Somerset
140 Wood Street, Somerset, MA 02726
Living in Somerset, Massachusetts
Somerset is a town in Bristol County first settled in 1677 on Shawomet lands and incorporated in 1790, taking its name from Somerset Square in Boston. The Taunton River forms its eastern border with Fall River, and the town also touches Mount Hope Bay. Somerset was once a coal-shipping port and later a center of power generation, and it was the home of Clifford Milburn Holland, chief engineer of New York's Holland Tunnel.
Somerset at a glance
- $12.93Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $6,278Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 8-12 minDrive to Fall River
- BristolCounty
Somerset's zip code
Somerset uses two ZIP codes, 02725 and 02726.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Somerset | 02726 | The town center, along Route 138 near Town Hall. |
Things to do in Somerset, MA
Start with Waterfront Park and Pierce Beach, then 1 more below.
Waterfront Park
A town park along the Taunton River with views of Fall River across the water.
Somerset, MA
Pierce Beach
A town waterfront area on the Taunton River.
Somerset, MA
Veterans Memorial Bridge
A bridge over the Taunton River connecting Somerset to Fall River, completed in 2011.
More worth a visit
- Buffington ParkA town park and recreation area.
- Rock ParkA town park.
A little history
Somerset was first settled in 1677 on Shawomet lands and incorporated as a town in 1790, taking its name from Somerset Square in Boston.
The town became a coal-shipping port starting in 1872 and, in the 20th century, a site of power generation, including the Montaup Electric Company plant (1923) and the Brayton Point Power Station, which closed in May 2017.
Clifford Milburn Holland (1883-1924), the chief engineer of New York's Holland Tunnel, was born in Somerset.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Somerset
Somerset's parks run along the Taunton River waterfront, with the town also bordering Mount Hope Bay.
- Waterfront ParkA riverside park facing Fall River across the Taunton River.
- Pierce BeachA town waterfront area on the Taunton River.
- Buffington ParkA town park and recreation area.
- Rock ParkA town park.
Walkability and getting around Somerset
The Route 138 corridor near Town Hall and the waterfront parks are walkable, but most of the rest of Somerset is built for driving.
Drive times
- Fall River, about 4 miles8-12 min
- T.F. Green International Airport, about 24 miles40-45 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) runs bus service in Somerset. The nearest MBTA Commuter Rail station is in Fall River, part of the South Coast Rail extension, and the nearest regional airport is in New Bedford, about 18 miles away.
Somerset property taxes
Somerset's FY2026 residential tax rate is $12.93 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $25.24. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,293 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $6,278, on an average assessed value of $485,506.
Somerset's FY2026 tax rates
$12.93per $1,000, residential
- Residential$12.93 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$25.24 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$485,506
- Average single-family tax bill$6,278
- 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 | $13.29 |
| FY2023 | $12.68 |
| FY2024 | $12.79 |
| FY2025 | $13.30 |
| FY2026 | $12.93 |
Look up a Somerset property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 508-646-2800
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Somerset
What we check on a Somerset purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, smoke certificate, waterfront flood risk.
First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Bristol County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansCheck the flood zone first
The Taunton River forms Somerset's eastern border and the town also touches Mount Hope Bay, so low-lying waterfront parcels can fall within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for SomersetSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Somerset Fire Department before the sale closes.
Fire inspection required before closing
Massachusetts law requires a smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspection and certificate from the local fire department before a home sale can close. Ask early, since scheduling can take time.
Check flood maps near the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay
Somerset's eastern and southern edges sit along the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay. We check the FEMA flood map before you make an offer on a waterfront or near-waterfront property.
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 Somerset?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Somerset address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Somerset: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Somerset.
- WaterSomerset Water Department
- Sewer or septicSomerset Water Pollution Control Department
- 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
Somerset Town Hall is at 140 Wood Street, Somerset, MA 02726. Main line: 508-646-2800.
- Town HallMain line and website508-646-2800
- Town ClerkVital records, elections and licensing508-646-2818
- AssessorsProperty values and assessments508-646-2800
- Tax CollectorProperty tax bills and payments508-646-2800
- Building DepartmentPermits and inspections
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic inspections, wells and smoke-certificate coordination
- Department of Public WorksWater, sewer and roads
- Somerset Public LibraryThe town's public library
- Somerset Public SchoolsThe town's K-8 school district; Somerset Berkley Regional High School serves grades 9-12 with Berkley
Somerset, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Somerset, MA?
Somerset's FY2026 residential tax rate is $12.93 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $25.24. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Somerset?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $5,172 a year at $12.93 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Somerset have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $12.93 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $25.24.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Somerset?
The average single-family tax bill in Somerset was $6,278 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $485,506.
What ZIP codes does Somerset use?
02725 and 02726.
Which river forms Somerset's border with Fall River?
The Taunton River, crossed by the Veterans Memorial Bridge, completed in 2011.
Is there commuter rail service near Somerset?
The nearest MBTA Commuter Rail station is in Fall River, part of the South Coast Rail extension.
How far is Somerset from Fall River and Providence?
About 4 miles to Fall River and roughly 24 miles to Providence, Rhode Island, by road.
What school district serves Somerset?
Somerset Public Schools for grades K-8, and Somerset Berkley Regional High School, shared with Berkley, for grades 9-12.
Towns near Somerset
Neighbors of Somerset, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Wikipedia, "Somerset, Massachusetts": en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Somerset official website: townofsomerset.org
- Somerset Public Schools: somersetschools.org
- Driving distances calculated by routing between municipal building coordinates (OpenStreetMap Nominatim / OSRM): openstreetmap.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.