Dreaming of coastal charm, sandy beaches, and all the things to do in Cape Cod, but not quite ready to deal with the steep home prices and summertime crowds? While the towns in Cape Cod are undeniably beautiful, living just outside the Cape can offer the best of both worlds: easier access to daily amenities, more affordable housing, and a much calmer pace when tourist season rolls around.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best cities near Cape Cod and highlight what makes them great places to live, work, or just enjoy weekend adventures. Whether you’re house-hunting or simply curious about cities near Cape Cod Massachusetts, you might just find the perfect spot right next door.
Table of Contents
Largest Cities Near Cape Cod
There are plenty of large cities near Cape Cod that are perfect for enjoying big city amenities and coastal living all at once. Below are just a few of the largest cities near Cape Cod, with a population of over 20,000. Living in one of these cities will give you easy access to the area’s top attractions while still steering clear of the Cape if you wish.
Wareham | 26.9 Miles From Cape Cod
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Wareham is one of the best cities near Cape Cod Massachusetts, and is nicknamed “The Gateway to the Cape.” This town offers the best of both worlds and is in the southern outskirts of Greater Boston and also a part of the South Coast region. In recent years, Wareham has tried to establish itself as its own destination rather than as a conduit to somewhere else.
Wareham is one of the best cities near Cape Cod for nature lovers, and you’ll find amazing attractions like Mass Audubon’s Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Wareham Crossing, and Water Wizz of Cape Cod in the town.
- Population: 23,278
- County: Plymouth County
- Median home price: $485,000
- Crime: 1,308 crimes per 100,000 people (6.0% lower than state average and 43.7% lower than national average)
Middleborough | 42.9 Miles From Cape Cod
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When looking for the best cities near Cape Cod, you can’t skip out on Middleborough. This cozy town is nicknamed the “Cranberry Capital of the World,” with nearly 1,400 acres of the town being used to grow the crop. As one of the safest towns close to Cape Cod, Middleborough has a crime rate that is 10.1% lower than the state average and 46.2% lower than the national average.
Middleborough is the second largest municipality by land area in Massachusetts, and homeowners have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy their privacy. The median home price in Middleborough is $600,000, which is up 44.1% compared to last year. This is the perfect spot for those looking to build their own homes due to the abundance of land.
- Population: 24,730
- County: Plymouth County
- Median home price: $600,000
- 1,251 crimes per 100,000 people (10.1% lower than state average and 46.2% lower than national average)
Taunton | 50.9 Miles From Cape Cod
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Taunton is the county seat of Bristol County and one of the most popular cities near Cape Cod. This is one of the oldest towns in the country and was a historic center of the silver industry in the 19th century. Taunton is also nicknamed “Christmas City” due to the large annual light display each December on Taunton Green.
This area is very popular among families due to the strong school system in the area. Taunton has nine public elementary schools, three public middle schools, and three public high schools. The area is also home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River.
- Population: 60,412
- County: Bristol County
- Median home price: $450,000
- Crime: 1,399 crimes per 100,000 people (0.5% higher than state average and 39.8% lower than national average)
Bridgewater | 50.9 Miles From Cape Cod
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Bridgewater is one of the best cities near Cape Cod. In addition to being just 50.9 miles from Cape Cod, Bridgewater is also 25 miles south of Boston and 35 miles east of Providence. Because it’s within commuting distance of Boston, this is a great option for those who work for top employers in the big city, like Massachusetts General Hospital and Gillette.
Additionally, it’s a wonderful place to live for those who attend top-rated universities like Harvard University and Boston University. There are plenty of amazing things to do in Bridgewater. If you love nature, then Bridgewater Iron Works Park and the Stiles & Hart Conservation Area are must-visits. If you’re living in the area with kids, then make sure you check out the Fun Factory.
- Population: 29,023
- County: Plymouth County
- Median home price: $587,000
- Crime: 1,032 crimes per 100,000 people (25.9% lower than state average and 55.6% lower than national average)
Braintree | 57.1 Miles From Cape Cod
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If you’re looking for cities near Cape Cod that also give you easy access to Boston, then check out Braintree. Braintree is a part of the Greater Boston area and also comes with easy access to the MBTA Red Line. Braintree is a popular place to live for retirees who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while still enjoying easy access to both Boston and Cape Cod. The area is home to Braintree Municipal Golf Course, which provides a championship golf course, golf lessons, and more.
- Population: 38,100
- County: Norfolk County
- Median home price: $625,000
- Crime: 1,540 crimes per 100,000 people (10.6% higher than state average and 33.7% lower than national average)
Fall River | 58 Miles From Cape Cod
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Fall River is one of the most popular cities near Cape Cod and is the tenth-largest city in Massachusetts. The area is known for its Portuguese culture, numerous 19th-century textile mills, and Battleship Cove, home of the world’s largest collection of World War II naval vessels. Fall River is located along the Taunton River, which provides plenty of opportunities for spending time outdoors all year round.
The city is home to the Copicut Wildlife Management Area, which is a rugged wildlife park where you can connect with nature. Fall River is popular among renters, with plenty of fabulous apartment complexes like Royal Crest Estates, President Village, and Cornell Mill Lofts.
