Are you considering moving to Yarmouth, MA? One of 15 towns in Cape Cod, Yarmouth is the second oldest town on Cape Cod with a history going back to 1639. The town was named for Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, and it was long a farming and whaling community. By the start of the 20th century, it was developed into a summer resort and its population grew quickly.
Today, Yarmouth is known for its beautiful beaches, historical attractions, and family-friendly amenities.
Here’s what you can look forward to while living in Yarmouth.
Yarmouth, MA Population & Demographics
The Town of Yarmouth is located in Barnstable County, MA, also known as Cape Cod. It’s bordered by Cape Cod Bay to the north, Nantucket Sound to the south, the Town of Barnstable to the west, and the Town of Dennis and the Bass River to the east. The trip from Yarmouth MA to Boston is 75 miles.
The town covers 24 square miles with a population of 23,500. It has three main villages – West Yarmouth, South Yarmouth, and Yarmouth Port – plus communities outside the villages. It’s in the 508 and 774 area codes and zip codes 02664 (South Yarmouth), 02673 (West Yarmouth), and 02675 (Yarmouth Port).
Yarmouth has a median age of 54, typical for Cape Cod but much higher than the U.S. and Massachusetts median of 36 to 39. The Town of Yarmouth has a skewed gender ratio that’s 55% female and 45% male. The median age and especially the sex ratio depends on the village:
- Yarmouth Port: 81 males per 100 females. Median age of 53.
- West Yarmouth: 84 males for every 100 females. Median age of 44.
- South Yarmouth: 79 males for every 100 females. Median age of 49.
Yarmouth is primarily white (89%) with a population that’s 3% Asian, 3% Hispanic, 2% Black or African American, and 2% two or more races.
Famous residents of Yarmouth include writer and illustrator Edward Gorey and Asa Eldridge, a sea captain who sailed the Red Jacket from New York to Liverpool, England in 13 days in 1854, setting a trans-Atlantic speed record.
Yarmouth, MA is a safe place to live with crime that is 32% to 46% lower than the national average, depending on the village.
Yarmouth Climate & Weather
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What’s the weather like in Yarmouth, MA? After moving to Yarmouth, you’ll enjoy Cape Cod’s famous, mild weather. The climate in Yarmouth is humid subtropical with plenty of rain, warm summers, and chilly winters. The Cape Cod Bay cradles the town with cold and warm waters that create cool breezes in the summer.
During the summer, highs are in the 70s. Winters in Yarmouth usually have highs in the low 40s. You’ll get about 46” of annual rainfall but a bit less snow than the U.S. average: around 26 inches per year.
The best time to visit Yarmouth, Cape Cod is May to June or September to October.
Yarmouth, MA Schools
Moving to Yarmouth with kids? The town is served by the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District with two elementary schools, Mattacheese Middle School, and the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. Families can choose other high schools including Sturgis Charter Public School (Hyannis) or Cape Cod Regional Technical High School (Harwich).
There are also several private schools in Barnstable that Yarmouth families can attend.
Students will love to explore the free library in Yarmouth MA.
Best Neighborhoods in Yarmouth, MA
Ready to explore the best places to live in Yarmouth? The northern part of town is quiet with historic homes, art galleries, and inns. In the south, you’ll find family-friendly Yarmouth neighborhoods with most of the action. Here’s a look at the town’s three villages and what each has to offer.
If by some chance you decide to move close by we have West Yarmouth MA movers to help as well!
West Yarmouth – Less Crowded But Close to Amenities & Beaches
Located in the southwest part of town is West Yarmouth, home to 6,000 people. West Yarmouth isn’t as densely populated as South Yarmouth, and it doesn’t have quite as many restaurants and attractions – although there are still plenty. If you want to be near the action and best beaches, but not surrounded by tourists during the summer, West Yarmouth is the place to be.
South Yarmouth – Most Exciting Neighborhood in Yarmouth with Attractions & Shopping
This is the largest village in Yarmouth with a population of 11,000. South Yarmouth is home to most of the town’s top attractions including several resorts, Thatcher Beach, and restaurants. It’s a great place to live with kid-friendly amenities, the Cape Cod Rail Trail, and more at your fingertips.
