Are coastal charm and natural beauty calling your name? While it’s always fun to visit Cape Cod on a Cape Cod vacation, living in one of the amazing Cape Cod towns is a dream come true. Known for its gorgeous views of Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod is dotted with picturesque towns, each with its own personality and perks.
From the welcoming atmosphere of Sandwich to the vibrant arts scene in Provincetown, to the ferry ports that lead you to places like Martha’s Vineyard, the best towns in Cape Cod offer a wide range of lifestyles and communities for newcomers.
In this guide, we’re diving into the best towns in Cape Cod to help you decide which spot is right for you. Whether you are drawn to seaside living or outdoor adventures on the Cape Cod National Seashore, there’s something here for everyone. So, let’s explore the best places in Cape Cod to call home.
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Eastham | One of the Safest Cape Cod Towns
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Eastham, one of the best towns in Cape Cod Massachusetts is a laid-back spot on the Outer Cape that offers both natural beauty and coastal fun. Known for its beautiful coastline, Eastham is home to Coast Guard Beach, one of the most famous Atlantic Ocean beaches in Cape Cod. A short drive away, you’ll find Nauset Beach, another one of Cape Cod’s most famous beaches.
Eastham is also one of the best towns in Cape Cod in terms of safety. This cozy town has a crime rate that is well below both the state and national averages. Here, you’ll find quiet, safe streets popular among young families with children.
- Population: 5,724
- Median rent: $2,500
- Average home price: $881,000
- Eastham crime: 707 crimes per 100,000 people (49.2% lower than state average and 69.6% lower than national average)
Mashpee | One of the Best Cape Cod Towns to Live in Year-Round
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Mashpee is one of the best towns in Cape Cod for year-round living, especially if you want to enjoy Cape life with a bit more comfort in the winter. Located on the Upper Cape, Mashpee has milder winters than the Outer Cape, making it an ideal spot to settle down. It’s about 70 miles from Boston, so you can enjoy city trips while living by the coast.
Mashpee is packed with things to do, from exploring the Mashpee Commons shopping area with its charming boutiques to unwinding at South Cape Beach, where you’ll find amazing views of Nantucket Sound. This area is also home to fantastic schools, including Mashpee High School and Quashnet School. If you’re looking for private education options, then Falmouth Academy and St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School are both a short drive away.
- Population: 15,144
- Median rent: $2,488
- Average home price: $700,000
- Mashpee crime: 788 crimes per 100,000 people (43.4% lower than state average and 66.1% lower than national average)
Harwich | Lower Cape Town Popular Among Retirees
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Harwich, one of the best towns in Cape Cod, is a favorite for retirees, with around 49% of residents over the age of 60 and an average household size of 2.2 persons. Situated on the Lower Cape, Harwich offers a relaxed, nature-filled lifestyle perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs right through town, providing scenic biking and walking paths. Harwich is also considered to be one of the best beach towns in Cape Cod and is home to places like Bank Street Beach, Red River Beach, and Uncle Venies Roadhead Beach.
- Population: 13,440
- Median rent: $3,000
- Average home price: $868,000
- Harwich crime: 799 crimes per 100,000 people (42.6% lower than state average and 65.6% lower than national average)
Sandwich | Pleasant and Affordable Upper Cape Town
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When it comes to the best towns in Cape Cod, you can’t skip out on Sandwich. As the oldest town on Cape Cod, Sandwich greets visitors as they enter the Cape and then bids them farewell as they leave.
With a median household income of $121,038 (higher than the state average of $96,505), it’s one of the more affluent Cape Cod towns. However, it remains surprisingly affordable, with an average home price of $633,000 – down 13.9% from last year. When living in the area, you can head over to the Cape Cod Canal for a bike ride or a walk, or check out top spots like the Sandwich Glass Museum or the Scusset Beach State Reservation.
- Population: 20,419
- Median rent: $2,575
- Average home price: $633,000
- Sandwich crime: 500 crimes per 100,000 people (64.1% lower than state average and 78.5% lower than national average)
Dennis | One of the Best Towns in Cape Cod
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Dennis is one of the best towns in Cape Cod and is a charming Mid Cape resort town with gorgeous mansions overlooking Cape Cod Bay to the north and the Nantucket Sound to the south. The town is made up of five villages: Dennis Village, Dennis Port, East Dennis, South Dennis, and West Dennis.
Dennis Village has a lively downtown area with cozy shops, art galleries, and fantastic restaurants like Scargo Cafe for New England dining and The Mercantile for casual dishes. For some outdoor fun, you can head over to Mayflower Beach or West Dennis Beach, both great for windsurfing and sunbathing.
