Edgartown, MA

Edgartown, Massachusetts

Introduction to Edgartown, Massachusetts

Edgartown, Massachusetts, in Dukes county, is 27 miles SE of New Bedford, Massachusetts (center to center) and 72 miles SE of Boston, Massachusetts. The picturesque town is situated on the eastern end of Martha's Vineyard and is a popular tourist destination. It's bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean and includes Chappaquiddick Island. The town can easily be toured by walking or with bicycles. It's a notable yachting center and has the appearance of a seaport village from the early 19th century. The community features impressive, historic mansions and is surrounded by natural beauty.

Edgartown History

The English established settlements in 1642. It was originally known as Great Harbor. Edgartown and Tisbury were the two original communities located on Martha's Vineyard. The town was named in tribute to Edgar, the son of James II of England, who died at four years of age. During the 1800's Edgartown was a prosperous community and a prominent whaling port. Ship captains constructed huge mansions for their families. By the beginning of the 20th century the whaling industry in Edgartown was over.

Edgartown and nearby Attractions

• Cannonball Park.
• Edgartown Lighthouse.
• The historic Thomas Cook House is a noteworthy museum.
• Water Street includes numerous historic "Captains' Homes."
• Daniel Fisher House.
• The Whale Tail Sculpture is situated in the downtown area.
• Edgartown Yacht Club.
• Vincent House Museum.
• The historic Federated Church.
• The Vineyard Gazette is located in a notable historic structure.
• The well known historic Old Whaling Church has been converted into a performing arts center.
• Flying Horses Carousel.
• East Chop Light.
• Woods Hole Science Aquarium.
• Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Reserve.
• Cape Cod Mall.
• Katama Bay features impressive mansions and scenic views.
• World of Reptiles and Birds.

Edgartown Activities

Edgartown features numerous beaches. South Beach, situated in Katama is a popular destination. Lighthouse Beach is known for calm waters and excellent views of the harbor. Bend-in-the-Road Beach is enjoyed by residents and tourists. Chappaquiddick Island features a wooded landscape and a few scenic beaches. The Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge is located on the eastern shore of the island.

Wasque and Cape Pogue are popular fishing locations. Felix Neck is a vast acreage and offers scenic trails. Pocha Pond and the channel which connects with Cape Poge Bay offers opportunities for paddling and canoeing. The Edgartown Great Pond is a notable location for canoeing and features an abundance of wildlife. Atria, Fernando's Restaurant, Letoile, Lattanzi's, Morning Glory Farm, Navigator Restaurant and the Seafood Shanty are some of the notable restaurants in Edgartown.

Edgartown Transportation

The town is served by the Martha's Vineyard Airport and the Katama Airpark.

High Points

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

Category	Trophy
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 5%
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 6%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 6%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 7%
College Educated Adults (vs. Peers)	Top 8%
Affordability of Property Taxes (vs. State)	Top 8%
Low Rate of Poverty (vs. Peers)	Top 13%
Median Family Income (vs. Peers)	Top 16%
People in Middle Class or Better (vs. Peers)	Top 16%
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 18%

Comparative Profile of Edgartown, MA

Comparing Edgartown 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
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Male Share of the Population
Age of the Population
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old
Senior Citizens
Female Share of the Population

Families

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

Wealth

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

Commute & Sprawl

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

Housing

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

Crime

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

Edgartown Almanac

Edgartown Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Edgartown Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Edgartown, 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

Edgartown Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Edgartown Colleges

(List of All Massachusetts Colleges)

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