Orleans Massachusetts Map

About Orleans, Massachusetts

Orleans is a locality in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. It has a population of approximately 6,200. The population density is 155.0 people per km². Orleans is located at 41.7898°N, 69.9897°W. It observes the Eastern Time (America/New_York) timezone. ZIP code: 2653.

Orleans, Massachusetts, unfolds across the outer reaches of Cape Cod, a place where the land gently slopes towards the sea. It lies 5.2 miles east-northeast of Brewster, MA (from Brewster, MA: bearing 67°T), and is situated 8.2 miles east of Cape Cod. Its geography is a study in contrasts, featuring the broad, sweeping expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the calmer waters of Cape Cod Bay to the west, with the iconic Nauset Beach offering a bracing encounter with the surf. Inland, freshwater kettle ponds, remnants of glacial artistry, dot the landscape, reflecting the sky in their clear depths, while the subtle, sandy terrain supports a hardy array of coastal flora. The air here carries a distinct tang of salt and pine, a scent that mingles and shifts with the sea breeze, creating an atmosphere both invigorating and profoundly peaceful. The history of Orleans is deeply intertwined with maritime pursuits and the rugged independence of its early settlers. Originally settled in the late 17th century and incorporated in 1797, it was a vital hub for fishing and whaling, its harbor a busy scene of returning vessels and bustling commerce. Later, the construction of the Cape Cod Canal, a significant engineering feat, further cemented Orleans's role as a gateway, though it also altered the natural flow of trade and water. Today, while remnants of its fishing heritage persist, the local economy thrives on tourism, drawing visitors to its shores year-round, and a vibrant array of small businesses catering to both residents and travelers. The light often catches the weathered shingles of older buildings, hinting at the generations who have made their livelihood from the sea and the land. The cultural character of Orleans is marked by a quiet resilience and a deep appreciation for its natural beauty, a spirit fostered by the rhythm of the tides and the changing seasons. The iconic Orleans Windmill, standing sentinel on a hill, serves as a beloved landmark, a symbol of the town's enduring connection to its past. The Cape Cinema, with its distinctive star-studded ceiling, offers a touch of old-world glamour, while the vibrant summer calendar is punctuated by local arts festivals and the lively atmosphere of the Orleans Farmers Market. Though no globally renowned figures call Orleans their primary residence, the town has attracted a community of artists, writers, and thinkers who contribute to its intellectual and creative pulse, drawn by the serene, yet stimulating, environment.

About This Orleans Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Orleans, Massachusetts — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 41.789831, -69.98974. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Orleans and Barnstable County.

Detailed location data for Orleans includes the ZIP code (02653), telephone area code (339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, 978), county seat of Barnstable County (Barnstable), and school district assignment (Nauset School District). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Orleans is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.