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Brewster, MA

Frequently asked questions

Brewster, MA

Brewster is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, Barnstable County being coextensive with Cape Cod. The population of Brewster was 10,318 at the 2020 census.

Initially settled in 1659, the Town of Brewster is named after Elder William Brewster, the religious leader of Plymouth Colony. Brewster is known as the "Sea Captain's Town" for its wealth of eighteenth and nineteenth-century historic captain's homes, including the Cobb House (1799), the current home of the Brewster Historical Society.

Brewster is also notable as the home of Nickerson State Park, a 1,900-acre preserve carved out of the former hunting grounds of the prominent Nickerson Family. The impact of the Nickerson Family can be seen at the Nickerson Mansion, now the home of Ocean Edge Resort. Constructed in 1890, the structure known as Fieldstone Hall was considered one of the most expensive houses built in the country at that time.

The town is a popular summer destination, with the town population increasing to 30,000. It also contains two National Historic Districts: Brewster Old King's Highway Historic District and Stony Brook–Factory Village Historic District, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Brewster is twinned with the town of Budleigh Salterton in the United Kingdom.

Brewster was officially incorporated as its town in 1803 when the less wealthy citizens of Harwich were upset that the town's institutions were all concentrated on Brewster's Main Street, now Route 6A, including the town hall and churches. Brewster was named in honor of Elder William Brewster, the first religious leader of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.4 square miles (65.9 km²), of which 22.9 square miles (59.3 km²) is land and 2.5 square miles (6.6 km²), or 10.07%, is water. Brewster is bordered on the north by Cape Cod Bay, on the west by Dennis, on the south by Harwich, and the east by Orleans. The town is usually separated into two villages, West and East Brewster, both of which comprise the Brewster census-designated place. Brewster is 31 miles (50 km) south of Provincetown, 14 miles (23 km) east of Barnstable, 31 miles (50 km) east of the Sagamore Bridge, and 85 miles (137 km) southeast of Boston.

The town is bordered by the Brewster Flats, an extensive stretch of tidal sand flats to the north, along the shores of Cape Cod Bay. The town is home to the Roland C. Nickerson State Forest Park, the largest state forest on Cape Cod. The town has several large ponds, especially along the Harwich town line. There are several brooks throughout the town, all of which lead to Cape Cod Bay. The bay is home to several boat landings and beaches in the town. Brewster is home to the largest pond on Cape Cod, Long Pond. The Brewster-Harwich town line goes directly through the middle of the pond. Brewster's second largest pond is Cliff Pond, located in Nickerson State Park. Both are popular destinations.

Brewster places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Cape Cod Hospital offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. AdviniaCare provides a comprehensive fitness experience with state-of-the-art equipment and personal training services. For a unique workout, Nauset Fit offers group fitness classes tailored to all levels. At Koko FitClub of Harwich, just a short drive away, personalized digital coaching helps members reach their fitness goals. Balanced 4 Fitness provides individualized fitness and wellness programs for a holistic approach to health. Crosby Landing Beach provides a perfect spot for beach yoga and peaceful walks. Paine's Creek Beach offers another serene setting for beach activities and relaxation.

Top sites in Brewster, MA are Stony Brook Grist Mill, The Crosby Mansion, Cape Rep Theatre, and Cape Cod Museum Of Natural History.

Population: 1,711 (2023). ZIP code: 02631. Area codes: 508, 774. Elevation: 39 ft (12 m). Area: 25.4 square miles (65.9 km²).

FAQs

What is Brewster, MA known for?

Brewster's land is protected for conservation, open space, recreation, and watershed management. Consequently, Brewster enjoys award-winning drinking water. The Town has a thriving aquaculture program and is well-known for its delicious oysters. Brewster is home to the nationally acclaimed Captains Golf Courses, eleven beaches, tennis and pickleball courts, and a popular dog park. The 1,900-acre Nickerson State Park with numerous trails and ponds is situated in Brewster and the Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through the town.

Is Brewster, MA a nice place to live?

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

What towns border Brewster, MA?

Brewster is bordered on the north by Cape Cod Bay, on the west by Dennis, on the south by Harwich, and the east by Orleans. The town is usually separated into two villages, West and East Brewster, both of which comprise the Brewster census-designated place. Brewster is 31 miles (50 km) south of Provincetown, 14 miles (23 km) east of Barnstable, 31 miles (50 km) east of the Sagamore Bridge, and 85 miles (137 km) southeast of Boston. The town is bordered by the Brewster Flats, an extensive stretch of tidal sand flats to the north, along the shores of Cape Cod Bay.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Brewster

Niche

Stony Brook Grist Mill 

The Crosby Mansion 

Cape Rep Theatre 

Cape Cod Museum Of Natural History

Cape Cod Hospital

AdviniaCare

Nauset Fit

Koko FitClub

Balanced 4 Fitness

Crosby Landing Beach

Paine's Creek Beach

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