First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Norfolk County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loans
Living in Westwood, Massachusetts
Westwood is a town in Norfolk County about 20 miles southwest of Boston. Settled in 1641 as part of Dedham and known as West Dedham, it was incorporated as its own town in 1897; the name Westwood was chosen after a Nahant representative objected to the originally proposed name, Nahatan. The town's Route 128 station serves both MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak.
Westwood at a glance
- $12.87Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $16,097Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 25-35 minDrive to Boston
- NorfolkCounty
Westwood's villages and zip codes
Westwood uses ZIP code 02090.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Westwood center | 02090 | Around High Street, where Town Hall and the fire department headquarters are located. |
| Islington | 02090 | A village section of Westwood. |
Things to do in Westwood, MA
Start with Hale Reservation and Old Animal Pound, then 1 more below.
Hale Reservation
A private nonprofit spanning more than 1,100 acres across Westwood and Dover, with 20 miles of trails, four ponds, and public trail access alongside youth camps and family programs.
80 Carby Street, Westwood, MA
Old Animal Pound
Built in 1700, described as the oldest surviving animal pound in the United States, a stone enclosure once used to hold stray livestock.
Westwood, MA
First Parish Church
A historic church building in Westwood center reflecting the town's colonial-era origins as part of Dedham.
Westwood, MA
A little history
Westwood was settled in 1641 as part of Dedham and was known as West Dedham until it incorporated as its own town in 1897.
The town's current name was chosen after a representative from Nahant objected to the originally proposed name, 'Town of Nahatan,' over concerns it was too similar to Nahant.
Westwood's Old Animal Pound, built in 1700 to hold stray livestock, is described as the oldest surviving animal pound in the United States.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Westwood
Westwood's outdoor recreation centers on Hale Reservation, a large trail and pond property shared with neighboring Dover.
- Hale Reservation20 miles of trails and four ponds across more than 1,100 acres, with public trail access.
Walkability and getting around Westwood
Westwood center around High Street has sidewalks connecting Town Hall and nearby municipal buildings, but most of the town's neighborhoods and the routes between them are built around driving.
Drive times
- Boston, about 20 miles25-35 min
- Logan International Airport, about 25 miles35-45 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Route 128 station in Westwood serves both MBTA Commuter Rail (Franklin/Foxboro and Providence/Stoughton lines) and Amtrak intercity service, making it one of relatively few MBTA stations also served by Amtrak.
Westwood property taxes
Westwood's FY2026 residential tax rate is $12.87 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $24.27. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,287 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $16,097, on an average assessed value of $1,250,705.
Westwood's FY2026 tax rates
$12.87per $1,000, residential
- Residential$12.87 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$24.27 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$1,250,705
- Average single-family tax bill$16,097
- 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 | $14.83 |
| FY2023 | $14.30 |
| FY2024 | $12.81 |
| FY2025 | $12.80 |
| FY2026 | $12.87 |
Look up a Westwood 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 Westwood
What we check on a Westwood purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, smoke & co certificate, shared regional water district.
Check the flood zone first
Hale Reservation's ponds and nearby wetlands add water features in Westwood; check FEMA flood maps for any specific parcel near these areas. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for WestwoodSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Westwood Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 781-320-1000 to schedule.
Westwood Fire 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. Westwood's Fire Department headquarters, at 637 High Street, handles these inspections.
Westwood Fire DepartmentWestwood shares its public water utility with Dedham
The Dedham-Westwood Water District, a locally controlled public water system, supplies public water to Westwood; buyers on the town's edges should confirm whether a property is on public water or a private well.
Dedham-Westwood Water DistrictAll 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 Westwood?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Westwood address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Westwood: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Westwood.
- WaterDedham-Westwood Water District, a locally controlled public water system serving both towns
- Sewer or septicTown of Westwood Sewer Division
- Trash and recyclingWestwood runs curbside collection for trash, recycling, yard waste, and bulk items on separate trucks; everything must be at curbside by 7am on the scheduled day, and missed pickups should be reported to the DPW within 24 hours.
- 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
Westwood Town Hall is at 580 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090. Main line: 781-326-6450.
- Town HallMain line and website781-326-6450
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.781-326-3964
- Board of AssessorsProperty values and assessments.
- Treasurer/CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.781-326-4962
- Building DivisionBuilding permits and inspections.
- Planning DivisionZoning, land use, and planning applications.
- Recreation DepartmentTown recreation programs and facilities.
- Department of Public Works (Sewer)Public sewer service, and trash/recycling collection.781-251-2589
- Health DivisionTitle 5 septic permits and inspections, and other health matters.
- Fire DepartmentFire suppression, emergency response, and smoke/CO alarm inspections for home sales.781-320-1000
- Westwood Public LibraryThe town's public library.
Westwood, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Westwood, MA?
Westwood's FY2026 residential tax rate is $12.87 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $24.27. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Westwood?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $5,148 a year at $12.87 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Westwood have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $12.87 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $24.27.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Westwood?
The average single-family tax bill in Westwood was $16,097 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $1,250,705.
Is trash pickup curbside in Westwood?
Yes. The town collects trash, recycling, yard waste, and bulk items curbside on separate trucks; everything must be out by 7am on the scheduled day.
What ZIP code does Westwood use?
Westwood uses ZIP code 02090.
Is there train service in Westwood?
Yes. Route 128 station serves MBTA Commuter Rail lines and Amtrak intercity service, one of only a few MBTA stations also served by Amtrak.
How far is Westwood from Boston?
Westwood is about 20 miles southwest of downtown Boston.
What water utility serves Westwood?
The Dedham-Westwood Water District, a locally controlled public water system, serves both Westwood and Dedham.
What is the smoke/CO certificate process for selling a home in Westwood?
The Westwood Fire Department, headquartered at 637 High Street, inspects and certifies smoke and carbon monoxide alarms before a sale can close.
Towns near Westwood
Neighbors of Westwood, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Westwood, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Hale Reservation - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Westwood official website (via Wayback Machine): townhall.westwood.ma.us
- Fire Department - Town of Westwood (via Wayback Machine): townhall.westwood.ma.us
- Recycling & Waste Management - Town of Westwood (via Wayback Machine): townhall.westwood.ma.us
- Sewer - Town of Westwood (via Wayback Machine): townhall.westwood.ma.us
- Treasurer - Town of Westwood (via Wayback Machine): townhall.westwood.ma.us
- Town Clerk - Town of Westwood (via Wayback Machine): townhall.westwood.ma.us
- Dedham-Westwood Water District: dwwd.org
- First Parish, Westwood MA 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.