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Overview
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Brewster is an historic
sea captains' town located on the bay side of Cape Cod. Established in
1803, the town encompasses approximately twenty three square miles, including
over 325 acres of beach and marshlands, with 24 ponds larger than 10 acres
in size. Brewster has taken action to protect the town's historic character
by establishing sign codes and site plan review by-laws and is in the
process of updating its comprehensive plan. In 1985, the town took steps
to protect its open space and water quality by purchasing close to 700
acres of land. Currently, over one-third of Brewster's land has been retained
for conservation, open space, recreation and watershed protection. Consequently,
Brewster boasts award-winning drinking water and two nationally acclaimed
18-hole golf courses among other recreation sites.
Nickerson State Park
contains 400 acres of trails for biking and hiking, camping areas, and
freshwater ponds for swimming, fishing and boating. Brewster has over
15 bed and breakfast inns and over 30 art galleries, craft shops and antique
shops, most of which are along historic Route 6A, the old "King's Highway".
Brewster's current year-round population grows to about 20,000 in the
summer season as visitors come to sample the diversions of the town.
Brewster lies entirely
on the Cape's north side where the soil has more clay and rocks. There
is an excellent assortment of condominium complexes in all price ranges.
Taxes in Brewster are higher than in comparable Cape towns. (Narrative
in part courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community
Development.)
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