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 North Adams, Massachusetts
North Adams sits in a narrow valley of the Hoosic River in the northern tip of Berkshire County, ringed by the Hoosac Range and Mount Greylock. It grew as a mill town powered by the river, was set off from Adams and incorporated as a town in 1878, then chartered as a city in 1895. Former textile and electronics mills along the river now anchor the city's arts district, led by MASS MoCA in the converted Arnold Print Works complex.
North Adams at a glance
- $15.97Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $3,894Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 30-35 minDrive to Pittsfield
- BerkshireCounty
North Adams's villages and zip codes
North Adams uses ZIP code 01247.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown North Adams | 01247 | The city center along Main Street, where City Hall, MASS MoCA and most downtown businesses are located. |
| Blackinton | 01247 | A former mill village on the city's west side, dating to 1821. |
| Braytonville | 01247 | A former mill village dating to 1832. |
Things to do in North Adams, MA
Start with MASS MoCA and Natural Bridge State Park, then 2 more below.
MASS MoCA
A contemporary art museum inside the converted Arnold Print Works factory complex, one of the largest centers for visual and performing art in the United States, with galleries, performance spaces and rotating exhibitions.
1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA
Plan a visitNatural Bridge State Park
A state park built around North America's only natural white marble bridge, carved by glacial meltwater, with trails through a former marble quarry.
Off Route 8, North Adams, MA
Plan a visitWestern Gateway Heritage State Park
A state heritage park in former rail yard buildings near downtown, with exhibits on the Hoosac Tunnel and the city's rail and industrial history.
9 Furnace Street Bypass, North Adams, MA
Plan a visitWindsor Lake
A city-owned lake and recreation area with a beach, picnic areas and a campground.
State Road, North Adams, MA
More worth a visit
- Historic Valley CampgroundA city-run campground near Windsor Lake.
A little history
North Adams was set off from the town of Adams and incorporated as its own town in 1878, then chartered as a city in 1895.
The Hoosac Tunnel, a 4.75-mile rail tunnel through the Hoosac Range completed in 1875 after 24 years of construction, connected North Adams to rail lines east, and its western portal is in North Adams.
Sprague Electric Company operated a large capacitor manufacturing plant in the former Arnold Print Works complex from 1942 to 1985; the buildings later became MASS MoCA.
Parks, trails and outdoors in North Adams
The Hoosic River valley, the Hoosac Range and nearby Mount Greylock give North Adams river, ridge and mountain recreation close to downtown.
- Natural Bridge State ParkTrails through a former marble quarry around a natural marble bridge over Hudson Brook.More information
- Windsor LakeA city recreation area with a swimming beach, picnicking and a campground.
- Mohawk TrailThe scenic Route 2 corridor climbs out of North Adams over the Hoosac Range, with the Western Summit and Hairpin Turn overlooks just outside the city.
Where to eat in North Adams: restaurants and coffee
3 places in North Adams to try, including restaurant and bar and mexican restaurant. No one paid to be listed.
Public Eat + Drink
Restaurant and bar
A downtown North Adams restaurant and bar.
34 Holden Street, North Adams, MA
Desperados
Mexican restaurant
A Mexican restaurant on Main Street in downtown North Adams.
80 Main Street, North Adams, MA
Brewhaha
Coffee shop
A coffee shop on Main Street in downtown North Adams.
20 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA
Walkability and getting around North Adams
Downtown North Adams has sidewalks connecting Main Street shops, MASS MoCA and City Hall within a few blocks, but the surrounding hillside neighborhoods are built for driving.
Drive times
- Pittsfield, about 22 miles30-35 min
- Albany International Airport, about 45 miles55-65 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) operates local bus routes serving North Adams. There is no passenger rail station in the city; freight rail still runs through the Hoosac Tunnel.
North Adams property taxes
North Adams's FY2026 residential tax rate is $15.97 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $33.40. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,597 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $3,894, on an average assessed value of $243,823.
