Easton, MA Real Estate: A Local Guide

Easton at a glance

A short history

Easton was settled in 1694 as part of Norton and incorporated on December 21, 1725. In 1803 the Ames family moved its shovel works to North Easton, and Ames shovels were used to build the Union Pacific Railroad. The family commissioned five buildings by architect H. H. Richardson, including the Ames Free Library and Oakes Ames Memorial Hall; they form a National Historic Landmark district designated in 1987.

Getting around

Routes 24, 106, 123 and 138 cross the town. Easton has no MBTA station of its own; the nearest are in Brockton and Stoughton. Check mbta.com for schedules and parking.

Parks and open space

Borderland State Park, on the Sharon line, has ponds, trails and the Ames family’s stone mansion.

Records to check for a Easton property

• The assessor’s record and current tax bill from the Town of Easton; compare the assessed value, rate and any exemptions.
• Historic district status for the address, and septic records if the home is not on public sewer.
• Permits for additions, finished basements and decks from the building department.
• The Easton school district profile on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education site, if schools matter to your decision.

Massachusetts requirements for every sale

Homes built before 1978 need the state lead paint notification. Every sale needs a smoke and carbon monoxide compliance certificate from the local fire department. Homes not on public sewer generally need a Title 5 septic inspection.

This guide covers places, history and public records. Under fair housing law it does not describe neighborhoods by who lives in them. Confirm facts with the Town of Easton and the agencies named before relying on them.

Sources: Easton, Massachusetts; H. H. Richardson Historic District of North Easton; Ames Free Library: history of Easton.