North Reading center
235 North Street, North Reading, MA 01864
Living in North Reading, Massachusetts
North Reading is a town in Middlesex County northeast of Boston, incorporated in 1853 after separating from Reading. The area was first settled in 1651, when Reading received a land grant north of the Ipswich River that brought six families to the area before 1680, and its early farming economy shifted toward shoe manufacturing before the Civil War.
North Reading at a glance
- $13.02Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $11,495Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 35-45 minDrive to Boston
- MiddlesexCounty
North Reading's zip code
North Reading uses a single ZIP code, 01864, for the entire town.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| North Reading center | 01864 | The town's civic center along North Street, where Town Hall and the Flint Memorial Library are located. |
Things to do in North Reading, MA
Start with Flint Memorial Library and Ipswich River, then 1 more below.
Flint Memorial Library
The town's public library, on North Street near Town Hall.
147 Park Street, North Reading, MA
Ipswich River
The river that runs through North Reading, tied to the town's early history as part of a land grant north of the river.
North Reading, MA
Lob's Pond
A pond with a documented sawmill on it by 1694, part of the town's early industrial history.
North Reading, MA
A little history
The area that became North Reading was first settled in 1651, when Reading received a land grant north of the Ipswich River, bringing six families to the settlement before 1680.
The town's 17th- and 18th-century economy was based on subsistence farming on large original farmstead grants, later shifting toward shoe manufacturing before the Civil War.
North Reading was incorporated as a separate town from Reading in 1853.
Parks, trails and outdoors in North Reading
North Reading's outdoor recreation is tied to the Ipswich River, which runs through town, and to Lob's Pond, the site of a sawmill documented by 1694.
- Ipswich RiverThe river running through town, central to North Reading's early settlement history.
- Lob's PondA pond with a sawmill documented on it by 1694.
Walkability and getting around North Reading
North Reading center along North Street has sidewalks near Town Hall and the library, but most of the town is built around driving.
Drive times
- Boston, about 27 miles35-45 min
- Logan International Airport, about 22 miles30-40 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
No fixed-route MBTA bus or commuter rail service serving North Reading was confirmed in sources reviewed. The town is reached by car via Interstates 93 and 95.
North Reading property taxes
North Reading's FY2026 residential tax rate is $13.02 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $13.01. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,302 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $11,495, on an average assessed value of $882,903.
North Reading's FY2026 tax rates
$13.02per $1,000, residential
- Residential$13.02 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$13.01 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$882,903
- Average single-family tax bill$11,495
- 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 | $15.00 |
| FY2023 | $13.99 |
| FY2024 | $13.21 |
| FY2025 | $13.06 |
| FY2026 | $13.02 |
Look up a North Reading property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 978-357-5221
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in North Reading
What we check on a North Reading purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, smoke & co certificate, municipal electric utility.
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 Ipswich River runs through North Reading, and low-lying parcels near it can fall within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for North ReadingSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the North Reading Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 978-664-3112 to schedule.
North Reading 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 North Reading Fire Department to schedule the inspection.
North Reading's electric service comes from a municipal utility
Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD), not Eversource or National Grid, supplies electricity in North Reading. Ask about municipal light rates and programs when budgeting for a home here.
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 Reading?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a North Reading address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to North Reading: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in North Reading: Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD), which also serves North Reading for power.
- ElectricReading Municipal Light Department (RMLD), which also serves North Reading
- 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
North Reading Town Hall is at 235 North Street, North Reading, MA 01864. Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm; Friday 8am-1pm. Main line: 978-664-6000.
- Town HallMain line and website978-664-6000
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.978-357-5230
- AssessorsProperty values and assessments.978-357-5221
- Tax Collector/TreasurerProperty tax billing and payment.978-357-5220
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and inspections.978-357-5240
- Community PlanningZoning, land use, and planning applications.978-357-5250
- Parks & RecreationTown parks and recreation programs.978-357-5216
- Department of Public WorksRoads, water, sewer, and trash and recycling.978-664-6060
- Flint Memorial LibraryThe town's public library.978-664-4942
- Health DepartmentTitle 5 septic inspections and well permits.978-664-6042
North Reading, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in North Reading, MA?
North Reading's FY2026 residential tax rate is $13.02 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $13.01. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in North Reading?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $5,208 a year at $13.02 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does North Reading have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $13.02 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $13.01.
What is the average single-family tax bill in North Reading?
The average single-family tax bill in North Reading was $11,495 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $882,903.
What ZIP code does North Reading use?
North Reading uses a single ZIP code, 01864, for the entire town.
Who supplies electricity in North Reading?
Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD), a municipal utility that also serves Reading, Lynnfield, and Wilmington, supplies electricity in North Reading.
Is there MBTA bus or train service in North Reading?
No fixed-route MBTA bus or commuter rail service serving North Reading was confirmed in sources reviewed; the town is reached by car via Interstates 93 and 95.
How far is North Reading from Boston?
North Reading is about 27 miles from Boston, roughly a 35-45 minute drive depending on traffic.
When was North Reading incorporated?
North Reading was incorporated as a separate town from Reading in 1853.
Towns near North Reading
Neighbors of North Reading, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- North Reading, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of North Reading official website: northreadingma.gov
- North Reading, MA Directory: northreadingma.gov
- RMLD official website: rmld.com
- Flint Memorial Library 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: Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.