Provincetown, MA Homes for Sale

PROVINCETOWN

HISTORY

In 1620, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact when they arrived at Provincetown Harbor. Though the Pilgrims settled across the bay in Plymouth, the area enjoyed an early reputation for its valuable fishing grounds. In 1727, the Precinct of Cape Cod was incorporated as a township. Provincetown grew rapidly as a fishing and whaling center. The population was bolstered by numerous Portuguese sailors, many of whom settled in Provincetown after being hired to work on U.S. ships. Provincetown began to develop a resident population of writers and artists, as well as a summer tourist industry. The town acquired an international reputation for its artistic and literary productions.

GEOGRAPHY

Provincetown is located at the tip of Cape Cod, encompassing 17.5 square miles. Surrounded by water in every direction except due east, the town has 21.3 miles of coastal shoreline. Provincetown is bordered to the east by its only neighbor, the town of Truro. About 73 percent of the town’s land area is owned by the National Park Service, which operates the Cape Cod National Seashore. To the north lie the Province Lands, the area of dunes and small ponds from Mount Ararat in the east to Race Point in the west. The Cape Cod Bay shoreline extends from Race Point to Wood End to Long Point, which in turn points inward towards the town, and provides a natural barrier for Provincetown Harbor. All three points are marked by lighthouses.

CHARACTER

Provincetown is best known for its beaches, harbor, artists, tourist industry, and as a vacation destination for the LGBT community. Many of the fishermen and artists who came to the area stayed and raised families – there are many families who have lived in town for generations. In addition, there had been a gay presence in Provincetown as early as the start of the 20th century as the artists’ colony developed, along with experimental theater. The countercultural appeal of Provincetown has held steady along with its growth as a tourist destination for national and international visitors. Provincetown’s tourist season has expanded, and the town has scheduled festivals and week-long events throughout the year.

EDUCATION

Provincetown Schools educate approximately 120 children from preschool through eighth grade. In 2010, the Provincetown school board elected to phase out the high school program Provincetown High School at the end of the 2012−2013 school year, and send students to nearby Nauset Regional High School in North Eastham, beginning with the 2013−2014 academic year. Provincetown High School’s last senior class, consisting of eight students, graduated on June 7, 2013. There are no private schools in Provincetown; high school students from the town will now attend Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich or Nauset Regional High School in North Eastham.

ARTS & CULTURE

Provincetown boasts a rich cultural history of artists, writers and theater. The Fine Arts Work Center works to encourage the growth and development of emerging visual artists and writers through residency programs. The Provincetown Art Association and Museum promotes and cultivates the appreciation of all branches of the fine arts through its collection as well as special events. There are numerous art galleries and small theaters, and a vibrant nightlife featuring music, dancing and cabaret shows. The annual Provincetown International Film Festival honors the best in independent and avant garde film.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Race Point Beach
Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
Provincetown Library
Commercial Street
Beech Forest
Herring Cove Beach
Long Point
Old Harbor Lifesaving Station
Provincetown Art Association and Museum
MacMillan Wharf
Wood House Lighthouse
Provincetown Theater
Whydah Museum

Disclaimer: All data relating to real estate for sale on this page comes from the Broker Reciprocity (BR) of the Cape Cod & Islands Multiple Listing Service, Inc. Detailed information about real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Kinlin Grover Compass include the name of the listing broker. Neither the listing company nor Kinlin Grover Compass shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. The Broker providing this data believes it to be correct, but advises interested parties to confirm any item before relying on it in a purchase decision. Copyright 2024 Cape Cod & Islands Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.

This site was last updated 04/18/2024. All properties are subject to prior sale, changes, or withdrawal.

Kinlin Grover Compass has chosen to display only certain towns and/or types or styles of properties. This site may not show all listings that are available through the Cape Cod & Islands Multiple Listing Service, Inc.

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