Living in Pocasset MA is absolutely special! The Wampanoag people inhabited Pocasset for thousands of years before English settlers arrived in the 1600s. “Pocasset” in the Wampanoag language means “at the small cove.” The Wampanoag initially called the area “Pouglikeeste” and then “Pokesit” before naming it “Pocasset.”
Pocasset was a small fishing community until the 1800s. Wings Neck Lighthouse was built in 1837, allowing the community to become a shipping and fishing hub. Residents moving to Pocasset discovered iron ore in the ground, and foundries opened in Pocasset. Pocasset transitioned into a tourist hub in the 1900s as the shipping, fishing, and iron ore industries declined. Pocasset is a village inside the town of Bourne and a census-designated place.
Pocasset is best known for Wings Neck Lighthouse, which is open today for weekly rentals and special events. It’s a nice place to live, with beautiful outdoor attractions, upscale homes for sale, and nice grocery stores.
You may be tempted to start moving to Pocasset, but you should wait until you learn more about this community. Here’s what to know about Pocasset MA!
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Where Is Pocasset MA?
Pocasset is in Barnstable County. It is in the Barnstable, MA metropolitan area. It is 63.6 miles from Boston to Pocasset, and it is 22.2 miles from Barnstable to Pocasset. Pocasset is in a secluded area, so it’s not a suburb of any particular town. It borders Monument Beach and Cataumet.
Pocasset is mostly undeveloped, though it has paved roads and small compact cul de sacs. It has a few small attractions, restaurants, and stores, but you will need to travel outside the community to visit top things to do. Residents living in Pocasset MA do not have direct access to the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. The Bourne Run is a bus route that runs just outside the community, but it has no stops in the community.
Most residents in the community use their cars to get around. Massachusetts State Route 28 forms the eastern border of Pocasset. You can also walk around to visit your neighbors living in Pocasset MA and nearby attractions.
Pocasset Population and Demographics
The population of Pocasset is 2,843, down by 0.3% since 2010. The Pocasset population has stayed relatively consistent, with small increases and decreases over the last few decades. The Pocasset population density is 768.4 people per square mile. This is higher than the population density of Bourne, MA, and Barnstable County. Pocasset is one of the largest villages in Bourne, accounting for over 10% of the Bourne population.
Notable residents living in Pocasset MA, and the surrounding area include Bobby Orr, Dan Shaughnessy, and Peter Gammons. Pocasset demographics include:
- 57.3% male, 42.7% female
- Median age of residents living in Pocasset MA: 61.3
- Racial and ethnic composition: 91.0% White (90.7% non-Hispanic), 4.7% two or more races, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian
- Median household income: $86,150 (10.7% lower than the Massachusetts median)
- Educational attainment: 97.8% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 47.8% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population of residents living in Pocasset MA: 2.0%
Pocasset is one of the oldest communities on Cape Cod. Its median age is over 20 years older than the state median and over five years older than the Barnstable County median. 39.5% of the Pocasset population is over the age of 65, over twice the state rate. Only 7.3% of the residents living in Pocasset MA are under the age of 18. Pocasset is popular amongst couples, with over half of residents living in Pocasset MA being currently married.
Pocasset is a very safe community to live in. Here are its latest crime rates:
- Overall crime rate: 674 offenses per 100,000 people living in Pocasset MA (51.6% lower than the Massachusetts crime rate, 71% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 156 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Pocasset MA (51.6% lower than the Massachusetts crime rate, 57.8% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 518 crimes per 100,000 residents living in Pocasset MA (51.6% lower than the Massachusetts rate, 73.5% lower than the national rate)
The Bourne Police Department employs 50 police officers who respond to all emergencies in Bourne MA.
