Provincetown was built for the LGBTQ lifestyle. The farthest town on the tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, it’s a vibrant and friendly spot that’s welcoming to all. Whether you’re checking out the local art or walking in Carnival down Commercial Street, it’s a good time year-round.
The word “Massachusetts” is the language spoken by the Nauset Native American tribe, who were the original settlers in the area. In 1620, the Cape was actually named “Shoal Hope” before finally settling on “Cape Cod” after all the cod in the area.
In the 1890s the town was booming and a mecca for artists and writers, as well as summer tourists. In the 1960s it began to attract a significantly gay population and has remained that way ever since. Today, the majority of people that live in P-Town are in the LGBTQ community.
Here are some more fun facts about Provincetown.
A vivacious community space, where people grow, celebrate, and learn. A non-profit that helps to maintain the #1 gay community in America, the center has been around since 1978.
Despite the size of the city, P-Town actually has its own airport. So, if you need to travel for work, it’s the perfect situation. It’s located 2 miles northwest of the central business district and is a public airport. Flights come in from Logan Airport, in Boston.
P-Town has a mild summer climate with an average seasonal snowfall of 30 inches. The tourism is insane, with thousands of people flooding into the city during the months between May and September. February is the coldest month and August is the warmest.
Celebrating the unique experience of living in P-Town full time, this is an event especially for residents that features local artists, a pie-eating contest, and even a cute pet parade.
Surprisingly, Pride Week is still in its infancy, with only a few years under its belt. The week caps off with a bay cruise and includes a Stonewall Stroll, Global Rainbow, and dance party.
The P-Town Jazz Festival is huge and attracts people from every diverse background. Featuring two whole days of amazing jazz, food, and dancing, it’s an event that shouldn’t be missed.
This is probably the most exciting event in the city every year. Carnival is a parade down Commercial Street that features floats, fabulous drag queens, and people having an awesome time.
P-town is a collection of neighborhoods that give the town a unique character. It doesn’t really matter where you stay, because the whole town is gay-friendly. Almost the entire city is walkable. It’s all one zip code.
The dividing line for the East and West End is the Standish Street intersection on the main road known as Commercial Street.
The median sales price for a home in P-Town is $530,000 and the average price per square foot is $780. This area typically has over 50 homes for sale ranging in price from as low as $300,000 up to $3,000,000.
Considered the more “upscale” side of town, the West End used to be home to a large population of Portuguese fishermen. Today, it’s full of cafes, art studios, and cool clubs.
Usually referred to as the “quiet side of town,” the East End is the old Yankee part of the city where the ship’s captains used to reside. Today, it’s a diverse neighborhood and a great place to raise a family.
If you want to take a few moments for vino, the Truro Vineyards are right down the street. From tours to private tastings and events, it’s a stellar time that’s a little quiet from the rest.
Featuring selected work from local artists and committee members.
An incredible lighthouse from the early 1800s, Race Point is on the National Register of Historic Places. It features a 45-foot tall iron-plated tower with a keeper’s dwelling.
From lush woods to sand dunes covered in pine trees, they say this park is one of the best in town. From gorgeous grasses covered in Cape light, it’s the perfect place to wind down or go for a hike.
Whether you’re going on a dune tour or having a bonfire on the beach, Herring Cove features warm water and calm waves.
If you like craft beer and a super chill patio, this is the place for you. Located right on Commercial Street, it’s excellent for “people watching” too.
Right on the harbor, Aqua Bar has one of the best views in town. You can also bring food over right from the Aquarium Mall.
This is home to the famed Tea Dance held annually and is a great time.
This concession stand sells cold beer and is perfect for sunsets.
This is the longest-running drag karaoke in all of P-Town. It features pool tables, a jukebox, and low lighting.
Provincetown has been around for over a century, but it’s always maintained a community of writers and free-thinkers that are open and accepting. It’s also just a fun place to live year-round, and there’s something to do in every season. It’s a charming seaside town that’s not only LGBTQ-friendly, but a unique community like no other.
Connect with a Provincetown Gay Realtor for a no obligation conversation today!