North Adams's FY2026 tax rates
$15.97per $1,000, residential
- Residential$15.97 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$33.40 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$243,823
- Average single-family tax bill$3,894
- 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 | $18.53 |
| FY2023 | $17.67 |
| FY2024 | $17.14 |
| FY2025 | $16.71 |
| FY2026 | $15.97 |
Look up a North Adams property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- City ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 413-662-3012
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in North Adams
What we check on a North Adams purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, former mill village, smoke certificate.
Check the flood zone first
The Hoosic River runs through the city's valley floor, putting low-lying parcels near the river in FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for North AdamsSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the North Adams Fire Department before the sale closes.
Some neighborhoods grew up around historic mills
Sections of North Adams, such as Blackinton and Braytonville, developed as separate mill villages before being absorbed into the city; some older homes there sit close to former industrial sites.
Smoke and CO certificate needed before closing
Massachusetts sellers need a smoke and carbon monoxide detector certificate from the local fire department before a home sale can close. In North Adams, that inspection is scheduled through the Fire Department.
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 North Adams?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a North Adams address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to North Adams: utilities, trash and city hall
Who to call in North Adams: Eversource for power.
- ElectricEversource
- Natural gasBerkshire Gas Company serves parts of the city; some areas have no natural gas service
- WaterCity of North Adams Water Department, a municipal utility
- Sewer or septicCity of North Adams provides municipal sewer service in the developed parts of the city.
- Trash and recyclingNorth Adams does not offer curbside trash collection; residents and non-residents bring waste and recyclables to the city transfer station using an annual entrance sticker (valid July 1 through June 30) or a temporary monthly sticker.
- 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
North Adams Transfer Station
151 E Street, North Adams, MA 01247 Tuesday-Saturday, 7:00 AM-2:00 PM (last vehicle on the scale at 1:45 PM)
Transfer station detailsCity Hall offices and contacts
North Adams City Hall is at 10 Main Street, North Adams, MA 01247. Main line: 413-662-3000.
- City HallMain line and website413-662-3000
- City ClerkVital records, elections and licensing.413-662-3015
- AssessorProperty values and assessments.413-662-3012
- Treasurer and CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.413-662-3044
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and inspections.413-662-3000
- Fire DepartmentFire, rescue and smoke/CO certificate inspections for home sales.413-664-4922
- Health DepartmentSeptic (Title 5) and well permitting.413-662-3000
- Transfer StationThe city's trash and recycling drop-off facility.413-662-3147
- Water and Sewer OfficeWater and sewer billing and service.413-662-3000
- North Adams Public LibraryThe city's public library.
- North Adams Public SchoolsThe city's public school district.
North Adams, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in North Adams, MA?
North Adams's FY2026 residential tax rate is $15.97 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $33.40. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in North Adams?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $6,388 a year at $15.97 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does North Adams have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $15.97 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $33.40.
What is the average single-family tax bill in North Adams?
The average single-family tax bill in North Adams was $3,894 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $243,823.
Is trash pickup curbside in North Adams?
No. North Adams has no curbside collection; residents bring trash and recycling to the transfer station at 151 E Street using an annual or temporary entrance sticker.
Who supplies electricity in North Adams?
Eversource is the electric utility serving North Adams.
What ZIP code does North Adams use?
North Adams uses ZIP code 01247.
How far is North Adams from Pittsfield?
North Adams is about 22 miles from Pittsfield, roughly a 30-35 minute drive.
Is there a BRTA bus route in North Adams?
Yes. The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority operates local bus service in North Adams; the city has no passenger rail station.
Which towns border North Adams?
North Adams borders Clarksburg, Florida, Adams and Williamstown, all in Massachusetts.
Towns near North Adams
Neighbors of North Adams, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- North Adams, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- City of North Adams, MA - official website: northadams-ma.gov
- Transfer Station - City of North Adams: northadams-ma.gov
- Water and Sewer - City of North Adams: northadams-ma.gov
- Fire Department - City of North Adams: northadams-ma.gov
- Health Department - City of North Adams: northadams-ma.gov
- Assessor - City of North Adams: northadams-ma.gov
- MASS MoCA - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Natural Bridge State Park - Mass.gov: mass.gov
- Western Gateway Heritage State Park - Mass.gov: mass.gov
- Main Street North Adams 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: Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.