Centerville should be at the center of your life! A thriving village in the town of Barnstable MA, Centerville was inhabited by the Wampanoag people for centuries. English colonists inhabited the area beginning in 1648, and the area was called “Centreville” for the first time in 1834. As the name suggests, the village is toward the center of Barnstable.
If you’re looking for beautiful historic homes, quiet streets, and family-friendly things to do, living in Centerville is perfect for you. Here is your quick guide on living in and moving to Centerville.
Where Is Centerville MA?
Centerville is in Barnstable County, making it a part of the Barnstable Town metropolitan area and Cape Cod. The village contains and is adjacent to ponds, beaches, parks, and green areas. Centerville borders Hyannis, Osterville, Marstons Mills, and Barnstable Village. It is 4.4 miles from Centerville MA to Hyannis MA.
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority serves Centerville. The Sealine and Sandwich Line are bus routes that run through Centerville, connecting the village to Hyannis, Buzzards Bay, and other towns on Cape Cod. Most residents drive their cars, and Centerville has access to major roads like the Mid-Cape Highway, making moving to Centerville easy.
Centerville Population and Demographics
Because Centerville MA is a village inside Barnstable, the most reliable data related to Centerville is of Barnstable Town. The population of Barnstable in 2020 was 48,916. The population grew by 7.6% between 2010 and 2020, and the population per square mile was 816.2 in 2020. Barnstable is the largest town in Barnstable County. Notable residents of Barnstable include President John F. Kennedy (and all members of the Kennedy family), poet Jack Kerouac, and novelist Kurt Vonnegut.
The demographics of Barnstable include:
- 51.4% female, 48.6% male
- Median age: 47.4
- Racial composition: 83.3% white alone, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.6% two or more races, 5.7% Black or African American alone, 0.9% Asian alone, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native alone
- Median household income: $82,816, $6,210 less than the state median
- Educational attainment: 93.8% of residents have graduated high school, 39.6% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 17.2%
Barnstable is a safe place to live. 1,218 crimes per 100,000 Barnstable residents occurred in 2020. That is 10.6% lower than the state average and 48.1% lower than the national average. 426 violent crimes occurred per 100,000 residents, which is 38.0% higher than the state, but no murders occurred in Barnstable during 2020. The Barnstable Police Department serves Centerville, with 111 police officers working in the department.
Cost of Living in Centerville
The Boston metro area has a standard of living index of 153.2, which means items in Boston cost 53.2% higher than the national average. However, the average cost of living in Centerville is lower, thanks to Centerville houses for sale being more affordable.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $116,948 a year to live in Barnstable County. The median sales price of Barnstable homes for sale is $590,000, with a price per square foot of $351. That’s far cheaper than Boston, where the median price of a home is $747,000, and the price per square foot is $670. A one-bedroom apartment in the center of town costs $1,600 a month.
Typical Barnstable Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $3.55
- 1 loaf of white bread: $2.39
- 1 pound of bananas: $1.09
- 1 head of lettuce: $1.70
- 1 month of basic utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment: $300
Source: Numbeo
Centerville Neighborhoods
Centerville may seem small, but there are many communities you can live in. Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Centerville.
Craigville | Spacious Single-Family Homes for Sale in Centerville MA Near Beaches and Natural Areas
Craigville is the most prominent neighborhood in Centerville. It is close to Craigville Beach, which locals consider to be one of the best Cape Cod beaches. It is a compact and walkable neighborhood with many single-family homes, including five-bedroom homes for sale at $759,000.
Craigville Beach Road contains a few small restaurants and shops, and it connects the neighborhood to Hyannisport. However, the neighborhood is very quiet, and you can walk directly to Craigville Beach and several different lakes.
Centerville Historic District | The Best Centerville Neighborhood for Shopping and Historical Attractions
The Centerville Historic District contains a number of historical buildings, including the Austin Bearse House and the South Congregational Church. Some buildings are museums open to the public, with the Centerville Historical Museum hosting art shows and other special events. Other historic homes are available for purchase.
The district is located along Main Street, which runs through the center of the village and connects to Route 28. Main Street is one of the best places for shopping in Barnstable, containing grocery and clothing shops.
Holly Point | Quaint Lakeside Neighborhood With Great Centerville Homes for Sale
Holly Point is a lakeside community on Holly Point Road located away from commercial areas and tourist attractions. Three-bedroom homes with views of the water are available for around $2 million. Many properties contain luxurious amenities like stone fireplaces, coffered ceilings, and customized pantries.
If you’re interested in living in Holly Point, you can rent a home during the summertime. Three-bedroom properties are available for less than $2,500 a week. Rental homes tend to get booked up during July and August, so you may want to try renting in another season.
Centerville Weather and Climate
Centerville has a humid continental climate with warm summers and chilly winters. The daily high temperature reaches 78 degrees in July, while the daily low temperature drops to 25 degrees in January. Some days in the summer can be extremely humid, making it hard to go outside.
