Cape Cod is well-known for its pristine beaches, picturesque coastal villages, dramatic landscapes, culinary spots that serve the freshest seafood, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
The region is a dream location for those seeking a laid-back coastal lifestyle centered around its natural beauty, especially the scenic beaches and ocean, with various outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and whale watching.
But like any other popular summer vacation destination, living in Cape Cod comes with its own advantages and challenges.
This article is a must-read for anyone who’s considering moving to Cape Cod, enumerating the pros and cons to help you decide if its coastal allure matches your lifestyle and long-term plans.
The Pros: Why People Love Living on Cape Cod
Unparalleled Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation
Cape Cod boasts 560 miles of beautiful coastline, with family-friendly white sand beaches as well as those for more experienced swimmers and surfers.
The Cape Cod National Seashore spans over 40 miles, offering plenty of outdoor opportunities such as bird watching, wildlife photography, and hiking. The Cape is known for world-class whale watching tours, particularly during migration seasons.
Relocating to Cape Cod offers many opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle. The Cape Cod Rail Trail’s 25 miles of paved pathway running through six towns is ideal for cycling, jogging, and leisurely strolls.
Ideal Maritime Climate
Cape Cod residents benefit from a moderate maritime climate, with temperatures more comfortable year-round compared to other inland areas.
Summers are warm but milder and cooler compared to those found in inland regions. The ocean breezes provide natural air conditioning, preventing the intense heat that’s commonly experienced in more urban areas.
Winters are milder than in inland areas, with temperatures kept above freezing by the ocean’s warmth. However, residents experience occasional northeasters and power outages during winter storms.
Vibrant Community and Rich Culture
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Cape Cod is a tight-knit community where neighbors know each other and residents support local businesses. This creates a strong sense of belonging that’s increasingly rare in today’s society.
Cape Cod boasts a rich history dating back to the Mayflower’s arrival. You’ll find museums, historic sites, and preserved buildings in the region that share the story of early American settlement.
The peninsula boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, concert venues, and studios that showcase traditional maritime paintings and contemporary sculptures from local artists.
Locals and visitors alike look forward to festivals and events held throughout the year, including the Wellfleet OysterFest, Cape Cod Jazz Festival, and art walks.
Exceptional Education
Families are also drawn to Cape Cod because of its exceptional educational system, with ten reputable school districts serving the region. Through STEM education, arts programs, and career technical education, students are prepared for both college and career paths.
Affordable higher education and workforce development programs are offered by Cape Cod Community College. Its associate degrees, certificate programs, and continuing education courses serve both traditional students and adults seeking a career change or skill development.
Comprehensive Healthcare Services
Cape Cod Healthcare provides comprehensive medical services through Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital. Specialized services within the healthcare system include cardiovascular care, comprehensive cancer treatment, and trauma services.
Residents are provided with ample urgent care centers, specialty practices, and rehabilitation services to ensure they have access to quality medical care. Given the region’s popularity among tourists, its healthcare infrastructure has adapted to serve both the local population and the seasonal residents and visitors.
World-Class Culinary Scene
Cape Cod’s culinary scene is abundant with fresh, locally caught seafood directly sourced from fishing docks and local markets.
Local and visitors alike enjoy a variety of gastronomic offerings, from casual waterfront dining to world-class restaurants.
Specialties in the peninsula include fresh oysters from Wellfleet and locally caught fish prepared by skilled chefs.
The Cons: The Challenges of Year-Round Living
High Cost of Living
One of the questions you need to ask when considering a move to this beautiful location: “Is Cape Cod expensive to live?” The simple, straightforward answer is, yes.
The cost of living in Cape Cod is relatively high, with a cost-of-living index of 131.5, while the state average is 127.5. This figure indicates that the cost of living in the region is 31.5% higher than the national average.
Housing costs present the greatest financial challenge. According to recent data, the median list price in Barnstable County, which encompasses Cape Cod and nearby islands, was $925,000 in March 2025.
A household with two working adults would need to earn an annual income of $210,000 afford a typical home on the Cape. This is 2.5 times higher than the median household income in Barnstable County.
Limited Year-Round Employment Opportunities
Many industries in Cape Cod are highly seasonal, particularly tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. So, it can be challenging to find stable year-round employment unless you work remotely or own a business.
The largest industries in Cape Cod are accommodation and food services, health care, social assistance, and retail trade. Although these sectors provide jobs, they don’t necessarily offer the highest salaries or stable year-round employment.
The seasonal nature of most jobs in Cape Cod compels many workers to find work elsewhere during the winter, depend on their unemployment benefits, or work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Transportation and Traffic Challenges
Cape Cod residents experience severe transportation challenges during the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with limited access routes that cause substantial traffic delays. Weekend traffic during this time can turn the usual 15-minute drive into an hour-long ordeal.
Public transportation options in the region are minimal. While the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority operates bus services, service is reduced in the off-season, making public transit an impractical option for many residents.
Seasonal Business Closures and Social Isolation
Many restaurants, shops, and attractions are closed after Labor Day, which can make the off-season feel isolating for many residents.
The availability of services and goods is also limited during this time, so residents must travel farther for basic needs as many local businesses close.
The winter months in Cape Cod can be particularly challenging for those who have moved to the peninsula from more urban areas with year-round amenities and activities.
The Real Estate Market for Cape Cod Buyers (2025)
Based on current real estate market conditions, interested Cape Cod home buyers should carefully evaluate their financial situation.
The Cape Cod housing market is projected to maintain its rising home prices and persistently low inventory levels.
For those considering purchasing a home, financial experts suggest having a household income of at least $210,000 to comfortably afford the median home price of $925,000.
Renters in the region also face challenging prospects, with limited and pricey year-round rental properties. In addition, many landlords prefer short-term vacation rentals over long-term residents due to higher profit potential.
Conclusion
Cape Cod’s natural beauty, strong community values, and unique character make it an ideal place to call home. With careful planning, moving to one of the country’s most beautiful coastal regions can provide an exceptional quality of life.
If you’re ready to explore the beautiful homes in Cape Cod, please give me a call today at 508-846-2243 or email me at erin@homesofcapecod.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living on Cape Cod year-round?
The cost of living in Cape Cod is relatively high, with a cost-of-living index of 131.5, indicating that the cost of living in the region is 31.5% higher than the national average.
Is the Cape Cod real estate market expensive?
Yes, it is relatively expensive, with a median list price of $925,000 as of March 2025.
What are the winters like on Cape Cod?
Winters are milder on Cape Cod than inland areas, with temperatures kept above freezing by the ocean’s warmth.
