Guide to Moving to Cape Cod Tips And Resources

Are you thinking about moving to Cape Cod? Every year, thousands of tourists flock to Cape Cod to enjoy its lovely beaches, leading restaurants, quaint shops, breath-taking landscapes, and friendly atmosphere. Many visitors instantly fall in love with the area and dream about buying a vacation home to visit seasonally while others want to call the area home full-time. Calling Cape Cod home can quickly become a reality with a little planning. In this moving guide to Cape Cod, we will explore a few things to consider about relocating to the area.

Picking A Town in Cape Cod to Call Home

Many people consider Cape Cod a large community, but it is made up of numerous distinct towns. Many of the towns such as Bourne are also made up of villages such as Buzzards Bay, Pocasset, Gray Gables, Sagamore Beach, Cataumet, and Bourndale. Each one with its own landscapes, quirks, style, and history.

Cape Cod towns to call home:

• Bourne
• Orleans
• Falmouth
• Barnstable
• Sandwich
• Yarmouth
• Mashpee
• Dennis
• Chatham
• Brewster
• Harwich
• Truro
• Provincetown
• Eastham
• Wellfleet
• Nantucket
• Martha’s Vineyard

Understanding the Cape Cod Geography

Cape Cod measures about 70 miles long and is classified as a peninsula. The Cape Cod peninsula grows progressively thinner until it forms a hook near its outermost end. The Atlantic Ocean is in the east and north area. By Oceanside sits the Cape Cod National Seashore. The Bayside is home to the warm waters of the Kettle Ponds.

There are many local attractions drawing visitors worldwide, including the 14 lighthouses located on Cape Cod. Whales, seals and sharks frequent the water around the Cape and can be safely observed by taking one of the many tours and excursions offered throughout the islands. After moving to Cape Cod, many residents find they have an influx of house guests as everyone wants to visit the Cape!

Upper Cape

The Upper Cape is made up of Mashpee, Sandwich, Falmouth, and Bourne. The Sagamore Bridge will take you to Boston. The most popular town in the Upper Cape is Falmouth which is considered the gateway to both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.

Mid Cape

The Mid Cape is home to Yarmouth, Barnstable, and Dennis along with Osterville and Hyannis. Hyannis is a thriving metropolis and is a hot spot for shopping. Families seeking peace and quiet often choose Dennis.

Lower Cape

The lower Cape is in what is called the ‘elbow’ of Cape Cod. It sits in the southeastern part of the peninsula and is home to Orleans, Brewster, Chatham, and Harwich. Orleans is also a shopper’s mecca.

Outer Cape

The outer cape is the arm of the cape and is home to Provincetown, sometimes called the ‘fist’, which is a hub for art galleries and nightlife.  Truro often appeals to nature lovers. Wellfleet and Eastham are both very New England in style. From any of the towns on the Outer Cape, you’ll have easy access to the ocean and bay of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Consider the Offseason

Many tourists who make the decision to move to Cape Cod have only experienced the region during the height of summer when the weather is stunning, and the sun shines almost every day. However, winter is quite different. From January to May the weather is cold, often bone-chilling, and very unpredictable. The temperature can drop to 25 degrees Fahrenheit and will rarely top 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Different regions of Cape Cod experience varying levels of snow. In Hyannis, the snow in January usually averages 15 inches. Living in Cape Cod during the winter months will require a full cold-weather wardrobe complete with snow boots.

Home to Small Businesses

Cape Cod is well-known for its many locally run businesses. In fact, residents take immense pride in their robust local economy. Most employment in the area comes from small businesses. Nowadays there has also been a surge in residents who work remotely.

One thing to remember is that many jobs in Cape Cod are seasonal to meet the explosive tourist season. Steady, year-round employment that pays an acceptable salary is often difficult to gain. Many opt to commute to nearby Boston or Providence for work.

Education in Cape Cod

Cape Cod offers educational opportunities to those seeking a higher degree. At Cape Cod College you can attain an associate degree or certifications in areas of study. Bridgewater State University runs a Yarmouth satellite campus where students can gain an Undergraduate Degree, Graduate Degree, and more. The commute to local universities such as Bridgewater State University, UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, and Curry College are all doable either via the MBTA Commuter Rail or car.

Cost of Living

You are probably moving to Cape Cod to enjoy the beautiful landscape, stunning ocean views, and spacious houses. However, it’s not cheap to live on Cape Cod. Prime locations are more expensive so if you find a home with secluded beach access then you’ll pay a premium price for the luxury.

However, even with the high price tags on real estate in Cape Cod, most consider it more affordable than Boston’s wealthy suburbs.  Cape Cod homes located off the beaten path are usually more affordable and often very desirable for families seeking a laid-back lifestyle.

You should be ready to pay more for homeowner’s insurance because the area often suffers hurricane damage, but the area does boast more affordable property taxes which helps to offset the cost of insurance. Also, there is no sales tax on food and clothing items.

Cape Cod Crime Rate

Another benefit of moving to Cape Cod is the relatively low crime rate. Virtually all the towns and cities in Cape Cod have exceptionally low crime rates. The area is home to a strong police presence which has helped to lower the crime levels.  Security systems in the area are quite common since many of the homes sit vacant until tourist season arrives.

Moving to Cape Cod

Moving to Cape Cod is a dream come true for many. With outstanding opportunities, picturesque beaches, ample shopping, and a friendly atmosphere, Cape Cod offers a lot to anyone wishing to relocate to the area.