Oak Bluffs, MA

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Introduction to Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, in Dukes county, is 23 miles SE of New Bedford, Massachusetts (center to center) and 67 miles SE of Boston, Massachusetts. It's a resort town situated along the northeast shoreline of Martha's Vineyard. It includes a steamship ferry port for boats arriving from the mainland. Tourists enjoy Oak Bluffs' beautiful beaches and the pleasant summer weather. It features the historic Gingerbread Cottages from the early days of the Methodist meetings.

The town includes the largest marina on Martha's Vineyard. The downtown features quality restaurants, unique shops, charming inns and numerous galleries. It has one of the most active nightlife scenes on the island. The town includes several communities that are popular for prosperous African Americans. Martha's Vineyard has a lot of summertime residents. The island is known for its celebrity residents and visitors.

Oak Bluffs History

The area was settled in 1642 and in 1880 was incorporated as Cottage City. Before it was incorporated it belonged to Edgartown. In 1907 it was renamed Oak Bluffs. The name was given due to the landscape including an oak grove situated on the bluffs. In the early years, the town was the primary tourist area on Martha's Vineyard while the the other communities were involved in industry.

Oak Bluffs was a major center of the flourishing 19th century Methodist movement. The site now called the Martha's Vineyard Campground Meeting Association was the location of popular summer Methodist meetings. Members built and stayed in what are now known as Gingerbread Cottages. Hundreds of the cottages were constructed.

Oak Bluffs Attractions

• The Historic Gingerbread Cottages located in Martha's Vineyard Meeting Association site feature Carpenter Gothic style architecture.
• The Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest continuously operating platform carousel in the nation and is a National Historic Landmark.
• East Chop is a residential area which features prominent bluffs and includes the private East Chop Beach Club.
• The Tall Timbers is a distinctive gingerbread house.
• Harthaven.
• Eastville.
• The Tabernacle.
• Island Theatre.
• East Chop Lighthouse.
• Strand Theatre.

Oak Bluffs Events

• The Grand Illumination is an annual celebration that attracts a large crowd. Ornate Chinese lanterns are placed around the Gingerbread Cottages and the event includes a sing-along in the Tabernacle.
• The Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby.
• Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival.
• The Annual Portuguese Feast is a notable event.
• The Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament has been shown on ESPN.
• Chili Festival.
• August Fireman's Association Fireworks.

Oak Bluffs Activities

The scenic beaches are very popular with tourists. Golf enthusiasts enjoy playing at one of the best golf courses on the island, the Farm Neck Golf Club. Chartered fishing expeditions are available. Oak Bluffs features a variety of quality restaurants. The area includes bicycle and walking trails. Circuit Avenue is a popular destination. Ocean, Hiawatha and Viera parks are enjoyed by residents and tourists. The Manuel F. Correllus State Forest features grasslands and wooded areas and is popular for bicycle riding and hiking.

High Points

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

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 6%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 6%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 9%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 10%
College Educated Adults (vs. Peers)	Top 10%
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 12%
Median Family Income (vs. Peers)	Top 17%

Comparative Profile of Oak Bluffs, MA

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

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
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

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

Oak Bluffs Almanac

Oak Bluffs Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

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

Oak Bluffs Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Nearby Cities and Towns

Oak Bluffs Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Oak Bluffs High Schools (2004)

MARTHAS VINEYARD REG HIGH
BOX 1385
508-693-1033
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 804 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 11.1

Oak Bluffs Colleges

(List of All Massachusetts Colleges)

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