Centerville
A charming residential village on Nantucket Sound — known for Craigville Beach, the Centerville Historical Museum, and one of the highest concentrations of historic homes on the Cape.
History & Overview
Centerville is a large, primarily residential village in the southern part of the Town of Barnstable, facing Nantucket Sound. The village takes its name from its central location between Hyannis to the east and Osterville to the west. Settled in the 1600s, Centerville grew as a farming and maritime community before becoming a popular summer destination in the 19th century.
Today, Centerville is known for Craigville Beach — one of the Cape's most popular swimming beaches — the Centerville Historical Museum, and its well-preserved residential neighborhoods. The village has a small commercial area along Main Street (Route 28) but is primarily defined by its quiet residential character and waterfront properties along Nantucket Sound and the Centerville River.
Voting & Polling Location
🗺 Centerville — Town Council District
Centerville voters are part of Town Council districts. Check the MA Secretary of State voter lookup for your specific polling location, or contact the Town Clerk at (508) 862-4044.
Barnstable uses a Town Council system (13 elected members) rather than Open Town Meeting.
Your Elected Officials
Your state legislators represent this community on Beacon Hill. Check which precinct you are in at sec.state.ma.us to confirm your exact representatives.
Key Locations & Landmarks
Craigville Beach
One of the most popular beaches on Nantucket Sound. Wide sandy beach with warm, calm waters. Lifeguards, restrooms, and seasonal concessions. Resident sticker or daily parking fee.
Centerville Historical Museum
The Cape's largest museum, housed in the 1856 Mary Lincoln House. Extensive collections of Cape Cod art, furniture, textiles, and Sandwich glass. Seasonal exhibits and programs.
Four Seas Ice Cream
A beloved Cape Cod institution since 1934, located at 360 South Main Street. Known for its homemade ice cream and as the Kennedy family's favorite ice cream shop. Open seasonally.
Centerville Public Library
A community library in the center of the village. Part of the CLAMS network. Programs, Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and local history collections.
Public Beaches & Recreation
🌊 Craigville Beach
Nantucket Sound. Wide, sandy, and family-friendly. One of the Cape's most popular beaches. Lifeguards, restrooms, concessions. Resident sticker or daily fee required.
🌊 Long Beach
A quieter Nantucket Sound beach near the Centerville River. Less crowded than Craigville. Resident sticker required for parking.
Essential Services
| Service | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| COMM Fire District | Centerville | Covers Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills. (508) 428-2295. |
| Police | 1200 Phinney's Ln, Hyannis | (508) 778-3874. Website |
| Centerville Library | 585 Main St | centervillelibrary.org |
| Post Office | 1653 Falmouth Rd | ZIP: 02632. |
Local Favorites & Useful Spots
Full-service hospital, 24/7 Emergency Dept.
(508) 771-1800
Walk-in clinic for minor illnesses and injuries.
No appointment needed.
Demographics Snapshot
Active Local Issues
Sewer Expansion & Water Quality
Centerville is part of the town's comprehensive wastewater management plan. The Centerville River and surrounding embayments have been impacted by nitrogen pollution from septic systems.
Craigville Beach & Coastal Erosion
Craigville Beach faces ongoing erosion and requires periodic nourishment. Beach management decisions are made by the Town Council through the Recreation Department budget.
How to Stay Involved
- → Town Council Meetings — Legislative body for the Town of Barnstable. Agendas & Minutes
- → Planning Board — Zoning, development review, and land-use planning. Meeting Info
- → Conservation Commission — Wetlands protection and environmental review. Meeting Info
- → School Committee — Barnstable Public Schools governance and budget oversight. Meeting Info
- → Board of Health — Public health, food safety, and housing codes. Meeting Info
- → Zoning Board of Appeals — Variance requests and zoning appeals. Meeting Info
← Back to Barnstable Town Page