Cape Cod, MA
Barnstable
About Barnstable
Living in Barnstable
Barnstable is the county seat and a historic maritime community, offering deep-water harbor access, antique shops, and a rich colonial history.
Barnstable is the largest town on Cape Cod by area and population, stretching from Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket Sound. It is made up of seven villages: Barnstable Village, West Barnstable, Hyannis, Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills and Cotuit.
The north side along Route 6A, the Old King's Highway, has historic homes, Barnstable Harbor and Sandy Neck, a long barrier beach on the bay. The south side villages face Nantucket Sound and include waterfront estates in Osterville and Cotuit, beach neighborhoods in Centerville and Hyannis Port, and wooded, more affordable areas in Marstons Mills.
Hyannis is the Cape's commercial hub, with Cape Cod Hospital, Barnstable Municipal Airport and the year-round ferries to Nantucket and seasonal service to Martha's Vineyard. That mix of services and village life makes Barnstable a common choice for year-round buyers.
Areas to Know
- Barnstable Village
- Hyannis
- Centerville
- Osterville
- Cotuit
- Marstons Mills
- West Barnstable
At a Glance
Active Listings
Barnstable Homes For Sale
Education
Local Schools
Private Communities
Gated Communities & Enclaves
Centerville Village Enclave
$600K – $3MThe quiet, tree-lined streets of Centerville are among the Cape's most sought-after residential pockets, with classic shingle-style homes near Craigville Beach.
West Barnstable Highlands
$800K – $3.5MLarger rural properties and gentleman's farms set on the high ground above Sandy Neck, offering privacy and sweeping Cape Cod Bay views.
Lifestyle
Parks, Activities & Things To Do
Craigville Beach
One of the Cape's most popular Nantucket Sound beaches, beloved for its warm waters and vibrant summertime atmosphere.
Sandy Neck Beach & Trails
A magnificent 6-mile barrier beach along Cape Cod Bay with 12 miles of dune trails and remarkable wildlife.
Heritage Museums & Gardens
100 acres of themed gardens, a working carousel, and extensive folk art and automobile collections in Sandwich.
Hyannis Harbor & Main Street
The Cape's commercial hub with whale-watching cruises, ferry service to Nantucket, and a vibrant Main Street dining scene.
Kennedy Legacy Trail
A self-guided historic trail through Hyannis telling the story of the Kennedy family's deep ties to Cape Cod.
Buyer Questions
Buying a Home in Barnstable
What villages are in Barnstable, MA?
Barnstable has seven villages: Barnstable Village, West Barnstable, Hyannis, Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills and Cotuit. Each has its own zip code and character, but all share one town government and school district.
What is the difference between the north and south sides of Barnstable?
The north side runs along historic Route 6A and Cape Cod Bay, with antique homes, salt marsh and Sandy Neck Beach. The south side faces Nantucket Sound, with warmer swimming water, harbors and most of the town's waterfront estates.
Where do the ferries to Nantucket leave from?
Year-round ferries to Nantucket leave from Hyannis Harbor in Barnstable, with seasonal service to Martha's Vineyard from the same harbor.
Location
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