02/26/2026
I was talking to someone recently who’s relocating from out of state and they said:
“My biggest concern is property taxes. I know Massachusetts is the highest… but I keep running the numbers and I think it’s the right place for me.”
It made me realize how many people don’t know that some of the most desirable towns in Greater Boston actually offer residential exemptions for owner-occupants.
In the right community, that can mean $3,500–$4,500 per year in tax savings. Roughly $300+ per month.
So this blog was born.
If you’re comparing towns — or just curious how your own town stacks up — I broke it down for FY2026 here:
Comparing Greater Boston neighborhoods? Owner-occupants in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and Watertown can save $3,400–$4,600/year in property taxes through the residential exemption — roughly $284–$381/month in escrow. This FY2026 guide br...