Topsfield center
8 West Common St, Topsfield, MA 01983
Living in Topsfield, Massachusetts
Topsfield sits at the geographic center of Essex County, about 10 miles north of Salem, and was settled in 1635 under the name New Meadows before being renamed for Toppesfield, England, and incorporated in 1650. U.S. Route 1 runs nearly the length of the town from southwest to northeast, and the Ipswich River and 68-acre Hood's Pond are its largest water features. Topsfield is home to the Topsfield Fair, which began in 1818 and is one of the oldest continuously running agricultural fairs in the country.
Topsfield at a glance
- $15.66Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $14,483Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 20-25 minDrive to Salem
- EssexCounty
Topsfield's zip code
The entire town uses ZIP code 01983.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Topsfield center | 01983 | The town's single village center, where Town Hall sits on the Town Common. |
Things to do in Topsfield, MA
Start with Topsfield Fair and Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, then 3 more below.
Topsfield Fair
An agricultural fair that began in 1818 and is one of the oldest continuously running fairs in the country, running 11 days between late September and Columbus Day with livestock shows, carnival rides and the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off.
Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield, MA
Plan a visitIpswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
A Mass Audubon sanctuary with trails through woods, wetlands and river frontage; part of the property lies within Topsfield.
Topsfield/Ipswich, MA
Plan a visitBradley Palmer State Park
A state park with woodland and river trails, part of which extends into Topsfield.
Topsfield/Ipswich/Hamilton, MA
Parson Capen House
A First Period house built in 1683, one of the town's oldest surviving structures.
Topsfield, MA
Topsfield Town Forest
Town-owned woodland with walking trails.
Topsfield, MA
More worth a visit
- Topsfield Historical Society Strawberry FestivalAn early-June strawberry festival run by the Topsfield Historical Society.
Around the calendar
- JuneStrawberry FestivalAn annual festival held by the Topsfield Historical Society.
- September-OctoberTopsfield FairAn 11-day agricultural fair running between late September and Columbus Day, with livestock, crafts and the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off.
- MayMemorial Day ParadeAn annual parade honoring veterans.
A little history
The area was settled by English colonists in 1635 as New Meadows and renamed for Toppesfield, England, when it was incorporated as Topsfield in 1650.
Several Topsfield residents, including Rebecca Nurse, Sarah Cloyce, Mary Esty, Sarah Wildes and Elizabeth Howe, were accused during the 1692 Salem witch trials, and several were executed.
The Topsfield Fair began in 1818 and is one of the oldest continuously operating agricultural fairs in the United States.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Topsfield
Topsfield's outdoor land centers on the Ipswich River and its wetlands, with parts of two large conservation properties, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary and Bradley Palmer State Park, extending into town alongside Hood's Pond and the town forest.
- Ipswich River Wildlife SanctuaryA Mass Audubon property with trails along the Ipswich River.
- Bradley Palmer State ParkWoodland and river-trail state park extending across several towns.
- Hood's PondA 68-acre pond, the town's largest water body.
- Topsfield Town ForestTown-owned woods with walking trails.
Walkability and getting around Topsfield
Topsfield's small center around the Town Common has sidewalks connecting Town Hall, the library and nearby homes, but Route 1 and the rest of town are built for driving.
Drive times
- Salem, about 10 miles20-25 min
- Logan International Airport, about 28 miles40-50 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Topsfield has no MBTA Commuter Rail station of its own; the Newburyport/Rockport Line runs through neighboring towns, with stations in Ipswich and Hamilton/Wenham. There is no fixed-route local bus service.
Topsfield property taxes
Topsfield's FY2026 residential tax rate is $15.66 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,566 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $14,483, on an average assessed value of $924,852.
Topsfield's FY2026 tax rates
$15.66per $1,000, residential
- Residential$15.66 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$924,852
- Average single-family tax bill$14,483
- 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 | $16.65 |
| FY2023 | $15.20 |
| FY2024 | $14.69 |
| FY2025 | $14.99 |
| FY2026 | $15.66 |
Look up a Topsfield property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 978-887-1514
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Topsfield
What we check on a Topsfield purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, smoke & co certificate, river flood zones.
First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Essex County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansCheck the flood zone first
Land along the Ipswich River and around Hood's Pond falls within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for TopsfieldSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Topsfield Fire and Rescue Department before the sale closes. Call 978-887-5148 to schedule.
Topsfield Fire and Rescue Department pageMassachusetts requires a smoke and CO certificate before closing
Sellers in Massachusetts need a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance certificate from the local fire department before a home sale can close. Contact the Topsfield Fire and Rescue Department to schedule the inspection.
Ipswich River frontage falls within FEMA flood zones
Parts of town near the Ipswich River and Hood's Pond are mapped in FEMA flood zones; buyers there should check the flood map and ask about flood insurance.
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 Topsfield?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Topsfield address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Topsfield: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Topsfield.
- Trash and recyclingTopsfield uses automated curbside collection with town-issued trash and recycling carts, hauled by G. Mello Disposal Corp. A separate yard-waste drop-off program is available at the G. Mello Georgetown Transfer Station for $2 per bag.
- 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
Topsfield Town Hall is at 8 West Common St, Topsfield, MA 01983. Main line: 978-887-1500.
- Town HallMain line and website978-887-1500
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records and elections.978-887-1505
- Board of AssessorsProperty values and assessments.978-887-1514
- Treasurer & CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.978-887-1511
- Inspectional ServicesBuilding permits, inspections and zoning enforcement.978-887-1522
- Planning BoardZoning, land use and planning applications.978-887-1500
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic inspections, well regulations and health permits.978-887-1520
- Fire and Rescue DepartmentFire prevention, suppression and inspections.978-887-5148
- Topsfield Town LibraryThe town's public library.978-887-1528
- Masconomet Regional School DistrictThe regional school district serving Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton.
Topsfield, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Topsfield, MA?
Topsfield's FY2026 residential tax rate is $15.66 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Topsfield?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $6,264 a year at $15.66 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Topsfield have a split tax rate?
No. Topsfield uses a single rate of $15.66 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Topsfield?
The average single-family tax bill in Topsfield was $14,483 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $924,852.
What ZIP code does Topsfield use?
The entire town uses ZIP code 01983.
Is trash pickup curbside in Topsfield?
Yes. Topsfield uses automated curbside collection with town-issued trash and recycling carts, hauled by G. Mello Disposal Corp.
Is there an MBTA station in Topsfield?
No. Topsfield has no Commuter Rail station of its own; the Newburyport/Rockport Line runs through neighboring Ipswich and Hamilton/Wenham.
How far is Topsfield from Boston?
Topsfield is about 22 miles north of Boston and about 10 miles north of Salem.
What is the Topsfield Fair?
An agricultural fair that began in 1818, running 11 days between late September and Columbus Day with livestock, carnival rides and the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off.
Towns near Topsfield
Neighbors of Topsfield, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Topsfield, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Topsfield, MA official website: topsfield-ma.gov
- Automated Trash and Recycling Collection - Topsfield, MA: topsfield-ma.gov
- Topsfield Staff Directory: topsfield-ma.gov
- Topsfield Fair official website: topsfieldfair.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: Fletcher6, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.