First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Berkshire County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loans
Living in Washington, Massachusetts
Washington is a town in central Berkshire County dominated by Washington Mountain in its western section, with the Appalachian Trail and a large section of October Mountain State Forest crossing its land. First settled in 1760 and known earlier as Greenoch, Watsonville and Hartville, the town was renamed for George Washington when incorporated in 1777.
Washington at a glance
- $13.82Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $5,204Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- BerkshireCounty
- 1777Year incorporated
Washington's zip code
Washington uses ZIP code 01223, with some areas near the Lenox line using 01240.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Washington center | 01223 | Along Summit Hill Road, where Town Hall is located. |
Things to do in Washington, MA
Start with October Mountain State Forest and Finerty Pond, then 2 more below.
October Mountain State Forest
The largest state forest in Massachusetts, with a large section in Washington, offering hiking, mountain biking and camping across a mix of hardwood forest and ponds.
Washington, MA
Finerty Pond
A pond within October Mountain State Forest reached by hiking trail, in the Washington portion of the forest.
October Mountain State Forest, Washington, MA
Appalachian Trail
The long-distance hiking trail crosses through Washington on its route through the Berkshires.
Washington, MA
Woody's Roadhouse
A restaurant and music venue in Washington, listed among the town's local landmarks.
Washington, MA
More worth a visit
- Bucksteep Manor Cross Country Ski AreaA cross-country skiing area in Washington.
- Becket-Washington beach pass programA shared beach program between the towns of Becket and Washington, per the town website.
A little history
Washington was first settled in 1760 and was known at various times as Greenoch, Watsonville and Hartville before its incorporation.
The town was renamed for George Washington and incorporated in 1777.
Washington has remained predominantly rural, with minimal industrial development in its history.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Washington
Washington Mountain and a large share of October Mountain State Forest, Massachusetts's largest state forest, give the town extensive hiking, mountain-biking and cross-country skiing terrain, with the Appalachian Trail also crossing town.
- October Mountain State ForestHiking, mountain biking and camping across a large state forest, with a significant section in Washington.
- Finerty PondA pond reached by trail within the state forest.
- Appalachian TrailThe long-distance trail passes through town.
- Bucksteep Manor Cross Country Ski AreaGroomed cross-country ski trails in Washington.
Where to eat in Washington: restaurants and coffee
1 places in Washington to try, including restaurant. No one paid to be listed.
Woody's Roadhouse
Restaurant
A restaurant and music venue in Washington.
Washington, MA
Walkability and getting around Washington
Washington has no sidewalked village center; it is a rural, mountainous hill town built for driving, with Route 8 as its main road.
Drive times
- Pittsfield
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Washington has no fixed-route public transit or train station. Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) is accessible in neighboring Lee.
Washington property taxes
Washington's FY2026 residential tax rate is $13.82 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,382 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $5,204, on an average assessed value of $376,551.
Washington's FY2026 tax rates
$13.82per $1,000, residential
- Residential$13.82 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$376,551
- Average single-family tax bill$5,204
- 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 | $14.84 |
| FY2023 | $15.21 |
| FY2024 | $15.31 |
| FY2025 | $14.16 |
| FY2026 | $13.82 |
Look up a Washington property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 413-625-8878
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Washington
What we check on a Washington purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, well & septic, state forest land.
Check the flood zone first
Depot Brook and other headwaters of the Housatonic and Westfield rivers cross Washington's mountainous terrain; low-lying land near these streams can fall within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for WashingtonSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Washington Fire Department before the sale closes.
Washington Fire Department pageHomes rely on private wells and septic
Washington has no townwide public water or sewer system; properties use private wells and septic systems, permitted through the Board of Health. Buyers should confirm well and septic condition, including a Title 5 inspection, before closing.
A large share of town is state forest
October Mountain State Forest covers a significant part of Washington, which can affect nearby lot lines, access roads and buildable land. Check state forest boundaries near any property you're considering.
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 Washington?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Washington address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Washington: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Washington.
- WaterMostly private wells
- Sewer or septicMostly private septic systems
- Trash and recyclingWashington operates a transfer station and, per the town website, is one of the last communities not to charge a user fee for household waste and recycling; fees apply to large loads, construction debris and specific items such as mattresses.
- 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
Washington Transfer Station
443 S. Washington State Rd, Washington, MA 01223 Wednesdays 5-8 PM; Saturdays 8 AM-4 PM
No fee for household waste and recycling; fees apply to large loads, construction debris, appliances and mattresses ($125).
Transfer station detailsTown Hall offices and contacts
Washington Town Hall is at 8 Summit Hill Rd, Washington, MA 01223. Main line: 413-623-8878.
- Town HallMain line and website413-623-8878
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records and elections.413-623-8878 ext. 105
- Board of AssessorsProperty values and assessments; also provides property tax maps.413-625-8878
- Tax CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.413-623-0146
- Board of HealthSeptic and well permitting, administered with the Berkshire Public Health Alliance.413-442-1521 ext. 60
- Fire DepartmentFire prevention and safety, led by Chief Paul Mikaniewicz.
- Highway Department / DPWRoads and town infrastructure, led by Superintendent Tom Johnson.413-623-8383
- Town AdministratorTown administration, Andrea Wadsworth.413-440-9747
- Wahconah Regional High School / Central Berkshire Regional School DistrictThe regional school district serving Washington.
Washington, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Washington, MA?
Washington's FY2026 residential tax rate is $13.82 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 Washington?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $5,528 a year at $13.82 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Washington have a split tax rate?
No. Washington uses a single rate of $13.82 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Washington?
The average single-family tax bill in Washington was $5,204 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $376,551.
What county is Washington, MA in?
Washington is in Berkshire County.
What is Washington's ZIP code?
Washington uses ZIP code 01223, with some areas near the Lenox line using 01240.
Does Washington have curbside trash pickup?
No. Residents use the town transfer station on South Washington State Road, which the town says charges no fee for household waste and recycling.
Which towns border Washington?
Washington borders Pittsfield, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Middlefield, Becket, Lee and Lenox.
Does the Appalachian Trail cross Washington?
Yes. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the town.
What are Washington Transfer Station's hours?
Wednesdays 5 to 8 PM and Saturdays 8 AM to 4 PM.
Towns near Washington
Neighbors of Washington, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Washington, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Washington, MA official website: washington-ma.gov
- Transfer Station - Town of Washington, MA: washington-ma.gov
- Directory - Town of Washington, MA: washington-ma.gov
- Washington Town Hall 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: John Phelan, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.