Nazareth PA Property Taxes Could Rise Nearly 11% in 2027: What Homeowners Need to Know

By Christopher Stager | REALTOR® | CENTURY 21 Pinnacle

Published November 12, 2026

If you own a home in Nazareth Borough, Pennsylvania, there’s an important local government proposal that deserves your attention.

Nazareth Borough Council recently voted 7–2 to advance a proposed 2027 operating budget that includes a nearly 11% increase in the borough’s municipal property tax rate.

And while an 11% increase certainly gets people’s attention, there’s much more to understand before determining how it could affect your household finances.

How much more could homeowners actually pay? Why is the borough considering the increase? And what does this mean for people living in Nazareth?

As a local Realtor who has spent more than 15 years helping buyers and sellers throughout the Lehigh Valley, I believe understanding what’s happening in our communities is every bit as important as understanding the real estate market.

Let’s break it down.

Watch: Nazareth’s Proposed 2027 Tax Increase Explained

In this episode of my Lehigh Valley Community Update, I discuss the proposed property tax increase, the Borough Council debate, and several other important developments affecting residents.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for regular updates on local news, community developments, property taxes, and real estate throughout the Lehigh Valley.

What Is Nazareth Borough’s Proposed 2027 Property Tax Increase?

During its November 2, 2026, meeting, Nazareth Borough Council voted 7–2 to approve a proposed 2027 operating budget that includes a 2-mill property tax increase.

Under the proposal, the borough’s real estate tax rate would increase from 18.5 mills to 20.5 mills.

That represents an increase of approximately 10.8%.

It’s important to understand that, as reported on November 9, this is still a proposed budget. The final 2027 tax rate has not yet been established through this initial vote.

Residents have an opportunity to review the proposed budget as the borough continues its annual budget process.

How Much More Could Nazareth Homeowners Pay?

One of the biggest questions homeowners have is how this increase might affect their annual property tax bill.

To understand that, we first need to discuss property tax millage.

In Pennsylvania, a mill represents one dollar in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable assessed property value.

That means a proposed increase of two mills would result in the following additional annual borough taxes, assuming the stated taxable assessments remain unchanged:

Taxable Assessed Value	Additional Annual Borough Tax
$50,000	$100
$75,000	$150
$100,000	$200
$125,000	$250
$150,000	$300

An important distinction: Assessed value is not necessarily the same as market value.

A home that could sell for $400,000 today may have a significantly different assessed value for property tax purposes.

Homeowners should refer to their actual taxable assessment when calculating the potential impact.

Does This Mean Your Entire Property Tax Bill Increases 11%?

No, and this is an important point.

Property taxes in the Nazareth area generally involve several taxing authorities, including the municipality, county, and school district.

The proposed increase involves the Nazareth Borough municipal real estate tax rate.

It does not mean the combined county, school district, and municipal tax bill automatically increases by 11%.

There’s another important consideration.

Not every home with a Nazareth mailing address is located within Nazareth Borough.

Some properties with Nazareth addresses are located in surrounding townships, which have their own municipal tax rates.

When reviewing property taxes, always confirm the municipality in which the property is actually located.

Why Did Borough Council Members Disagree?

The proposed two-mill increase was not unanimously supported.

Councilmen Christopher D. Crook and Michael J. Kopach voted against the proposal and instead supported a smaller, 1.5-mill increase.

That alternative would represent an increase of approximately 8%.

The concerns raised focused on limiting the financial burden on residents while maintaining necessary borough services.

Particular attention was given to senior citizens and homeowners living on fixed incomes.

On the other side of the discussion, Councilwoman Laureen Pellegrino supported the proposed two-mill increase, emphasizing the importance of providing sufficient funding for borough operations and maintaining long-term financial stability.

The discussion highlights a challenge faced by many municipalities: balancing the growing cost of providing services against the financial pressures residents experience.

Where Is Borough Money Being Spent?

The November council meeting included several financial decisions involving community services, municipal operations, and public safety.

Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity

Council approved a 2027 contribution of approximately $94,317 to the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity.

The library continues to provide educational resources, programs, and services to area residents.

Downtown Nazareth and Economic Development

Council also approved $27,500 for the Nazareth Economic Development Commission and downtown manager position.

