Townsend, MA Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Townsend, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Townsend, MA offers a charming rural atmosphere with easy access to outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Townsend
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Townsend Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.25%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Townsend is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. The town has a strong sense of community, with many residents actively involved in local events and organizations. However, the market can be competitive, especially for families looking for homes in the town’s highly-rated school district.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

95

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.25%
<p>State 6.25% + No County tax + No City tax</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

The town has a limited public transportation system, but it is relatively stroller-friendly, with sidewalks and crosswalks in the downtown area.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Pearl Hill State Park
  • 🎯
    Townsend Public Library
  • 🎯
    Nashua River Rail Trail

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Brookline and Harbor, are popular with families due to their proximity to schools, parks, and community amenities. The town's rural areas, such as the areas around Pearl Hill State Park, offer a more secluded and natural setting.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Townsend has regulations in place to preserve its rural character, including zoning restrictions and environmental protections.

The current financial trend in Townsend is a growing demand for housing, driven by its highly-rated schools and natural beauty. However, this growth is also putting pressure on local infrastructure and services.

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📊 Townsend — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Townsend can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning and higher heating oil costs in the winter. However, the town's relatively mild climate means that these fluctuations are not as extreme as in other parts of the country.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 01469 has a property tax millage rate of 1.25, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 8/10: Townsend has good sidewalk quality and park access, but limited elevator access in transit and some areas with limited family infrastructure.

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