Cost of Living in Pocasset MA
You can use Boston cost of living statistics to make a rough estimate of the Pocasset cost of living. The Boston cost of living index is 146.5, meaning items in Boston cost 46.5% more than the national average. All expenses are higher than the national average, with housing being two times more expensive than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $138,141 a year to cover the cost of living in Barnstable County. Living in Pocasset MA can be expensive, though you can find ways to save money after moving to Pocasset. The Cape Cod cost of living is similar to the cost of living in Pocasset.
Pocasset real estate is relatively affordable. According to Redfin, the median cost of homes for sale in Pocasset MA is $560,000, with a median sale price per square foot of $358. Nearby communities like Sandwich have median costs that are nearly twice as high as Pocasset. Prices for Pocasset apartments vary, but you can find a one-bedroom apartment starting at $1,100 a month.
Typical Pocasset* Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.50
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $3.99
- 1 pound of tomatoes: $1.59
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.30
- Average Pocasset* utilities per month: $100.00
- 1 pair of Nike running shoes: $73.75
Source: Numbeo
*Expenses actually for Barnstable
Pocasset Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Pocasset
Pocasset does not have its own neighborhoods due to its small size and secluded location. 43 homes for sale in Pocasset MA were sold in 2023, nearly all of which were single-family homes for sale. Despite the small number of Pocasset real estate sales, over 1,000 housing units are currently vacant in Pocasset. Some of these units are rentals only open during the tourist season, but others are homes for sale in Pocasset MA currently off the market. They may be on the market soon, so check real estate listings before you start moving to Pocasset.
Pocasset homes for sale vary in terms of features. You can buy two-bedroom Cape Cod homes with 1,000 square feet of space for less than $500,000. You can also buy three-bedroom modern properties with over 2,000 square feet for over $3 million. In general, homes in the community have been recently built or renovated. They have luxurious amenities like walled gardens and views of beaches and harbors.
Most residents living in Pocasset MA buy a home, but renters have options. Pocasset contains or is near a few apartment complexes. The Residences at Canal Bluffs offer income-restricted housing with great access to Buzzards Bay and the Cape Cod Canal. Mashpee Village has one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with amenities like hardwood floors.
Pocasset Weather and Climate
Pocasset has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and freezing and snowy winters. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 71 degrees and an average high of 79. The average high remains above 70 degrees throughout the entire summer. Temperatures cool down steadily through the late summer and fall. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 31 degrees and an average low of 24. The average low remains below freezing between early December and mid-March.
Pocasset weather is relatively cloudy throughout the year. The community receives 38.3 inches of rain and 17.3 inches of snow every year. Pocasset can experience severe weather throughout the year, including dangerous surf conditions on beaches and nor’easters. While living in Pocasset MA, you should expect to experience a snowstorm at some point. The rain creates humidity during the summer, with roughly one-third of the days in the summer.
Pocasset is well known as a summer destination, which creates traffic congestion and crowds during the summer. The best time to visit Pocasset and avoid the crowds is October. You can still enjoy relatively warm temperatures and clear weather without experiencing long lines and overcrowding at outdoor attractions. October has an average temperature of 54 degrees, so you should wear a light coat when you’re going outside.
Things to Do in Pocasset MA
You can enjoy many things to do in Pocasset MA, including family-friendly outdoor attractions and great stores. State Route 28 contains several notable shops, including Paine’s Patio and The Boat Guy. Top grocery stores in the community include Pocasset Country Market.
Pocasset Golf Club
Pocasset Golf Club is one of the top golf courses on the Cape for beginners and families living in Pocasset MA with young children. The club offers an 18-hole golf course with an on-site clubhouse open to private events and parties throughout the year.
24 Club House Drive, Pocasset, MA, 02559, 508-563-7171
Monument Beach Recreational Area
The Monument Beach Recreational Area is the best outdoor attraction in Pocasset. It contains walking trails, a baseball field, a public marina, and a beach open for swimming and birding. You can bring your dog to the beach during the winter and spring, and the beach is ADA-accessible.