Downtown businesses and community events play an important role in creating a vibrant, connected community.

Public Safety and Emergency Services

Council authorized an application seeking $750,000 through a statewide grant program for proposed firehouse renovations.

Additional grant applications involve a police patrol vehicle and a wheelchair-accessible transport van for the Nazareth Regional Ambulance Corps.

These are funding requests, not confirmed grant awards.

Municipal Cost Savings

One particularly notable decision involved the borough’s telephone and internet services.

By approving a new agreement with Astound, the borough projects annual savings of approximately $16,473 compared with its previous telecommunications expenses.

Finding opportunities to reduce operating costs is an important part of responsible municipal financial management.

Other Important Nazareth Community Updates

The November council meeting also included several announcements worth highlighting.

Youth sports: The borough approved the Nazareth Area Youth Baseball and Softball Association’s use of several local athletic facilities for the 2027 seasons.

Seasonal closures: The borough skate park is scheduled to close November 29, 2026, and reopen April 1, 2027. The yard waste facility is scheduled to close December 6, with reopening expected in late March.

Free downtown parking: Metered parking fees will be waived on November 27 for Black Friday, November 28 for Small Business Saturday, and December 12 for Christmas in Nazareth.

These announcements are reminders that Borough Council meetings address far more than property taxes. They also affect recreational opportunities, local services, public safety, and the businesses that make Nazareth special.

When Can Residents Review the Proposed Budget?

According to the November 9 report from The Home News, the proposed 2027 budget is available for public inspection from November 10 through November 25, 2026.

Residents can review the proposed budget during regular business hours at:

Nazareth Borough Municipal Offices
134 South Main Street
Nazareth, PA

Upcoming Borough Council meetings include:

Thursday, December 3, 2026
Council Workshop — 6:00 PM

Monday, December 7, 2026
Regular Council Meeting — 6:00 PM

Meetings are scheduled to take place in Council Chambers at 159 West Center Street.

Residents interested in the proposed tax increase are encouraged to review the budget and stay informed as the process continues.

What Does This Mean for the Nazareth Real Estate Market?

Property taxes are one of several factors that buyers consider when purchasing a home.

When evaluating a property, buyers often focus on the purchase price, mortgage payment, insurance, maintenance, and property taxes.

Those ongoing expenses affect affordability.

For homeowners who have lived in their properties for many years, changes in property taxes can also affect the long-term cost of remaining in their homes.

However, a proposed municipal tax increase alone does not determine whether property values will rise or fall.

Market conditions, available housing inventory, buyer demand, property condition, location, and other factors all contribute to home values.

That’s why I encourage homeowners to stay informed about both the real estate market and the communities surrounding their properties.

My Perspective as a Local Nazareth Area Realtor

After more than 15 years in real estate, I’ve learned that buying a home is about more than the house itself.

It’s about the community.

It’s about local businesses, schools, parks, public services, and the quality of life residents experience every day.

And yes, it’s also about understanding the overall cost of homeownership.

Whether you support the proposed increase or would prefer a smaller adjustment, I believe informed residents and transparent local government discussions benefit everyone.

That’s one reason I’ve started the Lehigh Valley Community Update video series.

My goal is to keep residents informed about the news, developments, real estate trends, and decisions affecting the places we call home.

Stay Connected With Lehigh Valley Community News

What are your thoughts on Nazareth Borough’s proposed 2027 property tax increase?

Do you believe the two-mill proposal is necessary, or would a smaller increase be more appropriate?

I’d love to hear your perspective.

Watch the video above, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow my social media pages for more local news and real estate information.

And if you’re considering buying or selling a home in Nazareth, Bethlehem, Easton, Allentown, or anywhere throughout the Lehigh Valley, I’m always happy to have a conversation.

Christopher Stager | REALTOR®
CENTURY 21 Pinnacle
Chris Stager Real Estate Group

Call or Text: 570-242-9072
Website: BuySellLiveLehighValley.com
Instagram: @chrisstagerrealtor

Locally Based, Globally Connected.

Source: The Home News, November 9, 2026, “Nazareth Borough Council approves proposed 2027 budget with 2-mill tax increase.” Information reflects the proposal reported on that date and may change before final budget adoption. Individual property tax obligations depend on taxable assessment and applicable exemptions.