At a glance
| Region | Mid Cape, between Yarmouth (across Bass River) and Brewster/Harwich |
|---|---|
| Villages | Dennis (Dennis Village), East Dennis, South Dennis, West Dennis, Dennis Port |
| Year-round population | 14,674 in the 2020 Census. The July 2025 Census estimate is 14,906 (U.S. Census QuickFacts). |
| Tax rate (residential) | FY2025: $4.33 per $1,000, a single rate for all classes (MMA community profile, DLS data). Confirm the FY2026 rate with Dennis Assessing. |
| Residential exemption | Confirm with town assessor (Dennis Assessing) |
| Public water supplier(s) | Dennis Water District (an independent district). Confirm service for any parcel. Some properties use private wells. |
| Sewer status | Phase 1 is underway: a new treatment and recharge facility, a sewer "spine" through the Route 28 commercial district, and residential extensions near Bass River and along Route 134. The rest of town is on septic. |
| Nitrogen / watershed permit | Bass River, Swan Pond River and other south-side estuaries are the focus of the town's wastewater plan. Confirm NSA and watershed permit status with the town. Background: septic & sewer guide. |
| School district | Dennis-Yarmouth Regional (DESE district profile) |
| Town website | town.dennis.ma.us |
Villages & areas
Dennis covers about 21 square miles. Route 6A runs through the north-side villages, Route 28 along the south, and Route 134 connects the two across Route 6.
Dennis Village and East Dennis (north side)
These villages sit on Route 6A in the Old King's Highway regional historic district. Landmarks include Scargo Lake and Scargo Tower, the Cape Playhouse and Cape Cinema complex, and bay beaches such as Corporation, Mayflower and Chapin. Sesuit Harbor in East Dennis is the north-side harbor, with a town marina and boatyards. Housing includes antique homes on 6A, bay-side cottages and newer single-family homes on wooded lots. Exterior changes visible from a public way go through historic district review.
South Dennis
South Dennis is the interior village along Route 134 and the east bank of Bass River. It has a historic district around the old village center and access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which starts in Dennis. Housing is mostly single-family, from antiques to mid-century and newer homes.
West Dennis and Dennis Port (south side)
West Dennis sits between Bass River and the Swan Pond River and includes the long West Dennis Beach on Nantucket Sound. Dennis Port runs east to the Harwich line along Route 28 and Lower County Road, with a small commercial center and many beach cottages and condos. Housing on the south side includes seasonal-style cottages, condos, year-round Capes and ranches, and waterfront homes on the rivers and the Sound.
Septic & Sewer
Dennis has historically been almost entirely on septic, so expect a Title 5 inspection for most sales. Phase 1 of the town's Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan is the first big change. It includes a new Water Resource Recovery Facility and recharge site, a sewer spine to the Route 28 commercial planning district, and residential sewer extensions in neighborhoods next to Bass River and in East-West Dennis along Route 134. It's financed in part by a $50 million state Clean Water SRF loan (MassDEP SRF project descriptions).
- If the property is in the south-side Phase 1 area, ask the town about the connection schedule and any betterment or assessment.
- On small lots near the beaches, ask whether septic replacement would need variances or an I/A system.
- Ask the Board of Health for the septic file before your inspection.
Start at the town website and read our septic, sewer & nitrogen guide.
Water, Flood & Environment
Water: The Dennis Water District is an independent district that supplies most homes. Ask it for the latest Consumer Confidence Report and any PFAS results. Test any private well. See our water & flood guide.
Flood: The low-lying south shore (West Dennis Beach area, Dennis Port, Bass River and Swan Pond River) and the north-side marshes around Sesuit and Chapin include FEMA flood zones. Check any address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Ponds: Scargo Lake and other kettle ponds have town landings. Conservation Commission permits apply near wetlands and water.
Living here
- Beaches and stickers: Dennis has beaches on both the bay and the Sound. Resident beach and disposal area stickers are sold by the town. See the town website for current locations and fees.
- Transfer station: Confirm sticker rules with the town.
- Harbors and moorings: Sesuit Harbor (north) and Bass River and Swan Pond River (south) are managed by the town's harbormaster/natural resources staff. Ask about slip and mooring waitlists.
- Getting around: Route 6 (Route 134 interchange), Routes 6A, 28 and 134. The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs east toward the Outer Cape. CCRTA buses run along Route 28.
- Healthcare: Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis is the nearest hospital.
- Short-term rentals: Ask the town about local rules, and ask your attorney about state registration and tax requirements.
Official links
- Town of DennisMain town website (department directory) · Town of Dennis
- AssessingValues, parcel data, exemptions · Town of Dennis
- Board of HealthConfirm with town: septic files and Title 5 · Town of Dennis
- Building DepartmentConfirm with town: permits · Town of Dennis
- Natural Resources / HarbormasterConfirm with town: moorings, shellfish · Town of Dennis
- Conservation CommissionConfirm with town: wetlands permitting · Town of Dennis
- Veterans' ServicesConfirm with town: local VSO · Town of Dennis
- Town ClerkConfirm with town · Town of Dennis
- Dennis community profileGovernment form, area, tax data · Massachusetts Municipal Association
Questions about buying in Dennis?
Call or text Sherman at 508-534-3425 or send a message.