Ever wanted to live in a peaceful seaside town with friendly neighbors and sandy beaches? Then you should seriously consider moving to Eastham MA. A peaceful beach town on Cape Cod, Eastham is known for its rich history and unique attractions.
Eastham’s history dates back to 1620, when it was the landing site of a hunting party from the Mayflower, which had made a stop in Provincetown Harbor. Although the area wasn’t settled by Europeans until 1644 and wasn’t formally incorporated until 1651. It was named after a suburb in England called East Ham.
Living in Eastham, MA provides easy access to the Cape Cod National Seashore, outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, and a strong sense of community. With its historic landmarks and picturesque landscapes, it offers a peaceful environment perfect for residents from many different backgrounds.
Eastham is a good place to live for families, retirees, and vacationers who want a quaint, New England town with a calm pace of life that’s walking distance from the top area beaches. If you want to know more about what living in Eastham MA is really like, this guide is you.
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Where Is Eastham?
The town of Eastham is in Barnstable County on the Outer Cape Cod peninsula. It’s bordered by the Cape Cod Bay and the Salt Pond Bay that feeds into the Atlantic Ocean on the western and eastern side. About one-third of the town is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore, a protected stretch of land founded by President John F. Kennedy.
US Route 6 and the Cape Cod Rail Trail both pass through the community, providing residents living in Eastham MA transportation to other nearby towns. It’s bordered by the town of Wellfleet to the north and the town of Orleans to the south.
Eastham is 23 miles or a 32-minute drive from Provincetown and 25 miles or a 31-minute drive from Barnstable.
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Eastham Population & Demographics
The Eastham population is 5,752 as of the 2020 census. Population growth has been consistent over the years, and the amount of residents living in Eastham MA increased by 16% between 2010 and 2020. It has a very spacious, rural atmosphere with a population density of 409 residents per square mile.
Eastham is a quiet town full of families and retirees. The median age of people living in Eastham MA is 59.8 years old – 20 years older than the Massachusetts median – and 39% of residents living in Eastham MA are over the age of 65.
The racial and ethnic breakdown of residents living in Eastham MA is 89.3% white (89.1% white, non-Hispanic), 3.9% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races.
Other Eastham Demographics
- 55% of the Eastham MA population is female, and 45% is male
- The median household income is $80,167, which is about 20% lower than the Massachusetts median
- 95.6% of residents living in Eastham have a high school diploma, and 48.8% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 6.6%
Living in Eastham, MA is safe. The total Eastham crime rate is 707 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 69.6% lower than the national average and 49.2% lower than the Massachusetts crime rate. The violent crime rate is 65.3% lower than the rest of the US, and the property crime rate is 70.7% lower than the rest of the country. So, if crime is a concern, you won’t have many problems moving to Eastham.
The Eastham Police Department handles crime in the community with the assistance of 22 law enforcement personnel, including 17 officers and 5 civilians.
Cost of Living in Eastham MA
Being on the ocean, the cost of living in Eastham MA is on the high side. However, it has a lot to offer for those with the budget. A good resource for examining the cost of living in an area is the cost of living index. It compares the price of typical consumer goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for Cape Cod is 128.5, which indicates it is 28.5% more expensive than the rest of the country. The Family Budget Calculator developed by the Economic Policy Institute is another great resource. It shows that the average family of four (featuring two adults and two kids) needs to earn about $138,141 per month to afford the cost of living in Eastham MA.
Typical expenses for residents living in Eastham, MA
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20
- Cappuccino: $3.82
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.63
- 12oz bottle of water: $1.50
- 12 regular eggs: $2.99
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.51
- 1 pound of chicken filets: $4.96
- Average Eastham monthly utility bill: $156.67
Source: Numbeo
*numbers reflect the nearby village of Hyannis but will be similar in Eastham
The high value of Eastham real estate contributes to the higher cost of living. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Eastham MA is $880,000, more than double the median in the rest of the US. The median price per square foot of houses for sale in Eastham MA is $547.
The vast majority of residents living in Eastham MA are homeowners, and only about 7% of properties are rented out. However, renters will find a few options in nearby towns like Orleans, South Dennis, and Chatham. Rentcafe indicates that average rents on Cape Cod start around $1,077 and go up to $2,555.
Eastham Neighborhoods | Where To Live in Eastham
Eastham is a small, coastal town and, therefore, doesn’t have many distinct neighborhoods. Eastham Center is the town’s main historic area and commercial hub, while North Eastham is a census-designated place within the town. Regardless of where you look, living in Eastham MA offers prime real estate with picturesque coastal views. The most desirable homes tend to be in the western part of town, while the most affordable are in the northwest.
Eastham Weather & Climate
The weather in Eastham is fairly typical of what you can expect from New England. It has a humid continental climate, according to the Koppen Classification System. That means you’re in for humid summers and cold, snowy winters if you plan on moving to Eastham.
