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 loans
Living in Pepperell, Massachusetts
Pepperell is a town in Middlesex County on the New Hampshire border, settled in 1720 and incorporated in 1775. It sits at the confluence of the Nissitissit and Nashua rivers and includes the village of East Pepperell, home to the Pepperell Covered Bridge, the only covered bridge open to vehicle traffic east of the Connecticut River.
Pepperell at a glance
- $13.78Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $7,578Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 20-25 minDrive to Nashua, NH
- MiddlesexCounty
Pepperell's villages and zip codes
Pepperell center uses 01463; East Pepperell has its own zip code, 01437.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperell center | 01463 | Along Main Street, where Town Hall, the fire station and the Lawrence Library are located. |
| East Pepperell | 01437 | A village along the Nashua River with the Pepperell Covered Bridge and former mill buildings. |
Things to do in Pepperell, MA
Start with Pepperell Covered Bridge and Nashua River Rail Trail, then 2 more below.
Pepperell Covered Bridge
A rebuilt covered bridge over the Nashua River in East Pepperell that reopened in 2010; it is the only covered bridge open to vehicle traffic east of the Connecticut River.
East Pepperell, MA
Nashua River Rail Trail
A paved rail trail through Pepperell used for walking, running and bicycling, following a former rail line.
Pepperell, MA
Lawrence Library
A 1901 library building designed by architect Ernest Flagg, which also holds a collection of mounted birds assembled by naturalist Sidney M. Shattuck.
Pepperell center
Plan a visitPepperell Town Field
A municipal athletic field used for local sports and recreation.
Pepperell, MA
A little history
Pepperell was settled in 1720 and incorporated as a town in 1775, named for colonial military leader Sir William Pepperrell.
Residents of Pepperell fought at the Battle of Concord in 1775, and the town was active in the movement toward American independence.
The town's economy historically included paper mills, palm-leaf hat production and orchards; the Pepperell Covered Bridge in East Pepperell was rebuilt and reopened to traffic in 2010.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Pepperell
The Nashua and Nissitissit rivers and the Nashua River Rail Trail are the focus of outdoor recreation in Pepperell.
- Nashua River Rail TrailA paved multi-use trail through Pepperell along a former rail corridor.
- Nashua RiverRuns through East Pepperell, crossed by the Pepperell Covered Bridge.
Walkability and getting around Pepperell
Pepperell center and East Pepperell village have sidewalks near their historic buildings, but the town overall is rural and most trips require a car.
Drive times
- Nashua, NH, about 12 miles20-25 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Pepperell is served by Massachusetts Routes 111, 113 and 119; its historic rail line was abandoned by 1982 and is now the Nashua River Rail Trail. There is no fixed-route public transit in town.
Pepperell property taxes
Pepperell's FY2026 residential tax rate is $13.78 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,378 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $7,578, on an average assessed value of $549,948.
Pepperell's FY2026 tax rates
$13.78per $1,000, residential
- Residential$13.78 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$549,948
- Average single-family tax bill$7,578
- 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 | $17.15 |
| FY2023 | $15.14 |
| FY2024 | $14.35 |
| FY2025 | $14.63 |
| FY2026 | $13.78 |
Look up a Pepperell property
- Property record cardsAssessed value, lot size and building details
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Pepperell
What we check on a Pepperell purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, transfer station, title 5.
Check the flood zone first
Pepperell sits at the confluence of the Nashua and Nissitissit rivers, and low-lying land along both rivers, especially in East Pepperell, falls in FEMA flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for PepperellSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Pepperell Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 978-433-2113 to schedule.
Pepperell Fire Department pageNo curbside trash pickup
Pepperell has no curbside collection. Residents use the transfer station on Boynton Street with an official trash bag or tag and an annual vehicle permit.
Transfer StationSeptic and well systems
Many Pepperell properties are on private septic systems and wells; the Health Department handles Title 5 septic and well questions.
Health DepartmentAll 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 Pepperell?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Pepperell address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Pepperell: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Pepperell: National Grid, with the town-run Pepperell Community Electricity aggregation program for supply for power.
- ElectricNational Grid, with the town-run Pepperell Community Electricity aggregation program for supply
- WaterTown water through the DPW Water Division in parts of town
- Sewer or septicTown sewer through the DPW Sewer Division in parts of town
- Trash and recyclingPepperell has no curbside trash collection. Residents bring trash to the town transfer station using an official purple Pepperell trash bag or a paid bag tag, along with an annual vehicle permit.
- 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
Pepperell Transfer Station
66 Boynton Street, Pepperell, MA 01463 Tuesday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (closed holidays)
Annual permit valid April 1 through March 31; contact the Transfer Station for current pricing
Transfer station detailsTown Hall offices and contacts
Pepperell Town Hall is at 1 Main Street, Pepperell, MA 01463. Hours: Monday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. Main line: 978-433-0333.
- Town HallMain line and website978-433-0333
- Town ClerkVital records, elections and business licensing
- AssessorsProperty values and assessments
- Tax Collector/TreasurerTax billing and payments
- Health DepartmentSeptic (Title 5), well and public health permits978-433-0328
- Fire DepartmentFire prevention and smoke/CO certificates for home sales978-433-2113
- Department of Public WorksWater, sewer, highway and transfer station
- Planning DepartmentLand use and development
- RecreationParks and recreation programs
- Lawrence LibraryPublic library
Pepperell, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Pepperell, MA?
Pepperell's FY2026 residential tax rate is $13.78 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 Pepperell?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $5,512 a year at $13.78 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Pepperell have a split tax rate?
No. Pepperell uses a single rate of $13.78 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Pepperell?
The average single-family tax bill in Pepperell was $7,578 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $549,948.
What zip codes does Pepperell, MA use?
Pepperell center uses 01463, and the East Pepperell village has its own zip code, 01437.
Is trash pickup curbside or pay-as-you-throw in Pepperell?
Pepperell has no curbside pickup. Residents bring trash to the town transfer station using an official purple trash bag or bag tag, plus an annual vehicle permit.
Who supplies electricity in Pepperell?
National Grid delivers electricity in Pepperell, and the town runs a Pepperell Community Electricity aggregation program for supply.
How far is Pepperell from Nashua, NH?
Pepperell is about 12 miles from Nashua, New Hampshire, roughly a 20-25 minute drive.
What is the Pepperell Covered Bridge?
It's a rebuilt covered bridge over the Nashua River in East Pepperell, reopened in 2010, and the only covered bridge open to vehicle traffic east of the Connecticut River.
Is there public transit in Pepperell?
No fixed-route public transit serves Pepperell; the town's former rail line is now the Nashua River Rail Trail.
Towns near Pepperell
Neighbors of Pepperell, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Wikipedia, Pepperell, Massachusetts: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Pepperell, official website: town.pepperell.ma.us
- Town of Pepperell, Fire Department: town.pepperell.ma.us
- Town of Pepperell, Health Department: town.pepperell.ma.us
- Town of Pepperell, Transfer Station: town.pepperell.ma.us
- Town of Pepperell, Government (Town Hall): town.pepperell.ma.us
- Pepperell Community Electricity / Mass Power Choice: masspowerchoice.com
- Wikimedia Commons, File:Pepperell Covered Bridge, East Pepperell MA.jpg: 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.