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 loansLiving in Taunton, Massachusetts
Taunton is a city in Bristol County on the Taunton River, settled by English colonists in 1639 and incorporated as a city in 1864. It became known as the 'Silver City' for 19th-century silversmithing operations, and has held an annual holiday light display on Taunton Green since December 1914 that gave it the nickname 'Christmas City.'
Taunton at a glance
- $11.14Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $5,540Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 30-35 minDrive to Providence, RI
- BristolCounty
Taunton's villages and zip codes
Taunton's main ZIP code is 02780; East Taunton uses its own ZIP code, 02718.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Taunton center | 02780 | Downtown around Taunton Green, near City Hall and the Bristol County Superior Courthouse. |
| East Taunton | 02718 | A section on the southeast side of the city, near Massasoit State Park and the East Taunton MBTA Commuter Rail station. |
Things to do in Taunton, MA
Start with Taunton Green and Massasoit State Park, then 3 more below.
Taunton Green
The city's historic central square, site of an annual holiday light display running since December 1914 that gave Taunton the nickname 'Christmas City.'
Taunton Green, Taunton, MA
Massasoit State Park
A more than 1,200-acre wooded park on the southeast side of the city, extending into Lakeville, with six lakes and ponds, cranberry bogs, and trails for hiking and biking plus boating and fishing.
Southeast Taunton, extending into Lakeville, MA
Watson Pond State Park
A state park north of downtown Taunton.
North Taunton, MA
Old Colony Historical Society
A historical society founded in 1853, located on Church Green near downtown.
Church Green, Taunton, MA
Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management Area
A large freshwater swamp and wildlife management area on the north side of the city.
North Taunton, MA
Around the calendar
- DecemberTaunton Green holiday lightsAn annual holiday light display on Taunton Green running since December 1914, the origin of the city's 'Christmas City' nickname.
A little history
Taunton was settled by English colonists in 1639 and incorporated as a city on May 11, 1864.
During the 19th century, Taunton became known as the 'Silver City' for its silversmithing industry.
Camp Myles Standish, established in Taunton in 1942, served as a departure point for more than a million U.S. and allied military personnel during World War II.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Taunton
Taunton's outdoor recreation centers on Massasoit and Watson Pond state parks and the Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
- Massasoit State ParkMore than 1,200 wooded acres with six lakes and ponds, cranberry bogs, and trails for hiking, biking, boating, and fishing.
- Watson Pond State ParkA state park north of downtown Taunton.
- Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management AreaA large wildlife management area on the city's north side.
Walkability and getting around Taunton
Downtown Taunton around Taunton Green has a walkable core near City Hall and the courthouse, but most of the city, including East Taunton, is built around driving.
Drive times
- Providence, RI, about 25 miles30-35 min
- T.F. Green Airport (Providence, RI), about 25 miles30-35 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) provides bus service in Taunton. MBTA Commuter Rail's East Taunton station, on the Fall River/New Bedford Line, began service March 24, 2025, connecting through Middleborough toward Boston's South Station; a proposed future phase of South Coast Rail would add a downtown Taunton stop.
Taunton property taxes
Taunton's FY2026 residential tax rate is $11.14 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $23.73. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,114 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $5,540, on an average assessed value of $497,265.
Taunton's FY2026 tax rates
$11.14per $1,000, residential
- Residential$11.14 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$23.73 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$497,265
- Average single-family tax bill$5,540
- 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 | $13.18 |
| FY2023 | $12.05 |
| FY2024 | $11.19 |
| FY2025 | $10.94 |
| FY2026 | $11.14 |
Look up a Taunton property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Taunton
What we check on a Taunton purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, new commuter rail, municipal electric utility, downtown flood risk.
Check the flood zone first
Taunton sits on the Taunton River, and the Whittenton Pond Dam on the Mill River north of downtown has previously posed a flood risk to the downtown area; an October 2005 dam-failure scare raised concern the Mill River could inundate downtown by several feet. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for TauntonSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Taunton Fire Department before the sale closes.
East Taunton station opened in March 2025
MBTA Commuter Rail's East Taunton station, on the Fall River/New Bedford Line, began service March 24, 2025, connecting toward Boston's South Station. Buyers weighing a Boston commute should check current MBTA schedules and travel times.
Taunton has its own municipal light plant
Electric service in Taunton is provided by the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP), a municipally owned utility, rather than an investor-owned company like Eversource or National Grid.
Ask about the Mill River and Whittenton Pond Dam
A 2005 incident at the Whittenton Pond Dam on the Mill River raised concern about flooding in downtown Taunton. Buyers near the downtown or the Taunton River should check current FEMA flood maps.
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 Taunton?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Taunton address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Taunton: utilities, trash and city hall
Who to call in Taunton: Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP), a municipally owned utility established in 1897 serving the greater Taunton area for power.
- ElectricTaunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP), a municipally owned utility established in 1897 serving the greater Taunton area
- WaterCity water system with a treatment plant in Lakeville
- Sewer or septicCity sewer system with a treatment plant on West Water Street discharging into the Taunton River
- 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
City Hall offices and contacts
Taunton City Hall is at 15 Summer St, Taunton, MA 02780. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am-4pm; Tuesday 8am-7pm; Friday 8am-12pm. Main line: 508-821-1000.
Taunton, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Taunton, MA?
Taunton's FY2026 residential tax rate is $11.14 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $23.73. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Taunton?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,456 a year at $11.14 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Taunton have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $11.14 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $23.73.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Taunton?
The average single-family tax bill in Taunton was $5,540 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $497,265.
Who supplies electricity in Taunton?
The Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP), a municipally owned electric utility established in 1897, serves the greater Taunton area.
Is there commuter rail service to Taunton?
Yes. MBTA Commuter Rail's East Taunton station, on the Fall River/New Bedford Line, began service March 24, 2025, connecting toward Boston's South Station.
What ZIP codes does Taunton use?
Taunton's main ZIP code is 02780; East Taunton uses its own ZIP code, 02718.
Is there bus service in Taunton?
The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) provides bus service in Taunton.
Why is Taunton called the 'Christmas City'?
Taunton has held an annual holiday light display on Taunton Green since December 1914, which gave the city its 'Christmas City' nickname.
Towns near Taunton
Neighbors of Taunton, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Taunton, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- City of Taunton official website: taunton-ma.gov
- Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Massasoit State Park - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- East Taunton (MBTA station) - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.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.