Brewster is a somewhat small coastal town (i.e. on the ocean, a bay, or inlet) located in the state of Massachusetts. With a population of 10,444 people and two associated neighborhoods, Brewster is the 180th largest community in Massachusetts.
Housing costs in Brewster are among some of the highest in the nation, although real estate prices here don't compare to real estate prices in the most expensive communities in Massachusetts.
One interesting thing about the economy is that relatively large numbers of people worked from their home: 11.33% of the workforce. While this number may seem small overall, as a fraction of the total workforce this is high compared to the rest of the county. These workers are often telecommuters who work in knowledge-based, white-collar professions. For example, Silicon Valley has large numbers of people who telecommute. Other at-home workers may be self-employed people who operate small businesses out of their homes.
Another notable thing is that Brewster is a major vacation destination. Much of the town’s population is seasonal: many people own second homes and only live there part-time, during the vacation season. The effect on the local economy is that many of the businesses are dependent on tourist dollars, and may operate only during the high season. As the vacation season ends, Brewster’s population drops significantly, such that year-round residents will notice that the city is a much quieter place to live.
Brewster is a good choice for families with children because of several factors. Many other families with children live here, making it a place where both parents and children are more likely to develop social ties with other families. The town’s good public school district and large population of college-educated adults provide an environment conducive to academic success. Many people own their own single-family homes, providing areas for children to play and stability in the community. Finally, Brewster’s overall crime rate is lower than average for the country.
One of the nice things about Brewster is that it is nautical, which means that parts of it are somewhat historic and touch the ocean or tidal bodies of water, such as inlets and bays. Because of this, visitors and locals will often go to these areas to take in the scenery or to enjoy waterfront activities.
Brewster is one of the most well-educated cities in the nation. 48.87% of adults in Brewster have at least a bachelor's degree. Compare that to the average community in America, which has just 21.84% with a bachelor's degree or higher.
The per capita income in Brewster in 2022 was $61,105, which is upper middle income relative to Massachusetts, and wealthy relative to the rest of the US. This equates to an annual income of $244,420 for a family of four.
The people who call Brewster home describe themselves as belonging to a variety of racial and ethnic groups. The greatest number of Brewster residents report their race to be White, followed by Black or African-American. Important ancestries of people in Brewster include Irish, English, German, Italian, and Polish.
The most common language spoken in Brewster is English. Other important languages spoken here include Polish and Spanish.