The Town of Barnstable includes seven villages within its boundaries. Each village has unique and significant cultural and historical qualities. Centerville, located on the south side, is primarily residential, includes the Christian Camp Meeting Association and has a beautiful beach. Osterville is located on the south side, is primarily residential and includes inlets and harbors for fishing and boating.

Hyannis is the town's central business/commercial district which includes town offices and several shopping malls. Hyannis is also a fishing village and its harbor provides steamship access to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Islands. Marstons Mills is primarily residential and is located on Route 28. Cotuit is a village located on a peninsula on the south side, is primarily residential and has several small beaches. West Barnstable is located on the north side, is primarily residential and sparsely populated. Barnstable is located on the north side which houses the County Complex and has a working harbor and several small beaches.