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Yarmouth Port – Best Yarmouth Neighborhood for Retirees
In the northern part of town is Yarmouth Port, home to about 5,500 people. You’ll find quiet, historic neighborhoods in Yarmouth in the north along Cape Cod Bay with Colonial homes, antique shops, and galleries. This village has the highest median age in town and it’s popular with retirees who want a peaceful setting near beaches, golfing, and shopping.
Cost of Living in Yarmouth, MA
Is Yarmouth, MA expensive? As you might expect for Cape Cod, and Massachusetts in general, the cost of living is high – but not as high as you may think. The Yarmouth cost of living index is 115. That means it’s 15% more expensive than the national average. The overall Cape Cod cost of living is 129, by comparison. Housing is the biggest factor affecting your living cost with a housing index of 145.
Buying a home after moving to Yarmouth? The average home price is $466,000. Home prices in 2021 were up 38% year-over-year. Cape Cod has become one of the hottest real estate markets in the country as workers who are now remote are choosing to relocate to vacation destinations year-round. You can see Yarmouth, MA homes for sale here.
Yarmouth Jobs & Average Income
How much do you need to earn to live in Yarmouth, Cape Cod? The median household income is $63,500. That’s lower than the median of $54,700 for Barnstable County/Cape Cod. The average salary in Yarmouth, MA is $67,000 with an average hourly rate of $19.10 according to Payscale.
Like the rest of Cape Cod, the Yarmouth economy is centered on tourism, retail, recreation, hospitality, hospitality, and fishing. Many people living in Yarmouth work in restaurants, resorts, golf courses, and within the commercial fishing industry. There are many employment opportunities within Barnstable County, however, with major employers including:
- Cape Cod Healthcare (Hyannis, MA)
- Woods Hole Oceanographic (Woods Hole, MA)
- Cape Cod 5, one of the top 5 places to work in Massachusetts
You can explore employment opportunities with the Town of Yarmouth or start your search for Yarmouth, MA jobs on Indeed.
Fun Things to Do in Yarmouth, MA
Living in Cape Cod means enjoying some of New England’s best beaches, resorts, and golfing year-round. You’ll find tons of historic sites, family-friendly activities, community events, and outdoor attractions to fill your days. Yarmouth also has convenient shopping at Yarmouth Shopping Center and Yarmouth Crossing.
Here are the best things to do in Yarmouth with kids, on date night, and during the summer.
Whydah Pirate Museum
This fun museum is one of the top Yarmouth attractions for kids. Explore a range of artifacts recovered from an 18th-century pirate and slave ship.
Whydah Pirate Museum, 674 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673 (508) 534-9571
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Seagull Beach
This is the largest beach in Yarmouth with showers, concessions, and tons of horseshoe crabs and seashells.
Seagull Beach, Yarmouth, MA 02673
Additional attractions in Yarmouth:
Check out the Yarmouth Parks & Recreation site for many other amazing amenities.
Top Restaurants in Yarmouth
Ready to explore the amazing cuisine you’ll enjoy while living in Yarmouth, MA? Cape Cod is known for its spectacular clam chowder and New England comfort food. Seafood isn’t all that’s on the menu, though!
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- Captain Parker’s Pub. This long-standing local Yarmouth favorite serves clam chowder and other New England classics. Captain Parker’s Pub, 668 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673 (508) 771-4266
- Seafood Sams South Yarmouth. This seafood chain is one of the best places to eat in Yarmouth when you’re craving fresh seafood, lobster rolls, and clam chowder. Seafood Sams South Yarmouth, 1006 MA-28, South Yarmouth, MA 02664 (508) 394-3504
- Keltic Kitchen. Want a break from seafood? This Irish restaurant serves up corned beef hash and it’s famous for its traditional Irish breakfast. Keltic Kitchen, 415 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673 (508) 771-4853
Map of Yarmouth MA
Explore even more areas of this amazing Cape Cod city!
Living in Yarmouth Pros & Cons
- Pro: Affording living in Cape Cod
- Pro: Family-friendly amenities and outdoor recreation
- Con: Limited job opportunities in Cape Cod
Sold on moving to Yarmouth, MA? We have South Yarmouth MA movers ready to help, or once you’ve settled on a neighborhood to call home, give the Yarmouth MA movers at Vanguard Moving Services a call for your free moving quote.