- Population: 93,840
- County: Bristol County
- Median home price: $480,000
- Crime: 2,223 crimes per 100,000 people (59.7% higher than state average and 4.4% lower than national average)
Brockton | 61.2 Miles From Cape Cod
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When it comes to cities near Cape Cod, Brockton should be at the top of your list. Brockton is one of the two county seats in Plymouth County and is the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts. Brockton is nicknamed “City of Champions,” due to the success of native boxers Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler.
Brockton is a hotspot for shopping and is home to the popular Westgate Mall. It’s also home to several amazing museums, such as the Fuller Craft Museum and the Brockton Fire Museum.
- Population: 104,890
- County: Plymouth County
- Median home price: $475,000
- Crime: 2,376 crimes per 100,000 people (70.7% higher than state average and 2.2% higher than national average)
Other Cities Close to Cape Cod
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Would you rather explore smaller cities near Cape Cod? There are plenty of medium-sized cities that will provide you with a great mix of city and rural life. All of these cities near Cape Cod have a population between 5,900 and 12,000.
Nantucket is one of the most popular cities near Cape Cod and is accessible via boat from Cape Cod. It is an island paradise and is famous for its gorgeous beaches, cobblestone streets, and historic luxury homes. Nantucket gets busy during the summer season, so it could be a place to avoid if you are looking for a more secluded lifestyle. Plymouth is another popular option and offers up attractions like Brewster Gardens, Plymouth Rock, and the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The median home price here is $613,000, which is up 5.6% from last year.
Cities & Towns Near Cape Cod MA
These are a few other cities near Cape Cod.
| Cities & Towns Near Cape Cod MA (5,900-12,000 Population) | County | Population | Distance From Cape Cod |
| Rochester | Plymouth County | 5,985 | 39.3 miles |
| Plymouth | Plymouth County | 7,688 | 31.8 miles |
| Acushnet | Bristol County | 10,559 | 42.9 miles |
| Nantucket | Nantucket County | 10,837 | 30.1 miles |
| South Carver | Plymouth County | 11,645 | 35.2 miles |
Map of Cities Near Cape Cod Massachusetts
Explore this map of cities near Cape Cod Massachusetts.
Small Cities and Towns Around Cape Cod MA
There are plenty of smaller cities near Cape Cod where you can enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. One of the smallest communities is White Horse Beach, which has a population of only 93. This village is very private, and the beach is mostly reserved for residents of the area. In this community, you’ll find spacious waterfront homes that offer that quintessential New England beach lifestyle.
Marion MA is another popular town near Cape Cod, with a population of just over 5,000. This area is popular among families, and is home to Tabor Academy, a prestigious private school serving grades 9 through 12.
These are small cities near Cape Cod MA with a population under 5,500.
| City (Under 5,500 Population) | County | Population | Distance From Cape Cod |
| White Horse Beach | Plymouth County | 93 | 28.5 miles |
| Manomet | Plymouth County | 1,732 | 26.9 miles |
| Ellisville | Plymouth County | 4,448 | 20.8 miles |
| The Pinehills | Plymouth County | 4,988 | 24.8 miles |
| Marion | Plymouth County | 5,347 | 36.1 miles |
Major Cities Near Cape Cod
If you’re living in one of the cities near Cape Cod and have explored all the towns in Cape Cod itself, then you can venture outward to other major cities. When living in this area, you’ll be in the perfect position to enjoy a day or weekend trip to Boston MA or Providence RI. If you want to head a little further, Cape Cod is only 253 miles from New York City, which feels like an entirely different world. These are the cities closest to Cape Cod with a population over 100,000.
Major Cities Near Cape Cod Massachusetts
These are the major cities near Cape Cod Massachusetts.
| Cities | Population | Distance From Cape Cod |
| Boston MA | 653,833 | 69.0 miles |
| Providence RI | 190,792 | 74.7 miles |
| Worcester MA | 207,621 | 105 miles |
| Albany NY | 101,228 | 227 miles |
| New York NY | 8.258 million | 253 miles |
| Philadelphia PA | 1.551 million | 345 miles |
| Baltimore MD | 565,239 | 443 miles |
Cape Cod Cities FAQ
What Is the Closest City to Cape Cod MA?
Out of all the cities near Cape Cod, Wareham is the closest. Wareham is 26.9 miles from Cape Cod.
What Towns Are in Cape Cod?
In addition to these towns near Cape Cod, there are plenty of towns and cities in Cape Cod to explore, like Provincetown, Barnstable, and Yarmouth.
What Are the Major Cities Near Cape Cod?
The major cities near Cape Cod include Boston MA, Providence RI, Worcester MA, Albany NY, New York NY, Philadelphia PA, and Baltimore MD.
Ready to Move to One of These Cities Near Cape Cod Massachusetts?
Is one of these cities near Cape Cod Massachusetts calling your name? Any one of these cities near Cape Cod would be a great place to settle down and start your new life. If you are moving to the area, then let the Cape Cod movers at Vanguard Moving Services help you.
Our team is ready to make your life easier before, during, and after moving day. Give our experienced crew a call today at (508) 790-9188.
