Overview

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.

Demographics

People

Total Population422
Male Share of the Population40.8%
Female Share of the Population59.2%
Senior Citizens43.6%
Employed Population 16+168
Age of the Population60

Families

% of people married30%
Average household size2

Education and Earnings

Population % with Bachelor Degree or Higher12.4%
Median Earnings25+$0
Median Earnings Without High School Qualification$0
Median Earnings With High School Degree$64,042

Wealth

Median Family Income$0
% Above Poverty Level100%
% Below Poverty Level%

Commute & Sprawl

Average Commute Time15 minutes
% Working from Home13.1%
% Walking and Biking to Work43.5%
% Using Public Transportation%

Housing

People Living Alone55.2%
Median Gross Rent$1,592
Median House Value$837,100

Ancestry

Irish37.9%
English26.5%
French Except Basque21.6%
Italian14.9%
Scottish9.7%
Other(often includes Hispanic and African American)5.2%
Polish4.3%
German1.7%
Canadian1.4%
Cape Verdean1.4%
African1.4%
Portuguese0.5%
Hungarian0.5%
Arab0.5%
Lebanese0.5%
Ukrainian0.2%
Lithuanian0.2%
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Edgartown Almanac

CategoryValue
CountyDukes County
Standard Zip Codes02539
Phone Area Codes5,08,774
Time ZoneAmerica/New_York
Approximate Latitude41.38
Approximate Longitude-70.53

Edgartown Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

Notes:

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

StationEDGARTOWN
Distance0.4 miles
Jan Temp22 to 39 F
Apr Temp38 to 54 F
Jul Temp62 to 79 F
Oct Temp45 to 63 F
Annual Precip46 inches
StationNANTUCKET AP
Distance25.1 miles
Jan Temp25 to 39 F
Apr Temp38 to 51 F
Jul Temp62 to 75 F
Oct Temp47 to 61 F
Annual Precip37.4 inches
StationCHATHAM MUNICIPAL AP
Distance34.2 miles
Jan Temp24 to 38 F
Apr Temp39 to 50 F
Jul Temp62 to 75 F
Oct Temp47 to 60 F
Annual Precip46.7 inches

Nearby Cities and Towns

LocationPopulationMedian Family Income

Edgartown Public Libraries

Edgartown Free Public Library
26 WEST TISBURY ROAD
Edgartown, Massachusetts
(508) 627-4221

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Edgartown Public Schools

Edgartown Elementary
35 Robinson Road
ZIP: 2539
(508) 627-3316
Primary
Total Enrollment 359
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