Cape Cod

More permanent residents who want to live in this naturally beautiful seaside paradise year-round.

Welcome to Cape Cod

Famed Massachusetts peninsula home to world-class beaches, fresh-from-the-sea seafood, gorgeous seascapes, and many distinct seaside towns and fishing villages

Cape Cod is a world-famous destination renowned for its beautiful seascapes, charming seaside villages, fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, historic lighthouses, and unique Cape Cod-style architecture. Once considered a vacation destination, throughout the past few years, Cape Cod has seen a migration of more permanent residents who want to live in this naturally beautiful seaside paradise year-round.

Initially home to the native Wampanoag people before being settled by the pilgrims in 1620 on Plymouth across from the Cape Cod Bay, Cape Cod has a distinctive sense of culture that extends among its 15 diverse towns split among the Upper Cape, Mid-Cape, Outer Cape, and Lower Cape. The peninsula is known for its odd hook shape that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by nearby islands, such as the affluent and wealthy Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

Given the peninsula’s rich history and cultural heritage, it’s no surprise that Cape Cod has blossomed into a flourishing lifestyle destination and hotspot for tourism. As technology improved in the 19th century, traveling to and from Cape Cod became even more accessible. Three canal bridges were constructed to make the Cape more accessible from neighboring cities like Boston and Providence, Rhode Island.

Characterized by its resorts, windswept coastlines, dramatic views of the ocean, and maritime character, Cape Cod is an incredible place to live with plenty of things to do and places to explore.

What to Love

• The freshest seafood you’ll ever eat and hundreds of acclaimed restaurants
• Unique and historic maritime history and character along with charming fishing villages and seaside towns
• Incredible recreational opportunities at world-class beaches where you can go whale-watching or take long walks along the shore paths

People & Lifestyle

Apart from being a gorgeous region alongside the water, Cape Cod is also a friendly place to live with weather that is genuinely unique to the region. Despite being in New England, Cape Cod is known for having moderate summers cooled by the sea breeze and milder winter climates thanks to its status as a barrier island that benefits from the cooling and warming waters.

Anyone planning to move here will also have the choice of choosing from one of the distinct towns and villages, each with its own personality and lifestyle. You can choose to live closer to public facilities and amenities, or if you prefer a more secluded landscape, there are plenty of homes in the rural areas.

Housing options vary depending on your budget and preference. Luxury buyers might opt for a spacious estate with private beach access and ocean views. But there are also many homes further inland that are more affordable. The Cape is known for its distinctive architecture, reminiscent of the 20th century and constructed in the signature Cape-style cottage or ranch home.

Things to Do

There is plenty to do on the Cape, whether you’re more of a creative or outdoorsy type, Cape Cod boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world alongside incredible artists’ colonies and creative retreats. It is considered one of the top 25 artist destinations in the world and is brimming with galleries, museums, and art studios.

From whale-watching and windsurfing to scenic hiking trails and world-class bike paths like the Shining Sea, there is never a shortage of places to explore outdoors. Besides being a creative enclave, Cape Cod is also a top-ranked region for its beaches, such as the national park––the Cape Cod National Seashore — and golfing accommodations. Because it is a warmer region (by New England standards) you can explore the dramatic coastlines and enjoy boating, biking, and hiking year-round. Take a walk along the beach to see the vast assortment of marine wildlife, including whales and seals.

Cape Cod is also renowned for its many lighthouses, which come in all shapes and colors and are scattered across the peninsula to accommodate its odd shape.

The Cape Cod cranberry bogs are intrinsic to the area’s DNA as Massachusetts is one of four major cranberry-growing regions in the country and is responsible for half of the U.S. production. Unlike most fruits, cranberries do not grow in trees, but on trailing vines among the wetlands layered by sand and sediments.

There are many cranberry bog tours throughout the Cape for those interested in seeing them and learning more about the overall process. Annie’s Crannies and the Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tour are two of the more popular tours.

Schools

Most Cape Cod towns have their own public school districts. There are a wide variety of private schools throughout Cape Cod, including Cape Cod Academy. Cape Cod is also home to three institutions for higher education: Cape Cod Community College, Bridgewater State University, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy.