First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Dukes County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansLiving in West Tisbury, Massachusetts
West Tisbury sits at the center of Martha's Vineyard, bordered by Tisbury, Edgartown, Chilmark and Oak Bluffs. First settled in 1669 and incorporated in 1892, it was the last of the Vineyard's towns to be set off on its own, and it remains the island's agricultural center, with Tisbury Great Pond, Long Point Wildlife Refuge and much of the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest within its borders.
West Tisbury at a glance
- $5.21Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $8,862Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 50 (ferry) minDrive to Falmouth (via ferry)
- DukesCounty
West Tisbury's villages and zip codes
West Tisbury uses ZIP code 02575. A small northern section shares the Vineyard Haven ZIP, 02568.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| West Tisbury center | 02575 | Around State Road, Town Hall and the Old Mill and Mill Pond. |
| Lambert's Cove | 02575 | A rural area on the town's northern side, near Lambert's Cove Beach. |
Things to do in West Tisbury, MA
Start with Polly Hill Arboretum and Alley's General Store, then 3 more below.
Polly Hill Arboretum
A 60-acre arboretum developed from a former sheep farm, with cultivated trees and shrubs, walking trails and a visitor center.
State Rd, West Tisbury, MA
Alley's General Store
A long-running general store on State Road, serving as an informal community gathering spot.
State Rd, West Tisbury, MA
Field Gallery
An outdoor sculpture garden and gallery in the town center, known for its whimsical figures on the lawn.
State Rd, West Tisbury, MA
Old Mill and Mill Pond
A historic grist mill site and pond in the town center, near Town Hall.
State Rd, West Tisbury, MA
Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair
An annual agricultural fair held at the Grange Hall and fairgrounds, with livestock, produce and crafts.
Panhandle Rd, West Tisbury, MA
More worth a visit
- West Tisbury Farmers MarketA seasonal farmers market held at the Grange Hall.
A little history
West Tisbury was first settled in 1669 and was incorporated as a separate town in 1892, the last of the Vineyard's towns to be set off on its own.
The town developed as the agricultural heartland of Martha's Vineyard, a role reflected today in its farms, the Grange Hall and the annual Agricultural Fair.
Parks, trails and outdoors in West Tisbury
West Tisbury's interior location gives it the Vineyard's largest concentration of ponds, forest and wildlife refuge land, from Tisbury Great Pond to the Correllus State Forest.
- Long Point Wildlife RefugeA Trustees of Reservations property with beach, dune and pond frontage on Tisbury Great Pond.
- Tisbury Great PondA large coastal salt pond on the town's south shore, used for shellfishing and paddling.
- Manuel F. Correllus State ForestState forest shared with Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, with multi-use trails.
- Lambert's Cove BeachA beach on the town's north shore along Vineyard Sound.
Walkability and getting around West Tisbury
West Tisbury's town center along State Road is small and walkable, but the town is otherwise rural and spread out, and getting to its ponds, beaches and forest land generally requires a car or bicycle.
Drive times
- Falmouth (via ferry), about 12 miles50 (ferry) min
- Martha's Vineyard Airport, about 2 miles5-10 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) operates island bus routes along State Road through West Tisbury. There is no train service on Martha's Vineyard; the nearest ferry terminals are in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs.
West Tisbury property taxes
West Tisbury's FY2026 residential tax rate is $5.21 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $4.75. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $521 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $8,862, on an average assessed value of $1,700,950.
West Tisbury's FY2026 tax rates
$5.21per $1,000, residential
- Residential$5.21 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$4.75 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$1,700,950
- Average single-family tax bill$8,862
- 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 | $5.82 |
| FY2023 | $4.36 |
| FY2024 | $4.30 |
| FY2025 | $4.53 |
| FY2026 | $5.21 |
Look up a West Tisbury property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in West Tisbury
What we check on a West Tisbury purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, wells & septic, coastal flood zone.
Check the flood zone first
West Tisbury's southern shore along Tisbury Great Pond and the barrier beach at Long Point falls within FEMA-mapped coastal flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for West TisburySmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the West Tisbury Fire Department before the sale closes.
West Tisbury Fire Department pageMost of the town relies on private wells and septic
West Tisbury has no townwide water or sewer system; most properties use private wells and septic systems. Massachusetts law requires a Title 5 septic inspection before a home on a septic system can be sold.
Check FEMA flood maps near the great ponds
Property near Tisbury Great Pond or Long Point may fall within a FEMA flood zone, which can affect insurance requirements. We check the flood map before you make 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 West Tisbury?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a West Tisbury address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to West Tisbury: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in West Tisbury: Eversource for power.
- ElectricEversource
- Natural gasNo natural gas service
- WaterMostly private wells
- Sewer or septicWest Tisbury relies primarily on private septic systems; there is no townwide sewer system.
- 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
West Tisbury Town Hall is at 1059 State Road, West Tisbury, MA 02575. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. Main line: 508-696-0100.
- Town HallMain line and website508-696-0100
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.
- Assessor's OfficeProperty values and assessments.
- Tax Collector/TreasurerProperty tax billing and payment.
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and inspections.
- Planning BoardZoning, land use, and planning applications.
- Parks & RecreationBeach access and recreation programs.
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic inspections, wells, and public health.
- Fire DepartmentFire department; smoke and carbon-monoxide certificates for home sales.
- West Tisbury Free Public LibraryThe town's public library.
West Tisbury, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in West Tisbury, MA?
West Tisbury's FY2026 residential tax rate is $5.21 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $4.75. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in West Tisbury?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $2,084 a year at $5.21 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does West Tisbury have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $5.21 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $4.75.
What is the average single-family tax bill in West Tisbury?
The average single-family tax bill in West Tisbury was $8,862 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $1,700,950.
What county is West Tisbury in?
West Tisbury is in Dukes County, on Martha's Vineyard.
What ZIP code does West Tisbury use?
West Tisbury uses ZIP code 02575.
Is there public transit in West Tisbury?
Yes. The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) operates island bus routes along State Road through West Tisbury.
Who supplies electricity in West Tisbury?
Eversource is the electric utility serving West Tisbury.
Does West Tisbury have town water and sewer?
No. West Tisbury relies primarily on private wells and septic systems, with no townwide water or sewer system.
Towns near West Tisbury
Neighbors of West Tisbury, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- West Tisbury, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of West Tisbury official website: westtisbury-ma.gov
- 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.