Barnstable Town, MA

Barnstable, Massachusetts

Introduction to Barnstable, Massachusetts

Barnstable is situated on Cape Cod in Barnstable County and is bordered on the north by Cape Cod Bay. The town contains seven villages, each having their own unique and prominent cultural and historic attributes. Hyannis is the largest village and is the county's business district. Barnstable is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the summer. Visitors enjoy the beaches as well as the charming shops. The Sturgis Library is recognized as the oldest library in the United States.

History

The original explorer in the region was Bartholomew Gosnold who arrived in 1602. The town was established in 1636. The original settlers were primarily farmers, however fishing and salt production soon became important factors for the economy. Near the end of the 19th Century approximately 800 ships were harbored in the town. In 1854 the railroad reached Barnstable, which caused a large reduction in the number of ships utilizing the port.

Towards the end of the 19th Century Barnstable was beginning to become well known all over the world as a prominent tourist location. A large number of prosperous Bostonians vacationed in Cape Cod during the summer. The Kennedy family spent their summers in the town and some members still reside in their estate located in Hyannis Port. The compound was the summer home of President Kennedy while he was President.

Nightlife and Entertainment

• Cape Cod Melody Tent features world renowned acts.
• Barnstable Comedy Club offers noteworthy comedians.
• Baxter's Boat House is a popular nightlife venue.
• HMS Theatrical/Shaughnessy Theatre offers theatrical productions and musicals.

Museums

• Trayser Museum Complex includes a beautiful Italian Renaissance style building and a jail from the 17th Century. It showcases the architectural, the maritime and cultural history of Cape Cod.
• Cahoon Museum of American Art, situated in a Georgian Colonial home contains American Impressionist and marine artworks.
• Cape Cod Maritime Museum.
• Toad Hall Classic Sports Car Museum.
• Centerville Historical Museum features Civil War artifacts and historical costumes.
• Osterville Historical Society Museum.

Activities

Visitors enjoy having a leisurely time and enjoying the views in the beach areas. Kayak tours of the marsh region are available for fly fishing and for experiencing the environment. The noteworthy Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary provides nature trails. The Cape Cod Railroad offers scenic tours featuring cranberry bogs, marshes and woodlands.

Villages

Centerville is primarily a residential area and incudes beautiful beach areas. Osterville is a residential district featuring a quaint town center and provides opportunities for fishing and boating. Marston Mills is a residential village. Cotuit includes a few small beaches. West Barnstable is a residential community. Barnstable Village includes a harbor and a few small beaches.

The affluent village of Hyannis is the commercial and transportation center of Barnstable and includes several shopping malls. Its vast harbor is the largest recreational boating area and the second largest port for commercial fishing in Cape Cod. Several Kennedy family homes are located in the village. It features the historic downtown Main Street. Hyannis provides ferry transportation to Martha's Vineyard and the Nantucket Islands.

The Hyannis Whale Watching Cruises are quite popular. Enjoyable tours of the Cape Cod Potato Chip Company are available. The Hyannisport Club is one of the best golf courses situated on the Cape. The West Beach Club and the Hyannisport Yacht Club are included in the village. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is located in the old Town Hall. There is also a notable memorial for President Kennedy situated along Lewis Bay.

High Points

Barnstable Town strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Massachusetts):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. State)	Top 19%

Comparative Profile of Barnstable, MA

Comparing Barnstable Town to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Massachusetts (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Age of the Population
Senior Citizens
Female Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Racial Diversity

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
People Living Alone
Affordability of Property Taxes
Affordability of Rents
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Barnstable Town Almanac

Barnstable Town Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Barnstable, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Barnstable Town Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Barnstable Town Hospitals

CAPE COD HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
P O BOX 640, 27 PARK STREET
(508) 771-1800
Emergency Service: Yes

Barnstable Town High Schools (2004)

BARNSTABLE HIGH
744 WEST MAIN STREET
508-790-6445
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 1,991 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.6

STURGIS CHARTER SCHOOL
427 MAIN STREET
508-778-1782
A charter school.
Serves 325 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 10.7

Barnstable Town Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Cape Cod Community College

Empire Beauty Schools

(List of All Massachusetts Colleges)

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