First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Franklin County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loans
Living in Wendell, Massachusetts
Wendell is a town in Franklin County first settled in 1754 and incorporated in 1781, named for Judge Oliver Wendell of Boston. Wendell State Forest, at more than 7,500 acres, covers much of the southern part of town, with Ruggles Pond and Wickett Pond among its features and the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail passing through.
Wendell at a glance
- $20.50Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $5,565Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- FranklinCounty
- 1781Year incorporated
Wendell's zip code
Wendell uses ZIP code 01379.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Wendell center | 01379 | Around Morse Village Road, where the Town Offices are located. |
Things to do in Wendell, MA
Start with Wendell State Forest and Ruggles Pond.
Wendell State Forest
A state forest of more than 7,500 acres covering much of southern Wendell, with Ruggles Pond offering a swimming and fishing area and Wickett Pond nearby. The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail runs through the forest.
Wendell, MA
Ruggles Pond
A roughly 10-acre pond in Wendell State Forest with a swimming beach and fishing access.
Wendell State Forest, Wendell, MA
A little history
Wendell was first settled in 1754 and officially incorporated as a town in 1781, taking its name from Judge Oliver Wendell of Boston.
On July 11, 2006, an F2 tornado traveled about 2.9 miles through Wendell, causing property damage but no injuries.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Wendell
Wendell State Forest covers much of the town's southern half, giving Wendell a large share of protected woodland with ponds and trail access, including a stretch of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail.
- Wendell State ForestMore than 7,500 acres of state forest with trails, Ruggles Pond and Wickett Pond.
- Metacomet-Monadnock TrailA long-distance hiking trail that passes through Wendell State Forest.
Walkability and getting around Wendell
Wendell is a rural town without a dense commercial center or sidewalked district; most residents drive between the town center, the state forest and neighboring towns for services.
Drive times
- Orange
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Wendell has no fixed-route public transit, bus service or train station.
Wendell property taxes
Wendell's FY2026 residential tax rate is $20.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $2,050 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $5,565, on an average assessed value of $271,453.
Wendell's FY2026 tax rates
$20.50per $1,000, residential
- Residential$20.50 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$271,453
- Average single-family tax bill$5,565
- 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 | $23.24 |
| FY2023 | $21.41 |
| FY2024 | $22.15 |
| FY2025 | $20.95 |
| FY2026 | $20.50 |
Look up a Wendell property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 978-544-3395
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Wendell
What we check on a Wendell purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, well & septic, state forest abutters.
Check the flood zone first
Ponds and streams within Wendell State Forest and elsewhere in town can put adjoining low-lying land within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for WendellSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Wendell Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 978-544-3395 to schedule.
Wendell Fire Department pageHomes rely on private wells and septic
Wendell has no townwide public water or sewer system; most properties use private wells and septic systems. Buyers should confirm well and septic condition, including a Title 5 inspection, before closing.
Much of town borders Wendell State Forest
A large share of Wendell's land is part of the state forest. Buyers should check how close a property sits to state forest land and confirm boundary lines before making an offer.
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 Wendell?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Wendell address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Wendell: utilities, trash and town offices
Who to call in Wendell.
- WaterMostly private wells
- Sewer or septicMostly private septic systems
- Trash and recyclingWendell residents use the WRATS transfer and recycling station rather than curbside pickup; the town website did not publish current hours or permit pricing.
- 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 Offices offices and contacts
Wendell Town Offices is at 9 Morse Village Road, Wendell, MA 01379. Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM; Friday mornings by call-ahead. Main line: 978-544-3395.
- Town OfficesMain line and website978-544-3395
- SelectboardTown governing board.978-544-3395
- Town CoordinatorDay-to-day town administration.978-544-3395
- Board of AssessorsProperty values and assessments.978-544-3395
- Board of HealthSeptic and well permitting.978-544-3395
- Planning BoardLand use and planning applications.978-544-3395
- Wendell Free LibraryThe town's public library.
- Ralph C. Mahar Regional School DistrictThe regional school district serving Wendell; elementary students attend Swift River Elementary School in New Salem, and students in grades 7-12 attend Mahar Regional High School in Orange.
Wendell, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Wendell, MA?
Wendell's FY2026 residential tax rate is $20.50 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 Wendell?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $8,200 a year at $20.50 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Wendell have a split tax rate?
No. Wendell uses a single rate of $20.50 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Wendell?
The average single-family tax bill in Wendell was $5,565 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $271,453.
What county is Wendell, MA in?
Wendell is in Franklin County.
What ZIP code does Wendell use?
Wendell uses ZIP code 01379.
Is there public transit in Wendell?
No. Wendell has no fixed-route bus service or train station.
What are Wendell's Town Offices hours?
The Town Offices, at 9 Morse Village Road, are open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with select Friday mornings by call-ahead.
Does Wendell have curbside trash pickup?
No. Residents use the WRATS transfer and recycling station rather than curbside collection.
Sources
- Wendell, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Wendell, MA official website: wendellmass.us
- Wendell contact page: wendellmass.us
- Wendell meetinghouse 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-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.