Barnstable is a fairly cloudy town, with a cloudy season that runs between November and June. It experiences an average of 38.6 inches of rain and 15.2 inches of snow per year. Centerville can experience nor’easters, blizzards, and snowstorms, and a single storm can drop more than one foot of snow.
The fall is the best time to visit Barnstable. The average temperature in October is 54 degrees, and roughly 60% of days are clear or partly cloudy. There are also fewer tourists on the Cape, giving you more room to go to the beach.
Things to Do in Centerville
Centerville is a major hub for tourist attractions in Barnstable. Many attractions are kid-friendly, so you can bring the kids for free or at affordable prices. The most popular store in Centerville is the 1856 Country Store, where you can buy candles, snacks, and gifts for your relatives. The Centerville Shopping Center contains many locally-run shops, including nail salons and convenience stores.
Craigville Beach
Craigville Beach is a warm water beach that is great for kite surfing and swimming. The beach contains amenities like showers, restrooms, and an on-site snack bar. Once you start living in Centerville, you can use Covell’s Beach, which is for residents only.
997 Craigville Beach, Centerville, MA 02632
Cape Codder Resort and Spa
Cape Codder Resort borders Centerville. It includes the family-friendly Cape Codder Water Park, a 60,000-square-foot outdoor and indoor water park. Adults can enjoy massages at the Mirage Spa and eat delicious meals at four on-site restaurants.
1225 Iyannough Road, Hyannis, MA 02601 508-771-3000
Wequaquet Lake
Wequaquet Lake is a warm water lake that covers more than 650 acres. You can fish for bass and eels in the lake, and you can go boating from boat launches. Even during the tourist season, Wequaquet Lake Beach is usually uncrowded, making it a unique place to go swimming.
Wequaquet Lake, Centerville, MA 02632
Additional Attractions in Centerville MA
Other affordable and kid-friendly attractions in Centerville include:
Want more fun Centerville things to do? The Recreation Division of the Town of Barnstable plans special events throughout the year. You can use their events calendar to find out when the latest classes, parties, and club meetings are.
Centerville Restaurants
Cape Cod is well-known for its fried clams and seafood. But Centerville is becoming a great place for foodies, and you can find cuisines from all over the world in town.
Centerville Pie Company
Centerville Pie Company serves savory, fruit, and cream pies. You can buy frozen pies and take them home to cook, or you can enjoy fresh slices in the comfortable store.
1671 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632 774-470-1406
Four Seas Ice Cream
Four Seas Ice Cream has won awards for its selection of delicious ice creams. You can also order sandwiches, hot dogs, and chicken salad.
360 South Main Street, Centerville, MA 02632 508-775-1394
Great House Centerville
The Great House of Zhou serves American-Chinese food in a simple setting. You can order classic dishes like General Tso’s chicken and hot and sour soup for affordable prices. The restaurant is best known for its lunch and dinner specials, which include entrees, rice, and appetizers for a fair price.
1600 Falmouth Road #8, Centerville, MA 02632 508-775-8828
Jobs in Centerville
According to Payscale, the base salary in Barnstable is $72,000 a year. The median household income was $77,277 in 2020, which was up by 6.8% since 2019. Nearly 24,000 people were employed in Barnstable in 2020, and jobs grew by 2.1% between 2019 and 2020.
The largest industries in Barnstable are healthcare, construction, and retail trade. Major employers include Cape Cod Healthcare, New York Life, and 7-Eleven. You can use Indeed to find high-paying jobs in Centerville. Town of Barnstable jobs are also available, including hourly jobs for less-experienced workers.
Centerville Schools
Barnstable Public Schools serves Centerville students. Centerville Elementary School is located in Centerville. 67% of students test at or above the proficiency level for reading, which is 14 percentage points higher than the state average.
Cape Cod Community College is located in West Barnstable. It is the only community college on the Cape, but it serves more than 10,000 students annually. The college offers a plethora of programs, including non-degree courses and online classes. The college also has partnerships with Boston University and the University of Massachusetts, allowing students to earn credits toward bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Centerville Public Library offers a collection of books, DVDs, and museum passes for rent. The library is also home to classes and club meetings.
Centerville Statistics and Information
- County: Barnstable County
- Centerville MA area: 8.8 square miles
- Centerville MA zip code: 02632
- Centerville area code: 508
- Centerville elevation: 46 feet
- Centerville time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest airport to Centerville: Cape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA), 5.7 miles from Centerville
Centerville Massachusetts Map
Explore more unique points of interest, restaurants, and houses for sale in Centerville with this map of Centerville.
Moving to Centerville is a great idea! You will have access to beautiful beaches and ponds, spacious houses, and thrilling excursions. But you shouldn’t start living in Centerville without some help. Vanguard Moving Services’ team of Centerville Movers has nearly 20 years of experience. Get your free quote at 508-790-9188.
