Barnstable Massachusetts Real Estate Market Reports and History

Barnstable MA Community Profile & History of Barnstable, Massachusetts

The larger town of Barnstable, which includes the namesake village, is one of Cape Cod's oldest and most storied communities. Named an All-America City in 2007, the community is a major hub for commerce, trade, and transportation in the Cape Cod region. In the summer months, thousands of tourists flock to the many shops of downtown Hyannis along with the beaches, botanical gardens, museums and historical sites scattered throughout the town's seven villages which include Hyannis, Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills, Cotuit, Barnstable Village, West Barnstable and Cummaquid.

First explored by Bartholemew Gosnold as early as 1602, the town was settled by the Pilgrims in 1636 and incorporated in 1639. Named for Barnstaple, England, the community was an important center for fishing and maritime trade in its early years. By the late 19th century, the town had already emerged as a popular tourist destination and resort for wealthy families from Boston and New York. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland both maintained summer homes here, though the most famous family to summer in the community remains the Kennedy family, which still maintains a compound in Hyannis Port. A testament to the American political dynasty's lasting influence, the JFK Hyannis Museum is one of the community's most popular tourist attractions.

Historic Main Street and Route 132 are home to large retail districts, with popular sites including the Cape Cod Mall and the Cape Cod Potato Chips factory. Just south of downtown Hyannis is the village of Hyannis Port, home to a large marina, an exclusive yacht club, and the Hyannisport Club, one of the premier golf courses on Cape Cod. The rural village of Cotuit features a number of antique homes, including the extravagant Josiah Sampson House, built in 1793 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Marstons Mills features an 18-hole disc golf course, a scenic bicycle path, and a gorgeous natural landscape dotted by several lakes and ponds.

The average prices for 2010 have increased 21% to $458,637 compared to $361,092 in 2009. In addition the number of homes sold in 2010 was 645 homes sold which is an increase from 2009 at 599 homes sold. The Barnstable real estate market appears to have been at its lowest level in 2009 and if the trend continues, it may have turned the corner.

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