Living a LGBT Lifestyle in Provincetown, Massachusetts

 Provincetown, or P-town as it known, has a long-standing tradition as one of the most openly gay communities in the world. With that reputation it attracts a combination of gay and straight tourists and residents.   Many funky restaurants and interesting shops are the main street. Going away from the main harbor are picturesque homes, B and B’s, and small hotels. On the other side of town is the Cape Cod National Seashore  and its towering sand dunes. An extensive system of hiking and biking trails let  youexplore a landscape that is almost lunar in places.

Provincetown is unlike any other place on Cape Code. It has great seacoast charm. It also has a slight amount of honky-tonk provided by the remnants of a beatnik invasion that never left, along with a tangible gay presence.  Plenty of straight folks live here as well as the gay population.

Where to Retire in Provincetown and Home Prices

In this community one must generally must buy or rent a home, although a few condominiums are available. There are many quiet neighborhoods with water views of the ocean, bays, and inlets. Prices are high, reflecting the power of Cape Cod real estate.  Zillow reports in early 2021 the median home value was $657,528 .  Homes with proximity to the water and larger lots will easily go into the millions.

What Is Special about Provincetown

 Provincetown is home to the Pilgrim Monument designed by Willard Sears. It is also one of the most gay presences in America. Other things that make Provincetown special includes: Cape Cod's leading whaling community, an internationally famous artistic and literary tradition, many festivals including the Portuguese Festival, Leather Weekend, and the Provincetown Film Festival. There are two special beaches in the Cape Cod National Seashore, Herring Cove and Race Point.

What Is Not Special about Provincetown

Provincetown is crowded in season; many stores close up for the winter; it can have a gritty edge; some festivals are not family rated

Climate and Physical Environment

Provincetown is on the outer end of Cape Cod as it hooks back toward Boston. Massive sand dunes are in the protected seashore area to the north and east of town. In many areas the sand has created a beautiful wasteland - perhapsf the nation's first environmental disaster - a result from the earliest colonists cutting down the forests and driving wagons through the soft sand.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Art and literature are big here, as a quick tour of the galleries and bookstores will show. The town is known internationally for its cultural output. Former and current cultural lights who have lived here include Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, and Norman Mailer. The Provincetown Film Festival is very important. Folks who need a fast cultural fix can take a quick ferry ride to Boston.

Crime

Crime rate is slightly above average.

Medical Facilities

Cape Cod Hospital is 29 miles away in Hyannis

Transportation

Barnstable Airport is 28 miles away in Hyannis. You can take a ferry to Boston from the P-Town harbor. Or fly in or out of the small private airport.  Biking is a great way to get around, and the trails through the seashore are very special.

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Provincetown, MA

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