Nahant center
334 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908
Living in Nahant, Massachusetts
Nahant is a small peninsula town connected to Lynn by a causeway, first settled by English colonists in 1630 as part of Lynn and separated into its own town in 1853. It borders only one town by land, Lynn, across a 400-yard stretch, while its waters touch Revere, Winthrop and Boston across Massachusetts Bay. The peninsula was home to some of New England's earliest seaside amusement parks in the late 19th century and today holds Northeastern University's Marine Science Center at East Point.
Nahant at a glance
- $8.99Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $9,654Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 5-10 minDrive to Lynn
- EssexCounty
Nahant's zip code
The entire town uses ZIP code 01908.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Nahant center | 01908 | The town's single village, where Town Hall sits on Nahant Road. |
Things to do in Nahant, MA
Start with Nahant Beach Reservation and Northeastern University Marine Science Center, then 3 more below.
Nahant Beach Reservation
A 67-acre, 7,000-foot Long Beach on the Atlantic side of the causeway, managed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, with a boat ramp into Lynn Harbor and beach shelters.
Nahant Road, Nahant, MA
Northeastern University Marine Science Center
A research and education facility at East Point studying coastal and marine ecosystems.
East Point, Nahant, MA
Henry Cabot Lodge House
A National Historic Landmark associated with the Lodge political family.
Nahant, MA
Greenlawn Cemetery
A historic town cemetery.
Nahant, MA
Nahant Life-Saving Station
A former U.S. Life-Saving Service station, renovated in 2004.
Nahant, MA
More worth a visit
- Kelly Greens Golf CourseA town golf course.
Around the calendar
- JulyFourth of July fireworksAn annual fireworks display.
- DecemberChristmas ParadeAn annual parade that began in 1996.
- MayMemorial Day ParadeAn annual parade honoring veterans.
A little history
Nahant was first settled by English colonists in 1630 as part of Lynn, and separated into its own town in 1853.
The peninsula hosted some of New England's earliest seaside amusement parks in the late 19th century.
A coastal artillery battery was built at East Point during World War II; the site is now home to Northeastern University's Marine Science Center.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Nahant
As a small peninsula, Nahant's outdoor life is almost entirely coastal, centered on Nahant Beach Reservation's Long Beach and a string of smaller beaches and rock outcrops around East Point.
- Nahant Beach Reservation (Long Beach)A 67-acre, 7,000-foot state-managed beach along the causeway to Lynn.
- Short BeachA smaller town beach.
- East PointA rocky point at the tip of the peninsula, home to the Marine Science Center.
- Kelly Greens Golf CourseA town golf course.
Walkability and getting around Nahant
Nahant's small size and single main road make its village center walkable, and Nahant Beach Reservation is directly accessible from Nahant Road, but the town has no fixed-route service beyond a single bus line, so most residents keep a car.
Drive times
- Lynn, about 2 miles5-10 min
- Logan International Airport, about 15 miles25-35 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
MBTA bus Route 439 connects Nahant to Lynn's Central Square/Commuter Rail area; it is the town's only fixed-route transit. The nearest state highway access is Route 129 in Lynn, and Logan International Airport is across Massachusetts Bay in Boston.
Nahant property taxes
Nahant's FY2026 residential tax rate is $8.99 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $899 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $9,654, on an average assessed value of $1,073,865.
Nahant's FY2026 tax rates
$8.99per $1,000, residential
- Residential$8.99 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$1,073,865
- Average single-family tax bill$9,654
- 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 | $9.79 |
| FY2023 | $9.09 |
| FY2024 | $9.07 |
| FY2025 | $9.15 |
| FY2026 | $8.99 |
Look up a Nahant property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 781-581-0088
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Nahant
What we check on a Nahant purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, smoke & co certificate, coastal flood risk.
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
As a low-lying peninsula connected to the mainland by a causeway and beach road, Nahant faces coastal storm-surge and flood exposure; the town runs a flood-risk reduction program, and buyers should check the FEMA flood map. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for NahantSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Nahant Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 781-581-1235 to schedule.
Nahant Fire Department pageMassachusetts 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. Contact the Nahant Fire Department to schedule the inspection.
Learn moreNahant's peninsula geography brings coastal flood exposure
Nahant is a narrow peninsula connected to Lynn by a causeway and beach road; the town participates in flood-risk reduction planning, and buyers should check the FEMA flood map and ask about flood insurance, especially near the causeway and shoreline.
Learn moreAll 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 Nahant?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Nahant address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Nahant: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Nahant.
- Trash and recyclingNahant's Department of Public Works runs trash and recycling collection, including a recycling-barrel swap program and a compost pilot program; residents can report missed pickups through the town website.
- 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
Nahant Town Hall is at 334 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908. Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-4:00pm, Friday 7:30am-12:30pm. Main line: 781-581-0088.
- Town HallMain line and website781-581-0088
- Town ClerkVital records, elections and licensing.781-581-0088
- AssessorProperty values and assessments.781-581-0088
- Treasurer/CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.781-581-0088
- Inspectional ServicesBuilding permits, inspections and zoning.781-581-0088
- Public Health DepartmentTitle 5 septic, well and health regulations.781-581-0088
- Fire DepartmentFire prevention, suppression and inspections.781-581-1235
- Department of Public WorksTrash, recycling, roads, water and sewer.781-581-0088
- Nahant Public LibraryThe town's public library.
- Nahant Public SchoolsThe town's elementary school district.
Nahant, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Nahant, MA?
Nahant's FY2026 residential tax rate is $8.99 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 Nahant?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $3,596 a year at $8.99 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Nahant have a split tax rate?
No. Nahant uses a single rate of $8.99 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Nahant?
The average single-family tax bill in Nahant was $9,654 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $1,073,865.
What ZIP code does Nahant use?
The entire town uses ZIP code 01908.
Is there public transit in Nahant?
MBTA bus Route 439 connects Nahant to Lynn; it is the town's only fixed-route transit.
How far is Nahant from Boston?
Nahant is about 15 miles by road from Boston, across Massachusetts Bay from downtown.
What towns border Nahant?
Nahant borders only Lynn by land, across a roughly 400-yard stretch; its waters also touch Revere, Winthrop and Boston.
Is Nahant at risk of coastal flooding?
Yes. As a low-lying peninsula connected by a causeway, Nahant faces storm-surge and flood exposure and takes part in flood-risk reduction planning.
Towns near Nahant
Neighbors of Nahant, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Nahant, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Nahant Beach Reservation - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Nahant, MA official website: nahant.org
- Nahant Fire Department: nahantfire.org
- Nahant Public Works: nahant.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: Fletcher6, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.