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 Stoneham, Massachusetts
Stoneham is a town in Middlesex County about nine miles north of Boston, first settled by colonists in 1634 as part of Charlestown and incorporated on its own in 1725. Much of the town's eastern side sits within the Middlesex Fells Reservation, which includes Spot Pond and Bear Hill.
Stoneham at a glance
- $10.06Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $8,059Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- MiddlesexCounty
- 1725Year incorporated
Stoneham's zip code
Stoneham uses ZIP code 02180.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Stoneham center | 02180 | Along Central Street and Main Street, where Town Hall and the Stoneham Theatre are located. |
Things to do in Stoneham, MA
Start with Stone Zoo and Middlesex Fells Reservation, then 2 more below.
Stone Zoo
A zoo within the Middlesex Fells Reservation featuring a variety of animal exhibits.
Stoneham, MA
Middlesex Fells Reservation
A large state reservation with hiking trails, Spot Pond and Bear Hill, spanning Stoneham and neighboring towns.
Stoneham, MA
Stoneham Theatre
A professional theater on Main Street presenting a season of plays and musicals.
Main St, Stoneham, MA
Spot Pond
A large pond within the Middlesex Fells, used for walking, fishing and non-motorized boating.
Stoneham, MA
More worth a visit
- Tri-Community GreenwayA shared-use path for walking and biking through Stoneham.
A little history
Stoneham was first settled by colonists in 1634 as part of Charlestown.
Captain Benjamin Geary and 53 other residents petitioned Charlestown to be set off as a separate town, and Stoneham was incorporated in 1725.
The town's first meetinghouse was erected in 1726, and its first church was organized in 1729.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Stoneham
Stoneham's eastern side lies within the Middlesex Fells Reservation, with Spot Pond and Bear Hill offering trails and open water close to a dense residential town.
- Middlesex Fells ReservationHiking trails, woodland and parkways shared with several surrounding towns.
- Spot PondWalking, fishing and non-motorized boating within the Fells.
- Tri-Community GreenwayA paved path for walking and cycling.
Walkability and getting around Stoneham
Stoneham center around Main and Central streets is walkable, with the Stoneham Theatre, shops and Town Hall close together; other parts of town require a car.
Drive times
- Boston, about 9 miles
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
MBTA bus route 132 serves Stoneham Center. The MBTA Orange Line is accessible via Oak Grove station, about 3.8 miles away in Malden; several commuter rail stations are in neighboring towns.
Stoneham property taxes
Stoneham's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.06 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $19.15. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,006 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $8,059, on an average assessed value of $801,126.
Stoneham's FY2026 tax rates
$10.06per $1,000, residential
- Residential$10.06 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$19.15 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$801,126
- Average single-family tax bill$8,059
- 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 | $10.41 |
| FY2023 | $11.10 |
| FY2024 | $10.59 |
| FY2025 | $10.23 |
| FY2026 | $10.06 |
Look up a Stoneham property
- Property record cardsAssessed value, lot size and building details
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Stoneham
What we check on a Stoneham purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, smoke/co certificate.
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 StonehamSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Stoneham Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 781-438-0127 to schedule.
Fire Department inspection required before closing
Massachusetts law requires a smoke and carbon-monoxide detector certificate of compliance before a home sale closes; in Stoneham this is scheduled through the Fire Department.
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 Stoneham?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Stoneham address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Stoneham: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Stoneham.
- Trash and recyclingStoneham provides curbside trash and recycling collection. The Stevens Street Recycling Center is a seasonal drop-off site (posted hours run through November 2026) that requires a sticker, purchased at the Department of Public Works.
- 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
Stevens Street Recycling Center
Seasonal, through November 2026 per posted schedule.
Sticker required; purchased at the DPW, 16 Pine St, Stoneham.
Town Hall offices and contacts
Stoneham Town Hall is at 35 Central St, Stoneham, MA 02180. Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 8am-4pm; Tue 8am-7pm; Fri 8am-12pm. Main line: 781-279-2600.
- Town HallMain line and website781-279-2600
- Town ClerkVital records, elections and licensing.781-279-2650
- Treasurer/Tax CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.781-279-2660
- AssessorsProperty values and assessments.781-279-2640
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic inspections and public health permits.781-279-2621
- Fire DepartmentFire prevention and smoke/CO certificates for home sales.781-438-0127
- Building DepartmentPermits and inspections.781-279-2670
- Planning BoardLand use and development.781-279-2695
- Department of Public WorksRoads, trash, recycling and the Stevens Street Recycling Center.781-438-0760
- Stoneham Public LibraryThe town's public library.781-438-1324
- Stoneham Public SchoolsThe town's school district, including Stoneham High School and Stoneham Central Middle School.
Stoneham, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Stoneham, MA?
Stoneham's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.06 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $19.15. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Stoneham?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,024 a year at $10.06 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Stoneham have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $10.06 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $19.15.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Stoneham?
The average single-family tax bill in Stoneham was $8,059 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $801,126.
What county is Stoneham, MA in?
Stoneham is in Middlesex County.
What ZIP code does Stoneham use?
Stoneham uses ZIP code 02180.
Does Stoneham have curbside trash pickup?
Yes, Stoneham provides curbside trash and recycling collection. The Stevens Street Recycling Center is also available seasonally with a purchased sticker.
How far is Stoneham from Boston?
Stoneham is about nine miles north of Boston.
Which towns border Stoneham?
Stoneham borders Woburn, Winchester, Medford, Malden, Melrose, Wakefield and Reading.
Is Stoneham near the Middlesex Fells?
Yes. The eastern side of Stoneham lies within the Middlesex Fells Reservation, which includes Spot Pond and Bear Hill.
Towns near Stoneham
Neighbors of Stoneham, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Stoneham, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Stoneham, MA official website: stoneham-ma.gov
- Town of Stoneham Staff Directory: stoneham-ma.gov
- Stoneham welcome sign 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: Bhaggs, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.