Provincetown is a highly welcoming community with an emphasis on tolerance. The city’s long been known as an enclave of fishermen, hospitality workers, and the queer community, all of whom are eager to add new people to their shared home. This is combined with gorgeous beaches, a natural deepwater harbor, and parades and other cultural events, you will find no shortage of warm welcome in Provincetown. Particularly if you are a member of the queer community, you will find one of the oldest and safest enclaves for your LGBTQ siblings in the entire country, with a completely normalized atmosphere of inclusion for queer couples who wish to engage in public displays of affection.


All Welcome Here

Best Thing About Living in Provincetown

The lack of affordable housing in Provincetown is the biggest challenge for the city. Simply put, finding a year-round home for purchase or rental is very difficult, with a median home value of $666,700 and a median rent of $1,113. Add into this cost of living challenge the fact that most of the shopping is boutique (meaning expensive) and the fact that the majority of the population, and thus the workforce, clears out during the winter, and year-round living becomes a challenge. A common complaint about Provincetown is that they need more year-round workers, but the city is simply too expensive to afford on a service workers budget. Essentially, Provincetown is easiest to move to if money is not an object for you.


It Ain't Cheap

Worst Thing About Living in Provincetown

Provincetown’s history as a safe harbor for queer Americans is long-standing and noteworthy. It is an incredibly popular spot for both individuals and families to visit and for those who can afford it, relocate full-time. It boasts a Pride Parade every year, with options for adults and children alike. Artists often flock to Provincetown for the colorful and creative atmosphere, with art festivals and expos among those most popular local events. And of course, fishermen do well in Provincetown thanks to the natural deepwater harbor, with the long history of Portuguese immigrants forming a large part of the workforce. That said, it is often difficult to find full-time, year-round work due to many of the jobs being in the tourism and hospitality industries being less active during Winter months. The median age of Provincetown is also on the higher side at 57, something to note before you relocate.


Lifestyle of Provincetown

K-8 students are serviced by [Provincetown’s International Baccalaureate](https://www.provincetownschools.com/) school. Provincetown High School closed in 2010 due to declining enrollment. Since then, high school aged residents have been redistricted to [**Nauset Regional High School**](https://www.nausetschools.org/HS). Other options in the area include [Sturgis Charter Public School](https://www.sturgischarterschool.com/) and [**Cape Cod Regional Technical High School**](https://www.capetech.us/). Due to the relatively low population of minors in Provincetown, families should give some thought to their children’s educational needs before relocating.


Schools of Provincetown

If you are an artist, a fisherman, a retiree, or well-off member of the LGBTQ community with an affinity for the beach and the arts, as well as a high tolerance for the cold, Provincetown may just be the place for you. Being a work-from-homer certainly helps given the limited job market here. 


Beach Time for WFH'ers

Why Should I Move to Provincetown Right Now?

One of the largest parts of Provincetown, the Historic District represents the soul of the city. Home to the Chamber of Commerce, McMillan Pier, and the Marina, it provides a good look into how Provincetown relates to the nearby ocean while serving as a transportation hub and launching point for whale watches. It is also home to the First Universalist Church, the town library, and the post office. With an emphasis on Georgian, Federal, and mid-19th Century Revival Architecture, the median price list for a house is $1,599,000, so be prepared to break out the checkbook before moving to this stunning piece of living history and community. 


DINKs/SINKs

Historic District

A scenic locale right by the water, Standish Street forms a lovely and vintage-themed part of town. The famous Art’s Dune Tours is located on Standish Street, which offers a beautiful and all natural look at the environment that makes Cape Cod so desirable. The average age on Standish Street is 53, making it perfect for older residents looking to settle down and embrace the quiet life in clear view of nature. Average property value on Standish Street is $462,000, and average income level is $43,000 approximately, making it one of the more affordable streets for potential full-time residents. 


Standish Street

Commercial Street forms the central vein of Provincetown. Filled with retail outlets, hotels, galleries, and cafes, Commercial Street is easily the most tourist-oriented part of town, and living there will offer no shortage of fun activities. That said, it is costly. Median price for a home on Commercial Street is $1,650,000, due to both exclusivity of housing options and its relative proximity to the water. 


Commercial Street

East End forms a major part of life in Provincetown. It is home to the famous [**East End Market**](https://www.eastendmarketplace.com/), the [**East End Playground**](https://www.provincetown-ma.gov/1295/East-End-Mildred-Greensfelder-Playground), and [**East End Books**](https://www.eastendbooksptown.com/). It houses many of the city’s most famous areas, but on the whole is well-known for being a posh and desirable section of town. The median list price for homes in the East End is $1,650,000. Many of the most desirable beach houses in Provincetown are situated squarely in this neighborhood.


Families/DINKs

East End

Situated in plain view of the Pilgrim Monument, Bradford Street is an excellent example of historic Provincetown. With its roots deep in the city’s past and always open to welcoming newcomers, Bradford Street is popular among residents. It boasts a plethora of single family housing options and condominiums. Purchasing options for homes often reach or exceed one million dollars, however, so be prepared to spend a lot of money if you want to live here.


Families/DINKs/SINKs

Bradford Street

Provincetown

**Provincetown: An eccentric's sanctuary**

**Living in Provincetown**

There is a substantial difference between the two.

Provincetown: small beach community. Crowded in the summer. Deserted in the winter. Population is fishermen, artists, gays. A lot of the town closes down in the winter. In Provincetown, you are on the very tip of the cape. Provincetown is also a very expensive place to buy property.

Providence, RI is a small New England city with some world class schools - Brown, RISD. It is a much more urban environment. It has some poor neighborhoods. Homes are often old, quirky, colonial. Property is more affordable but be careful of the neighborhood. It has a thriving restaurant and bar scene. It also has a distinct old money/Ivy League feel.

**Provincetown general living quality?**

**I’ve been looking for nice lgbt+ places to live in due to my toxic living situation atm. And from the general looks of it, it seems like the perfect place to live. Small town, LGBT friendly, great summer weather. But what I’m mostly worried about is how is the living situation there? Is the jobs there good? Is housing livable but also affordable? I just want to know as much as I can before making such a big decision. I also appreciate any advice you can give!**

Answer 1
housing prices on cape are through the roof especially during the summer. the summer weather is good only if you dont mind high humidity. jobs pay well but the cost to live is so high its not affordable for most people. landscaping and cape cod healthcare employ most people on cape.

Answer 2
It's a wonderful place to live but has become a very expensive place to live. Nearly impossible to find rentals and prices are high. Jobs are plentiful May-October but scarce off-season. Food, gas, most everything is more expensive than mainland as it's an end-of-the-road seasonal economy.

Provincetown, Rhode Island

P-Town

Looklyloo Score: 90

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What's it like to live in Provincetown?