- Population: 14,742
- Median rent: $2,200
- Average home price: $783,000
- Dennis crime: 1,395 crimes per 100,000 people (0.2% higher than state average and 40.0% lower than national average)
Provincetown | The of the Best Town in Cape Cod for Nightlife and Young Adults
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Provincetown is one of the best towns in Cape Cod for young adults, offering busy summers and a cozy, close-knit community in winter. Though it’s one of Cape Cod’s most expensive towns, with a median home price of $1.6 million, this Outer Cape town has a unique charm that draws in residents and visitors alike. While summer brings a crowd of up to 60,000, only about 3,500 locals stay year-round, enjoying a quieter, artistic vibe.
Residents here love exploring Race Point Beach and the natural beauty of Cape Cod Bay. Commercial Street, within walking distance for most, is the heart of town and is filled with art galleries, nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes. In winter, the nightlife may slow, but cozy spots and local gatherings will keep you busy.
- Population: 3,433
- Median rent: $2,642
- Average home price: $1.6 million
- Provincetown crime: 954 crimes per 100,000 people (31.5% lower than state average and 59.0% lower than national average)
Orleans | One of the Best Towns in Cape Cod for Homeowners
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When it comes to the best towns in Cape Cod, you can’t skip out on Orleans. This gem on the Lower Cape is especially popular among retirees, with a median age of 63.2. Despite recent home price increases, Orleans remains one of the best places in Cape Cod for residents looking for affordable housing, with a median home price of $620,000. As the best town to buy a house in Cape Cod, you’ll find a variety of spacious single-family homes, many over 1,200 square feet.
Orleans is perfect for leisurely activities, including some of the best mini golf on the Cape at Cape Escape Adventure Golf. You’ll also find plenty of scenic beaches, small shops, and nature trails.
- Population: 6,322
- Median rent: $2,500
- Average home price: $620,000
- Orleans crime: 901 crimes per 100,000 people (35.3% lower than state average and 61.2% lower than national average)
Falmouth | One of the Best Towns in Cape Cod for Shopping
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Falmouth, one of the best towns in Cape Cod, offers something for everyone. The Main Street area is packed with several shops, boutiques, and restaurants, making it one of the best shopping towns in Cape Cod. Popular spots include The Pink Polka Dot, The Wharf Restaurant and Bar, and the Black Dog General Store.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in the area, visit Woods Hole for the famous Woods Hole Science Aquarium or take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Falmouth has some of the best beaches among all of the Cape Cod towns, such as Old Silver Beach and Megansett Beach.
- Population: 32,694
- Median rent: $3,244
- Average home price: $703,000
- Falmouth crime: 1,048 crimes per 100,000 people (24.7% lower than state average and 54.9% lower than national average)
Truro | Fantastic Outer Cape Town With Large Mansions
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Truro is one of the best towns in Cape Cod and is situated on the Outer Cape. It is one of the most expensive Cape Cod towns and boasts a median home price of $2.4 million, featuring stunning beachside mansions overlooking the water. With around 50% of its residents aged 65 and over, it’s a popular spot for retirees.
Truro offers access to some of the best places in Cape Cod, including the amazing Cape Cod National Seashore. You can also enjoy hiking trails, pristine beaches like Corn Hill Beach, and local vineyards, making Truro a wonderful retreat for those looking for relaxation.
- Population: 1,627
- Median rent: $2,819
- Average home price: $2.4 million
- Truro crime: 591 crimes per 100,000 people (57.5% lower than state average and 74.6% lower than national average)
Barnstable | One of the Best Towns in Cape Cod for Families
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As one of the best towns in Cape Cod, Barnstable is a popular spot among families. This Mid Cape town is home to several good schools, including Barnstable High School, Barnstable Intermediate School, and Hyannis West Elementary School.
Families can also enjoy the beautiful beaches along Cape Cod Bay, like Craigville Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The Hyannis Village area features shopping, dining, and the Cape Cod Museum of Art. Barnstable is easily one of the best Cape Cod towns for families seeking both fun and a strong community feel.
- Population: 48,922
- Median rent: $2,700
- Average home price: $745,000
- Barnstable crime: 1,257 crimes per 100,000 people (9.7% lower than state average and 45.9% lower than national average)
Map of Best Towns in Cape Cod
Check out this map of the best towns in Cape Cod.
If you’re looking for a relaxed lifestyle, then a Cape Cod getaway may just be perfect for you. Cape Cod offers beautiful beaches, amazing real estate, and a welcoming atmosphere. No matter where you choose to live, Vanguard Moving Services is here to help. Give our reliable Cape Cod movers a call today at (508) 790-9188 to get started with a free quote.
