North Reading, MA Utility & Living Guide

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North Reading, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in North Reading, MA offers a charming suburban experience with easy access to Boston and a strong sense of community.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$370/mo
1BR Rent$1500/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index118 (+10% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$430,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — North Reading
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

National Grid
🔥 Gas

$80/mo

National Grid
💧 Water

$50/mo

North Reading Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $370/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1500/mo
2 Bedrooms$1900/mo
3 Bedrooms$2500/mo
Median Home Price$430,000
Property Tax Rate1.23%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in North Reading is competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes. The town has seen an increase in new construction in recent years, but prices remain relatively high. Rentals are also in high demand, particularly for families and young professionals.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

118

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

102

Healthcare

103

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.23%
<p>State 5.2% + None + Local 1.05%</p>

Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with no local income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

40

Higher = safer
School Rating

8/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordability, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

North Reading has a relatively walkable downtown area, but public transit options are limited, making it challenging for families with strollers to get around without a car.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
  • 🎯
    Boston Museum of Science
  • 🎯
    LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in North Reading include the downtown area, which offers a mix of older and newer homes, as well as the more suburban areas near the town's parks and schools. The town's strong sense of community and good schools make it an attractive option for families.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in North Reading based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

North Reading has regulations regarding zoning, building permits, and waste management, which can be found on the town’s website.

The current financial trend in North Reading is a growing demand for housing and commercial development, driven by its proximity to Boston and the tech industry. However, this growth also poses challenges for affordability and traffic management.

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📊 North Reading — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in North Reading tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating, with average gas bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a slight increase in electric bills due to air conditioning usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 01864 has a property tax millage rate of 12.3, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: North Reading has some sidewalks and parks, but they can be uneven and limited in some areas, making it challenging for stroller navigation. However, the town's downtown area is relatively flat and easy to navigate.

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