Village of HarwichPopulation: ~3,500ZIP: 02645
East Harwich
A growing residential area at the crossroads of Routes 39 and 137 — home to Pleasant Bay, cranberry bogs, and increasing development pressure at the Harwich-Chatham-Brewster border.
DID YOU KNOW
East Harwich has been the subject of a major village center planning initiative. The Select Board and Planning Board have held multiple public hearings on zoning changes to guide development at the Routes 39/137 intersection.
Pleasant Bay, which touches East Harwich, Chatham, Brewster, and Orleans, is managed under a tri-town agreement. Water quality decisions affecting this critical resource require coordination across municipal boundaries — and local votes at each town’s meeting.
East Harwich contains some of the town’s most active cranberry bogs. The conversion of cranberry bogs to housing development is a recurring zoning and conservation issue at Town Meeting.
History & Overview
East Harwich is a residential area in the eastern part of Harwich, centered around the intersection of Routes 39 and 137. The area has seen significant development pressure in recent decades, with new housing subdivisions replacing former agricultural land and cranberry bogs.
The village is near Pleasant Bay, one of the Cape's most ecologically significant water bodies. East Harwich does not have a traditional village center, but the Routes 39/137 intersection has been the focus of village center planning efforts to create a more cohesive commercial and community hub.
Your Elected Officials
| OFFICE |
NAME |
DISTRICT |
| State Senator |
Julian Cyr (D) |
Cape and Islands |
| State Representative |
Hadley Luddy (D) |
4th Barnstable |
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
Brooks Free Library
Cape Cod Beach
Chatham Light
Pleasant Bay
A large, ecologically significant estuary shared with Chatham, Brewster, and Orleans. Kayaking, sailing, shellfishing, and birdwatching.
📍 Get Directions
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Access the 25-mile bike trail from East Harwich heading north toward Brewster and beyond.
📍 Get Directions · Trail Info
Demographics
← Back to Harwich Town Page
Local Favorites & Useful Spots
Pleasant Bay
A large, protected tidal bay shared with Orleans and Chatham. Outstanding for kayaking, shellfishing, and birdwatching. The warm, shallow waters and barrier beach system make it one of the most ecologically significant areas on Cape Cod.
Cape Cod Lavender Farm
A working lavender farm on Weston Woods Road with walking paths through fragrant lavender fields. The farm store sells lavender products, honey, and herbal goods. Free admission; peak bloom is typically late June through mid-July.
Nearest Medical Care
Fontaine Medical Center — 525 Long Pond Road, Brewster. Walk-in urgent care, about 10 minutes north.
📍 Directions
Resources
