Stoughton, MA Real Estate: A Local Guide

Stoughton at a glance

A short history

Stoughton was settled around 1713 as part of Dorchester and incorporated on December 22, 1726, named for William Stoughton, the colony’s lieutenant governor and chief justice. The original town was far larger: Sharon, Canton and Avon were all later set off from it.

Getting around

Stoughton station, at the end of the MBTA Stoughton Branch of the Providence/Stoughton Line, serves the town. Routes 24, 27, 138 and 139 cross it. Check mbta.com for current schedules and parking.

Records to check for a Stoughton property

• The assessor’s record and current tax bill from the Town of Stoughton; compare the assessed value, rate and any exemptions.
• For condominiums: the master deed, budget, reserves and meeting minutes, reviewed with your attorney.
• Permits for additions, finished basements and decks from the building department.
• The Stoughton 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 Stoughton and the agencies named before relying on them.

Sources: Britannica: Stoughton; Stoughton history as of 1884.