and canoeing, with public landings.
- Sandy Point State ReservationA state-owned barrier beach reservation at the southern tip of Plum Island, reachable from Ipswich, with dunes and salt marsh.
Where to eat in Ipswich: restaurants and coffee
2 places in Ipswich to try, including seafood restaurant and coffee shop and ice cream shop. No one paid to be listed.
Clam Box of Ipswich
Seafood restaurant
A fried-clam restaurant open since 1935 in its distinctive flared-roof building, known for whole-belly fried clams.
246 High St, Ipswich, MA 01938 · clamboxipswich.com
Zumi's Espresso & Ice Cream
Coffee shop and ice cream shop
A coffee and ice cream shop in the town center on Market Street.
40 Market St, Ipswich, MA 01938
Walkability and getting around Ipswich
Downtown Ipswich around South Main Street and the Ipswich River is walkable, with the historic district, Town Hall and shops within a few blocks, but the town's large land area means most neighborhoods, the beach and the Crane Estate require a car.
Drive times
- Boston, about 28 miles40-50 min
- Logan International Airport, about 32 miles45-55 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Ipswich has its own MBTA Commuter Rail station on the Newburyport/Rockport Line, providing service to Boston's North Station. Route 1A and Route 133 are the main local roads.
Ipswich property taxes
Ipswich's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.78 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,078 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $9,733, on an average assessed value of $902,861.
Ipswich's FY2026 tax rates
$10.78per $1,000, residential
- Residential$10.78 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$902,861
- Average single-family tax bill$9,733
- 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 | $12.86 |
| FY2023 | $12.23 |
| FY2024 | $11.38 |
| FY2025 | $11.15 |
| FY2026 | $10.78 |
Look up a Ipswich property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 978-356-6603
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Ipswich
What we check on a Ipswich purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, smoke & co certificate, municipal electric utility, septic and private wells.
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 loansCheck the flood zone first
The Ipswich River through the town center and the coastline near Crane Beach, Little Neck and Great Neck along Plum Island Sound put low-lying and coastal areas within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for IpswichSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Ipswich Fire Department before the sale closes.
Massachusetts requires a smoke and CO certificate before closing
Sellers in Massachusetts need a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance certificate from the local fire department before a home sale can close. Ipswich Fire Department handles these inspections.
Ipswich Fire DepartmentIpswich runs its own electric utility
The Ipswich Electric Light Department, a town-owned public power utility operating for more than 120 years, supplies electricity rather than a private company such as National Grid or Eversource. New owners set up service directly with the town.
Ipswich Electric Light DepartmentAreas outside the sewer district use septic systems
Parts of Ipswich outside the town's wastewater service area rely on private septic systems, which require a Title 5 inspection before a sale closes. Some rural and coastal properties may also use private wells; confirm water and septic status early when 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 Ipswich?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Ipswich address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Ipswich: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Ipswich: Ipswich Electric Light Department, the town's municipal electric utility, in service for more than 120 years for power.
- ElectricIpswich Electric Light Department, the town's municipal electric utility, in service for more than 120 years
- Natural gasNational Grid serves parts of town
- WaterIpswich Water Department
- Sewer or septicThe Ipswich Wastewater Treatment Division serves the more developed parts of town; other areas rely on private septic systems.
- Trash and recyclingIpswich runs a waste-reduction program where the first trash cart is collected at no charge and residents pay only for excess trash using official 'overthrow' bags, priced at $2 each or $10 for a 5-bag pack, sold at several local stores. Residents can also use the town Transfer Station on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 AM to 3:30 PM, with a free sticker from the DPW.
- 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
Ipswich Transfer Station
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:00 AM-3:30 PM
Free Transfer Station sticker with vehicle registration and proof of residency
Transfer station detailsTown Hall offices and contacts
Ipswich Town Hall is at 25 Green Street, Ipswich, MA 01938. Hours: Monday 8:00am-7:00pm, Tuesday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm, Friday 8:00am-12:00pm. Main line: 978-356-6600.
- Town HallMain line and website978-356-6600
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records and elections.978-356-6600 x1015
- Assessor's OfficeProperty values and assessments.978-356-6603
- Treasurer/CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.978-356-6610
- Planning DepartmentZoning, land use and permitting.978-356-6607
- Department of Public WorksRoads, water, sewer and trash/recycling.978-356-6612
- Electric Light DepartmentThe town's municipal electric utility.978-356-6635
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and inspections.978-356-6605
- Fire DepartmentFire prevention and smoke/CO certificate inspections.978-356-4321
- Public Health Department (Board of Health)Public health, septic and well permitting.978-356-6606
- Ipswich Public LibraryThe town's public library.
- Ipswich Public SchoolsThe town's public school district.
Ipswich, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Ipswich, MA?
Ipswich's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.78 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 Ipswich?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,312 a year at $10.78 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Ipswich have a split tax rate?
No. Ipswich uses a single rate of $10.78 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Ipswich?
The average single-family tax bill in Ipswich was $9,733 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $902,861.
What county is Ipswich, MA in?
Ipswich is in Essex County, on the North Shore.
What ZIP code does Ipswich use?
All of Ipswich uses ZIP code 01938.
Is there a train station in Ipswich?
Yes. Ipswich has its own MBTA Commuter Rail station on the Newburyport/Rockport Line, with direct service to Boston's North Station.
How far is Ipswich from Boston?
Ipswich is about 28 miles from Boston, roughly a 40-50 minute drive or a commuter rail ride.
Who supplies electricity in Ipswich?
The Ipswich Electric Light Department, the town's own municipal electric utility, supplies electric service; National Grid serves parts of town with natural gas.
Is trash pickup pay-as-you-throw in Ipswich?
Yes, in part. The town collects one trash cart for free, and residents pay for additional trash using official overthrow bags ($2 each, or a 5-bag pack for $10), sold at local stores.
What villages or neighborhoods are in Ipswich?
Ipswich includes the town center along with neighborhoods such as Little Neck, Great Neck, Linebrook and Candlewood, all sharing the 01938 ZIP code.
Towns near Ipswich
Neighbors of Ipswich, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Ipswich, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Ipswich official website: ipswichma.gov
- Ipswich, MA staff directory: ipswichma.gov
- Solid Waste / Recycling - Ipswich, MA: ipswichma.gov
- Electric Light Department - Ipswich, MA: ipswichma.gov
- Crane Beach on the Crane Estate - The Trustees of Reservations: thetrustees.org
- The Crane Estate - The Trustees of Reservations: thetrustees.org
- Clam Box of Ipswich official site: clamboxipswich.com
- Ipswich, Massachusetts.jpg - 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: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.