Why Live in Barnstable Town
Barnstable Town, located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, is the largest town on the Cape, featuring seven villages nestled between Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay. With nearly 50,000 permanent residents and millions of visitors annually, Barnstable offers a mix of year-round living and seasonal attractions. The town's economy is driven by service and tourism, with Cape Cod Hospital being a major employer. Residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating at popular spots like Craigville and Sandy Neck beaches. The Hyannis Youth & Community Center provides numerous recreational facilities, while adrenaline seekers can experience skydiving at Cape Cod Airfield. Housing options range from waterfront estates in Osterville to more affordable condos in Hyannis, with architecture predominantly featuring classic Cape Cod styles, shingle-style houses, and colonials. Dining in Barnstable is heavily influenced by seafood, with notable establishments like Mattakeese Wharf Waterfront Seafood Restaurant and the historic Four Seas ice cream parlor. The town promotes local shopping with boutiques and small grocers lining the main streets. Cultural attractions include the Cape Cod Art Center, Cotuit Center for the Arts, and the JFK Hyannis Museum. The town is well-connected through Hyannis, which serves as a transportation hub with access to commuter rail, buses, and ferries. Education is supported by Barnstable Public Schools and highly rated private institutions such as Trinity Christian Academy of Cape Cod and Cape Cod Academy. Safety is notable, with crime rates lower than the state average. Environmental initiatives focus on expanding the sewer system to protect local water sources, while residents should be mindful of potential coastal flooding and high winds.