First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Barnstable County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansLiving in Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown occupies the curled tip of Cape Cod, bordered on land only by Truro and surrounded by Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It was organized as the Precinct of Cape Cod in 1714 and incorporated as a town in 1727. About 73% of its land, roughly 4,500 acres, lies within the Cape Cod National Seashore, and U.S. Route 6 ends here, at the far end of the Cape.
Provincetown at a glance
- $6.13Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $11,185Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 60-70 minDrive to Hyannis
- BarnstableCounty
Provincetown's zip code
Provincetown uses a single ZIP code, 02657, for the whole town.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Provincetown center | 02657 | Along Commercial Street near MacMillan Pier and Town Hall. |
Things to do in Provincetown, MA
Start with Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum and MacMillan Pier, then 2 more below.
Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
A 252-foot granite tower, the tallest all-granite structure in the United States, commemorating the 1620 Mayflower landing and Mayflower Compact. Visitors can climb interior ramps to the top, and a museum at the base covers Provincetown's maritime history.
1 High Pole Hill Rd, Provincetown, MA
MacMillan Pier
The town's historic working waterfront, home to the fishing fleet and departure point for whale-watching boats and seasonal ferries to Boston and Plymouth.
Commercial St, Provincetown, MA
Commercial Street
The town's main business and gallery district, running along the harborfront with shops, restaurants and historic architecture.
Commercial St, Provincetown, MA
Race Point Beach
A Cape Cod National Seashore beach on the Atlantic side of the tip, known for open dunes, surfcasting and whale sightings from shore.
Race Point Rd, Provincetown, MA
More worth a visit
- Provincetown Public LibraryThe town's public library on Commercial Street, in a former church building.
A little history
Provincetown was organized as the Precinct of Cape Cod in 1714 and incorporated as its own town in 1727.
The Mayflower first anchored in Provincetown Harbor in November 1620, where its passengers signed the Mayflower Compact before later moving on to Plymouth.
The Pilgrim Monument, the tallest all-granite structure in the United States, was built between 1907 and 1910 to commemorate that landing.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Provincetown
Provincetown sits almost entirely surrounded by water and National Seashore land, with Atlantic-facing dune beaches on one side and the calmer harbor on the other.
- Race Point BeachAn Atlantic beach within the Cape Cod National Seashore, known for dunes and whale watching from shore.
- Herring Cove BeachA Cape Cod Bay beach within the National Seashore, popular for sunset views.
- Province Lands TrailA paved bike trail looping through dunes and pine forest in the National Seashore's Province Lands area.
Walkability and getting around Provincetown
Provincetown's center along Commercial Street is compact and walkable, with most shops, restaurants and galleries reachable on foot from MacMillan Pier, though a car or bike is useful for reaching outer beaches and the Province Lands.
Drive times
- Hyannis, about 45 miles60-70 min
- Provincetown Municipal Airport, about 3 miles5-10 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority's FLEX bus route ends in Provincetown, connecting to Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans and Harwich. Provincetown Municipal Airport offers scheduled flights to Boston, and seasonal passenger ferries run from MacMillan Pier to Boston and Plymouth. There is no train station; the seasonal CapeFLYER from Boston ends at Hyannis, about 45 miles away.
Provincetown property taxes
Provincetown's FY2026 residential tax rate is $6.13 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $5.69. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $613 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $11,185, on an average assessed value of $1,824,604.
Provincetown's FY2026 tax rates
$6.13per $1,000, residential
- Residential$6.13 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$5.69 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$1,824,604
- Average single-family tax bill$11,185
- 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 | $6.66 |
| FY2023 | $5.98 |
| FY2024 | $5.58 |
| FY2025 | $5.60 |
| FY2026 | $6.13 |
Look up a Provincetown property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 508-487-7017
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Provincetown
What we check on a Provincetown purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, sewer expansion, national seashore.
Check the flood zone first
Because Provincetown is nearly surrounded by water, low-lying land near Provincetown Harbor and along the outer Atlantic and bay beaches falls within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for ProvincetownSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Provincetown Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 508-487-7023 to schedule.
Provincetown Fire Department pageSewer service is expanding but not town-wide
Provincetown has been extending municipal sewer to more of the town in recent years, but some properties still rely on private septic systems requiring a Title 5 inspection before sale. Buyers should confirm which system serves a specific property.
Most land is within the Cape Cod National Seashore
About 73% of Provincetown's land area is within the Cape Cod National Seashore, which limits development on much of the outer town. Buyers should check with the town and National Park Service before planning any exterior changes near Seashore land.
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 Provincetown?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Provincetown address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Provincetown: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Provincetown: Eversource, with Cape Light Compact administering energy-efficiency programs for power.
- ElectricEversource, with Cape Light Compact administering energy-efficiency programs
- Natural gasNo natural gas service; propane is common for heating and cooking
- WaterProvincetown Water Department (town public water)
- Sewer or septicProvincetown has been expanding municipal sewer service in recent years; some outlying properties still rely on private septic systems
- Trash and recyclingProvincetown residents bring trash and recycling to the town Transfer Station; curbside pickup is not provided town-wide.
- 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
Provincetown Town Hall is at 260 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657. Main line: 508-487-7000.
- Town HallMain line and website508-487-7000
- Town ClerkVital records, elections and public records.508-487-7013
- Assessor's OfficeValues real and personal property in Provincetown.508-487-7017
- Collector's OfficeCollects property tax and other town payments.508-487-7015
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and state building code enforcement.508-487-7020
- Community DevelopmentPlanning, zoning and land use review.508-487-7020
- Public WorksRoads, infrastructure and municipal facilities.508-487-7060
- Recreation DepartmentTown recreation programs and facilities.508-487-7097
- Provincetown Public LibraryThe town's public library.508-487-7094
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic, wells and permits508-487-7020
Provincetown, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Provincetown, MA?
Provincetown's FY2026 residential tax rate is $6.13 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $5.69. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Provincetown?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $2,452 a year at $6.13 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Provincetown have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $6.13 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $5.69.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Provincetown?
The average single-family tax bill in Provincetown was $11,185 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $1,824,604.
What county is Provincetown, MA in?
Provincetown is in Barnstable County, at the tip of Cape Cod.
What ZIP code does Provincetown use?
Provincetown uses a single ZIP code, 02657, for the whole town.
Is there curbside trash pickup in Provincetown?
No; residents bring trash and recycling to the town Transfer Station.
Who supplies electricity in Provincetown?
Eversource is the electric utility, with Cape Light Compact running local energy-efficiency programs.
How do you get to Provincetown without a car?
Seasonal ferries run from Boston and Plymouth to MacMillan Pier, Provincetown Municipal Airport has scheduled flights to Boston, and the FLEX bus connects to other outer Cape towns.
How far is Provincetown from Boston?
About 116 miles by road, or roughly 90 minutes by seasonal high-speed ferry.
Towns near Provincetown
Neighbors of Provincetown, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Provincetown, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Pilgrim Monument - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Provincetown official website: provincetown-ma.gov
- Provincetown department directory: provincetown-ma.gov
- Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority FLEX route: capecodrta.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.
- Checked September 25, 2026.