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 loansLiving in Reading, Massachusetts
Reading is a town in Middlesex County about 16 miles north of Boston, incorporated on June 10, 1644, and named after Reading, England. Settlement began in 1639 when Lynn residents petitioned for inland land, and the town played an active role in the American Revolution, including pursuing British forces after Lexington and Concord.
Reading at a glance
- $10.96Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $10,300Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 25-35 minDrive to Boston
- MiddlesexCounty
Reading's zip code
Reading uses a single ZIP code, 01867, for the whole town.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Reading center | 01867 | Along Lowell Street and Haven Street near Town Hall and the Commuter Rail station. |
Things to do in Reading, MA
Start with Parker Tavern.
Parker Tavern
Built in 1694, this is the oldest surviving structure in Reading and now operates as a museum.
103 Washington St, Reading, MA
A little history
Settlement of the area began in 1639 when residents of Lynn petitioned for inland plantation land.
Reading was incorporated as a town on June 10, 1644, and named after Reading, England.
The Parker Tavern, built in 1694, is the oldest surviving structure in town and is now a museum.
Walkability and getting around Reading
Reading center around Haven Street and the Commuter Rail station has sidewalks connecting shops, restaurants, and Town Hall, while most of the town's residential neighborhoods are built for driving.
Drive times
- Boston, about 16 miles25-35 min
- Logan International Airport, about 20 miles30-40 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The MBTA Commuter Rail Haverhill Line serves Reading at Reading station, connecting to Boston's North Station. MBTA bus routes 136 and 137 run between Reading station and Malden station.
Reading property taxes
Reading's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.96 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $12.55. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,096 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $10,300, on an average assessed value of $939,783.
Reading's FY2026 tax rates
$10.96per $1,000, residential
- Residential$10.96 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$12.55 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$939,783
- Average single-family tax bill$10,300
- 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 | $13.33 |
| FY2023 | $12.59 |
| FY2024 | $11.72 |
| FY2025 | $11.39 |
| FY2026 | $10.96 |
Look up a Reading property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 781-942-9027
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Reading
What we check on a Reading purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, municipal electric.
Check the flood zone first
Flood zones are set address by address. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for ReadingSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Reading Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 781-944-3132 to schedule.
Reading Fire Department pageReading Municipal Light Department supplies electricity
Reading is served by its own municipal electric utility, Reading Municipal Light Department, rather than an investor-owned utility like Eversource or National Grid.
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 Reading?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Reading address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Reading: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Reading: Reading Municipal Light Department, the town's own municipal electric utility, headquartered in Reading for power.
- ElectricReading Municipal Light Department, the town's own municipal electric utility, headquartered in 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
Reading Town Hall is at 16 Lowell St, Reading, MA 01867. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7:30am-5:30pm; Tuesday 7:30am-7:00pm; closed Friday. Main line: 781-942-9001.
- Town HallMain line and website781-942-9001
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.781-942-9050
- Board of AssessorsProperty values and assessments.781-942-9027
- Tax Collector's OfficeProperty tax billing and payment.781-942-9023
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and inspections.781-942-6613
- Community Planning & Development CommissionZoning, land use, and planning applications.781-942-6612
- Recreation DivisionTown parks, recreation programs, and facility reservations.781-942-9075
- Public WorksRoads, town facilities, and infrastructure.781-942-9077
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic inspections, wells, and public health.781-942-9061
- Fire DepartmentFire prevention and smoke/CO certificates for home sales.781-944-3132
- Reading Public LibraryThe town's public library.781-944-0840
- Reading Public SchoolsThe town's public school district.781-944-5800
Reading, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Reading, MA?
Reading's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.96 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $12.55. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Reading?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,384 a year at $10.96 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Reading have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $10.96 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $12.55.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Reading?
The average single-family tax bill in Reading was $10,300 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $939,783.
What county is Reading in?
Reading is in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
What ZIP code does Reading use?
Reading uses a single ZIP code, 01867, for the whole town.
How far is Reading from Boston?
Reading is about 16 miles from Boston, roughly a 25-35 minute drive.
Who supplies electricity in Reading?
Reading Municipal Light Department, the town's own municipal electric utility.
Is there a train station in Reading?
Yes. The MBTA Commuter Rail Haverhill Line serves Reading station, connecting to Boston's North Station.
Which towns border Reading?
Reading borders Woburn, Stoneham, Wakefield, Lynnfield, North Reading, and Wilmington.
Towns near Reading
Neighbors of Reading, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Reading, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Reading official website: readingma.gov
- 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.