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Barnstable Town, MA

Frequently asked questions

Barnstable Town, MA

Barnstable is a town in the U.S. state of Massachusetts and the county seat of Barnstable County. Barnstable is the largest community, both in land area and population, on Cape Cod, and is one of thirteen Massachusetts municipalities that have been granted city forms of government by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts but wish to retain "the town of" in their official names. At the 2020 census, it had a population of 48,916. The town contains several villages (one of which is also named Barnstable) within its boundaries. Its largest village, Hyannis, is the central business district of the county and home to Barnstable Municipal Airport, the airline hub of Cape Cod, and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Additionally, Barnstable is a 2007 winner of the All-America City Award.

Barnstable takes its name from the English town of Barnstaple, in the county of Devon. The first European to explore the area was Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602. It was settled in 1638, as one of the first towns in the Plymouth Colony, one year behind Sandwich further south in Massachusetts on Cape Cod. It was incorporated on September 4, 1639, the same day as the towns of Sandwich, and Yarmouth. On the first Tuesday of December, of the same year, its deputies took their seats in the general court. The early settlers were farmers, led by the Reverend Joseph Hull, the founder of Barnstable. A memorial tablet was dedicated there in 1939 (the 300th anniversary of the town's founding) marking the site of his home, and the rock from which he preached still stands along the highway there. 

By the late 19th century, Barnstable was becoming world-renowned as the tourist destination it still is to this day. Many prominent Bostonians spent their summers on the Cape shores, as did presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland. The most well-known family of the 20th century to summer in the town was and remains, the Kennedy family. They still inhabit the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port. This was the summer home of President John F. Kennedy during his administration, and it was likewise the home of Senator Ted Kennedy until his death.

Today, tourists come in droves to the town during the summer months. Hyannis has numerous shops. Other attractions include the John F. Kennedy Museum and several other museums. Significant sites and renowned historic houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places include the Ancient Burying Ground and Gideon Hawley House, representing the town's colonial history. The town's many beaches are popular tourist destinations as well.

Barnstable is located at 41°39′33″N 70°21′11″W (41.659158, –70.353059), about halfway along the "biceps" of the Cape Cod "arm". According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 76.3 square miles (197.7 km2), of which 59.8 square miles (154.9 km2) is land and 16.5 square miles (42.8 km2), or 21.66%, is water. It is bordered by Cape Cod Bay on the north, Nantucket Sound on the south, Sandwich and Mashpee on the west, and Yarmouth on the east. Barnstable is approximately 70 miles (110 km) southeast of Boston.

Barnstable Town places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Cape Cod Hospital located in Hyannis, Massachusetts is the nearest hospital in this area. The Town of Barnstable Recreation Division is committed to providing leisure opportunities to improve the quality of life in our community through exceptional and affordable programs and services. Start your journey at Cape Cod Wellness Works, providing holistic health services and fitness classes. Fitness Directions offers personalized training programs and group fitness classes for all levels. For a unique fitness experience, head to BodyStrong Fitness for strength training and boot camp sessions. Join 241 Fitness for functional training, yoga, and nutrition coaching. YMCA Cape Cod offers a range of fitness programs, swimming pools, and community events Visit Balanced 4 Fitness for personalized fitness plans and wellness coaching. 

Top sites in Barnstable Town, MA are John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, Coast Guard Heritage Museum, and Cahoon Museum of American Art.

Population: 49,709 (2023). ZIP code: 02601. Area codes: 508 / 774.  Area: 76.47 sq mi (198.05 km2). Elevation: 37 ft (11 m).

FAQs

Is Barnstable Town, MA a nice place to live?

Barnstable Town is in Barnstable County. Living in Barnstable Town offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Barnstable Town, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Barnstable Town and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Barnstable Town are above average.

Does Barnstable Town, MA have a downtown?

The Barnstable Village Cultural District is a history revisited with 21st-century flair. A charming seaside village on the north side of Barnstable, visit the quaint downtown and steps away is Barnstable’s Harbor and panoramic views of Sandy Neck Beach and lighthouse. The district is filled with historical buildings, working artist studios and galleries, locally-owned shops, musical and theater groups, and restaurants.

What is the crime rate in Barnstable Town, MA?

The crime rate in Barnstable is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 13 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Barnstable is 1 in 78. Based on FBI crime data, Barnstable is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Massachusetts, Barnstable has a crime rate that is higher than 79% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Barnstable

Niche

Arts Barnstable

Neighborhoodscout

John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum

Coast Guard Heritage Museum

Cahoon Museum of American Art

Cape Cod Hospital

Cape Cod Wellness Works

Fitness Directions

BodyStrong Fitness

241 Fitness

YMCA Cape Cod

Balanced 4 Fitness

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