The average temperature ranges from 26°F to 77°F, although in the winter, it can get as cold as 14°F and the summer can get as hot as 83°F. The best time to visit is typically June through September.
Anyone living in Eastham MA will tell you to prepare for precipitation as it averages 48 inches of rain and 26 inches of snow per year. So make sure to pack an umbrella and snow boots!
Things to Do in Eastham
For a small town, residents will find a wide variety of fun things to do in Eastham, from Great Pond Beach to the Village Center. Those looking to do some shopping will find a few local boutiques around Main Street, including Gift Barn, Three Sisters Gifts, and ARTichoke. The Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis is also just a quick drive. Other than shopping, here are a few of the best things to do in Eastham.
Nauset Lighthouse
One of the best things to do in Eastham MA with kids, the Nauset Lighthouse is a restored, cast iron lighthouse historic landmark at Nauset Light Beach with tours available in the summer.
120 Nauset Light Beach Rd, Eastham, MA 02642
Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitors Center
The official orientation facility of the Cape Cod National Seashore, the visitors center, is equipped with a theater, a museum, and a gift shop.
50 Nauset Rd, Eastham, MA 02642 (508) 255-3421
Coast Guard Beach
Coast Guard Beach is one of the top beaches in Eastham MA, with sandy dunes, ocean access, boat launches, and miles of coastline that marks the start of what famous author Henry David Thorough called “the Great Beach”.
2 Ocean View Dr, Eastham, MA 02642
Additional Eastham Attractions
- Captain Penniman House
- Three Sister Lighthouse
- Doane Rock Picnic Area
- Boat Meadow Beach
- Wiley Park
If you’re looking for more parks, public facilities, and Eastham Cape Cod Beaches, the local government has a list of annual events and other resources for residents living in Eastham MA on its website.
Eastham Restaurants
Although not particularly known for its culinary scene, you will find a few neighborhood restaurants in Eastham, MA, serving comfort food and daily specials. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Eastham, MA.
Brickhouse Restaurant
Brickhouse is one of the best restaurants in Eastham, MA if you’re craving seafood and steak with classic New England cuisine like warm butter lobster rolls and grilled haddock.
4940 Mid-Cape Highway, Eastham, MA 02642 (774) 801-2475
Red Barn Pizza & More
Red Barn Pizza is a local neighborhood eatery serving pizza, pasta, soups and sandwiches with indoor and outdoor seating and a mini golf course.
4180 US-6, Eastham, MA 02642 (508) 255-4500
Local Break Restaurant & Bar
If you’re looking for a place to kick back and unwind after work, Local Break Restaurant and Bar is a great Eastham restaurant with upscale bar food like marinated steak tips and steak and cheese egg rolls, plus an extensive drink menu.
4550 State Hwy, Eastham, MA 02642 (508) 255-6100
Jobs in Eastham
As a small town with a large population of retirees, commercial development in the community tends to be limited. The local economy is mainly dominated by small businesses, with a relatively high percentage of people living in Eastham MA, who are self-employed in trades like fishing, construction, property management, professional services, and the arts. Tourism and seasonal retail spending are also significant drivers of the economy.
Largest employers in Cape Cod:
- Cape Cod Healthcare
- Woods Hole Oceanographic
- Beach House Grill
- Commscope
- Falmouth Hospital
According to Payscale, the average salary for a Massachusetts resident is $86,000 per year, which is around the same as residents living in Eastham MA. Although somewhat scarce, you can find many exciting Eastham jobs in roles such as general manager or marine technician. You can also find jobs at Eastham town hall and other local government positions on the town’s job board.
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Eastham Schools
Nauset Regional is the Eastham School District, which also provides education to students in Brewster, Orleans, Wellfleet, Provincetown, and Truro. Each town has its own elementary school, but middle and high school students living in Eastham MA attend regional schools.
Eastham Elementary School serves students in grades K-5. It’s well respected and ranks #191 out of all Massachusetts elementary schools with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio.
Students in grades 6-8 will attend Nauset Regional Middle School, while students in grades 9-12 will attend Nauset Regional High School, which is located in North Eastham. Nauset Regional High School is a great school and ranks 69th of all high schools in Massachusetts, with a 97% graduation rate and 58% AP Participation rate.
There are no private schools in town, but a few nearby in Brewster serve students living in Eastham MA. The Eastham Public Library is also available to residents looking to take out books or attend community events.
Eastham Statistics & Information
- Eastham County: Barnstable
- Eastham area: 25.7 square miles
- Eastham zip code: 02642
- Eastham area code(s): 508/774
- Eastham elevation: 48 ft
- Eastham time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Eastham: The Cape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA) is 25 miles away
Map of Eastham, MA
Discover more attractions, activities, and fun things to do in Eastham, MA with this map.
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