Provincetown, MA

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Introduction to Provincetown, Massachusetts

Provincetown, Massachusetts, in Barnstable county, is 26 miles E of Plymouth, Massachusetts (center to center) and 49 miles SE of Boston, Massachusetts. It's situated at the tip of Cape Cod and bordered by Cape Cod Bay on the south. The scenic town is well known for excellent beaches, tourism, a thriving arts scene and for its gay community. Provincetown is also known as a gay summer resort. The town includes a large number of artists. The population significantly increases during the summer tourist season.

Provincetown History

The Nauset Indians were the original inhabitants. The Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact in 1620 after they arrived at Provincetown Harbor. The Pilgrims created their community on the other side of the bay in Plymouth. In 1727 the town was incorporated by English settlers. After the American Revolution ended the town became a prominent location for fishing and whaling. A large number of Portuguese who worked on the ships decided to make Provincetown their home.

By 1890 the town was thriving and included a large community of writers and artists. It also became a flourishing summer tourist resort. During the mid-1960's the population significantly increased, partly due to the numerous hippies that relocated to Provincetown. During the mid-1970's the town developed a sizeable gay community.

Provincetown Attractions

• The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum features a notable tower made from granite.
• Provincetown features an historic district which is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Commercial Street offers numerous restaurants, galleries and unique shops.
• Race Point Lighthouse.
• Provincetown Art Association and Museum.
• Whydah Museum.

Provincetown Attractions

• Provincetown Jazz Festival.
• The Fantasia Fair is popular with transvestites and transsexuals.
• Provincetown Repertory Theatre.
• The Provincetown Art Collection includes items from artists who have lived in the community.
• The Portuguese Festival and Blessing of the Fleet.
• Provincetown Fringe Festival.
• New Provincetown Players.
• Shakespeare on the Cape.
• Golddust Orphans is a popular theater company.
• Portuguese Festival.
• PBG's Carnival Week.

Provincetown Activities

Boating, fishing and whale watching are popular activities. Tourists enjoy visiting the Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod. Visitors can take excursions to the local sand dunes. Bird watching is popular in the Cape Cod area. Race Point Beach, Herring Cove, Long Point and Town Beaches are popular destinations for residents and tourists.

The Province Lands Visitor Center provides scenic views, guided tours and a bicycle riding loop. A bicycle trail begins in the West End and traverses through the dunes and reaches the Race Point in the National Seashore. The Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill provides lessons in arts and crafts.

Provincetown Transportation

The community is home to the Provincetown Municipal Airport. Seasonal Ferries provide transportation to Boston and Plymouth.

High Points

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

Category	Trophy
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 3%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 4%
College Educated Adults (vs. Peers)	Top 7%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 10%
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 13%

Comparative Profile of Provincetown, MA

Comparing Provincetown 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
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity
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
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use

Housing

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

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime

Provincetown Almanac

Provincetown Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

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

Provincetown Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Nearby Cities and Towns

Provincetown Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Provincetown High Schools (2004)

PROVINCETOWN HIGH
12 WINSLOW STREET
508-487-5040
Serves 155 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 6.6

Provincetown Colleges

(List of All Massachusetts Colleges)

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