Medford Square
85 George P. Hassett Dr, Medford, MA 02155
Living in Medford, Massachusetts
Medford is a city on the Mystic River about 6 miles north of downtown Boston, settled in 1630 and incorporated as a city in 1892. The Mystic River runs through the middle of the city, and the Middlesex Fells Reservation, a 2,200-acre state park, covers part of its northern side. Tufts University sits on the Medford/Somerville line at Medford Hillside.
Medford at a glance
- $8.63Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $7,427Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 15-20 minDrive to Boston
- MiddlesexCounty
Medford's villages and zip codes
Medford uses ZIP codes 02155 and 02153, with 02156 used for some P.O. boxes.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Medford Square | 02155 | The city's downtown along the Mystic River, where City Hall, shops and the library are located. |
| West Medford | 02155 | A village around the West Medford commuter rail area on High Street, west of Medford Square. |
Things to do in Medford, MA
Start with Middlesex Fells Reservation and Royall House and Slave Quarters, then 1 more below.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
A 2,200-acre state park with more than 100 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding, shared with Malden, Melrose, Stoneham and Winchester, with part of its area reaching into Medford.
Fellsway, Medford, MA
Royall House and Slave Quarters
A National Historic Landmark house museum with one of the only surviving former slave quarters in the northern United States, open seasonally for tours.
15 George St, Medford, MA
Mystic River
Runs through the middle of the city, with the Mystic River Reservation providing riverside paths for walking and paddling.
Medford, MA
A little history
Medford was settled in 1630 as part of the original wave of Massachusetts Bay Colony towns, and was incorporated as a city in 1892.
The first bridge across the Mystic River, a toll bridge, was built in 1637 near the site of the present-day Cradock Bridge.
Medford was a shipbuilding center in the 19th century and was also known for producing tiles, bricks, rum and crackers.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Medford
The Mystic River runs through the city center, and the Middlesex Fells Reservation gives Medford's northern side access to a large network of wooded trails.
- Middlesex Fells ReservationState park with over 100 miles of trails, an observation tower, and reservoirs, shared with four neighboring communities.
- Mystic River ReservationRiverside paths along the Mystic River through Medford.
Walkability and getting around Medford
Medford Square has sidewalks connecting City Hall, shops and the library, and West Medford's business district is also walkable, but many of the city's residential streets away from these centers are built for driving.
West Medford
Drive times
- Boston, about 6 miles15-20 min
- Logan International Airport, about 9 miles20-25 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The MBTA Green Line Extension's E branch ends at Medford/Tufts station, which opened in December 2022. Orange Line service is also available at Wellington station on Medford's eastern side, near the Everett line.
Medford property taxes
Medford's FY2026 residential tax rate is $8.63 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $16.68. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $863 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $7,427, on an average assessed value of $860,609.
Medford's FY2026 tax rates
$8.63per $1,000, residential
- Residential$8.63 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$16.68 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$860,609
- Average single-family tax bill$7,427
- 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 | $9.01 |
| FY2023 | $8.65 |
| FY2024 | $8.52 |
| FY2025 | $8.80 |
| FY2026 | $8.63 |
Look up a Medford property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- City ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Medford
What we check on a Medford purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, trash program changing, river flood zone.
First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Middlesex County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansCheck the flood zone first
The Mystic River runs through the middle of Medford, putting some low-lying parcels near the river in FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for MedfordSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Medford Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 781-396-9400 to schedule.
Medford Fire Department pagePay-As-You-Throw starts July 2027
Medford has approved a Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) trash program for standard municipal collection service beginning July 1, 2027, which will change how residents pay for trash pickup. Ask about current versus upcoming waste-collection costs when budgeting for a home.
Check FEMA flood maps near the Mystic River
Parts of Medford along the Mystic River fall within FEMA flood zones. We check the flood map before you make an offer on a property near the river.
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 Medford?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Medford address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Medford: utilities, trash and city hall
Who to call in Medford: Eversource for power.
- ElectricEversource
- Natural gasEversource
- WaterMedford Water Department, supplied by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA)
- Sewer or septicMWRA-connected municipal sewer system
- Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling collection in Medford is contracted through Waste Management. The city has approved a Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) program for standard municipal collection service starting July 1, 2027.
- 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
Medford City Hall is at 85 George P. Hassett Dr, Medford, MA 02155. Hours: Monday-Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM; Wednesday 8:30 AM-7:30 PM; Friday 8:30 AM-12:30 PM.
- City HallMain line and website
- City ClerkLand records, vital records and elections.
- AssessorProperty values and assessments.
- Tax CollectorProperty tax billing and payment; excise tax.
- Board of HealthPublic health services and permitting.
- Fire DepartmentFire prevention and smoke/CO certificates for home sales.781-396-9400
- Department of Public WorksStreets, infrastructure and solid waste programs.
- Planning, Development & SustainabilityZoning and development matters.
- Medford Public LibraryThe city's public library.
- Medford Public SchoolsThe city's public school district.
Medford, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Medford, MA?
Medford's FY2026 residential tax rate is $8.63 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $16.68. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Medford?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $3,452 a year at $8.63 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Medford have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $8.63 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $16.68.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Medford?
The average single-family tax bill in Medford was $7,427 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $860,609.
What county is Medford, MA in?
Medford is in Middlesex County.
What ZIP codes does Medford use?
Medford uses ZIP codes 02155 and 02153, with 02156 used for some P.O. boxes.
Is there a subway stop in Medford?
Yes. Medford/Tufts station, the northern terminus of the MBTA Green Line's E branch, opened in December 2022.
Does Medford have curbside trash pickup?
Yes, contracted through Waste Management; a Pay-As-You-Throw program for standard service is set to begin July 1, 2027.
Who supplies water in Medford?
The Medford Water Department, which is supplied by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA).
Which towns border Medford?
Medford borders Somerville, Arlington, Winchester, Stoneham, Malden and Everett.
Towns near Medford
Neighbors of Medford, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Medford, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- City of Medford official website: medfordma.org
- Fire Department - City of Medford: medfordma.org
- Medford Pay As You Throw Program (PAYT) FAQ: resources.finalsite.net
- Middlesex Fells Reservation - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Medford/Tufts station - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- MWRA Customer Communities: mwra.com
- West Medford, Massachusetts - OpenStreetMap/Nominatim geocode: nominatim.openstreetmap.org
- Medford Square 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: John Phelan, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.