585 Shore Road, Pocasset, MA, 02559, 508-759-0600
Barlows Landing Beach
Barlows Landing Beach is a town-owned public beach with convenient access to Pocasset Harbor. It’s a top destination for swimming and boating, with calm and shallow water.
303 Barlows Landing Road, Pocasset, MA, 02559, 508-564-4258
Additional Things to Do in Pocasset
The Town of Bourne Recreation Department manages public spaces in Pocasset and plans special events throughout the year. You can use the Bourne Recreation Department calendar to see when public meetings, parties, and other events will occur.
Pocasset Restaurants
Cape Cod is well known for its seafood restaurants, cafes, and family-friendly eateries. Pocasset is a great place to eat out, with many casual Pocasset restaurants you can visit for freshly made and affordable food.
Corner Cafe
Corner Cafe is a kid-friendly cafe that serves breakfast and lunch in a casual and inviting environment. You can enjoy a range of classic dishes like cheeseburgers, eggs Benedict, and corned beef hash.
369 Barlows Landing Road, Pocasset, MA, 02559, 508-563-6944
Graziella’s Pizza
Graziella’s Pizza is the best restaurant for pizza in Pocasset. You can order dozens of unique pizzas and calzones, including Detroit-style pizzas with Wisconsin brick cheese. You can also enjoy artisan sandwiches for less than $15, making Graziella’s one of the most affordable restaurants in Pocasset.
375 Barlows Landing Road, Pocasset, MA, 02559, 508-563-5541
Tuk Tuk Thai Food
Tuk Tuk Thai Food is one of the only Thai restaurants on Cape Cod. It offers classic Thai dishes like curry puffs, massaman curry, and pad Thai, including lunch specials for less than $15.
808 MacArthur Boulevard, Pocasset, MA, 02559, 774-302-4358
Jobs in Pocasset
1,267 people have jobs in Pocasset. The job market has stayed relatively consistent over the last ten years, with minor fluctuations. Many people living in Pocasset MA work temporary or part-time jobs in the summer to accommodate tourists. The primary industries for year-round work in Pocasset are professional services, manufacturing, and construction. Professional services and manufacturing jobs have median earnings of over $170,000.
According to Payscale, Pocasset jobs have a median salary of $105,000 and an average hourly rate of $33.35. Top employers in Pocasset include Jack Conway, Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Cape Cod Healthcare. You can find additional job opportunities while living in Pocasset MA by researching jobs in Pocasset on Indeed. You can also apply for Town of Bourne jobs.
Schools in Pocasset
You should look at school data before you start living in Pocasset MA. Bourne Public Schools is the school district serving all students living in Pocasset MA. The school district contains four schools, all of which are located outside of Pocasset:
- Bournedale Elementary School, serving preschool through 2nd grade
- Bourne Intermediate School, serving grades 3-5
- Bourne Middle School, serving grades 6-8
- Bourne High School, serving grades 9-12
US News ranks Bourne High School in the top 250 high schools in Massachusetts. The school has a 96% graduation rate and offers 18 different AP courses.
Pocasset is not home to any private schools, preschools, or colleges. The nearest public library is the Jonathan Bourne Library in Bourne, which serves all residents living in Pocasset MA.
Pocasset Statistics and Information
- County: Barnstable County
- Pocasset area: 9.80 square miles
- Pocasset MA zip code: 02559
- Pocasset area code: 508
- Pocasset elevation: 33 feet
- Pocasset time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Pocasset: Cape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA), 22.7 miles from Pocasset
Pocasset Map
Explore dining options, attractions, and houses for sale using this map of Pocasset.
Living in Pocasset MA is absolutely incredible! You and your family can enjoy peaceful streets, great outdoor attractions, and delicious restaurants.
Now that you know all about living in Pocasset MA, you can start moving to Pocasset. Vanguard Moving has a team of the best Pocasset movers, with over ten years of experience in the moving industry. Call 508-790-9188 for a free quote now.
