Is Cape Cod a Good Place to Retire?
Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
January 18, 2023 — Is Cape Cod a good place to retire? Yes, it is definitely one of the most popular places to retire on the East Coast. Almost a quarter of million people live year round on Cape Cod, and about a fourth of those are people over 65. A short visit will quickly show a multitude of reasons why this sandy hook on the Massachusett coast attracts so many retirees. It is a magical place – every time I go there it seems like the world slows down, gets sunnier, and is more peaceful.
My friend Jeff’s retirement in Dennis, Mass. is a fairly typical story. He has known for a long time that Cape Cod is a good place to retire. His family had owned a cottage here for over 60 years, so when it came time to retire from his busy job, it was an easy decision to do an extensive renovation of their Cape Cod home in Dennis, and sell the main home near Springfield, MA. He and his wife could not be happier with the decision. They are a short walk to a sandy beach on the Bay, and can easily drive to freshwater ponds for refreshing swimming. Golf is terrific here, with courses like The Captains Table, Dennis Pines, Dennis Highlands, Cranberry Valley, and many others. Some courses are municipal, some public, and there are exclusive private golf clubs too. Fishing, boating, antiquing, are all popular activities on Cape Cod.
Comments on "Is Cape Cod a Good Place to Retire?"
steve t says:
Cape Cod has natural beauty but beware, it is extremely liberal, if you like that sort of thing. Also, if you are not used to New England, and Massachusetts in particular or if you are from a normal area of the country, you will find the people are not welcoming, very judgmental, very much "keep up with the Jones's" mentality and very cranky, snobby and quick to criticize. Like they all are very constipated. So, If you think you can withstand this type of mental strain then knock yourself out and move to Cape Cod. And good luck.
Carol says:
My experience has been nearly 100% different than Steve’s, although I agree that MA is a liberal state, which I appreciate. I lived full time on the Cape from 1995-2011 and couldn’t wait to move back here to retire in 2020. People are friendly and the natural environment is glorious. Each village has its own personality. Drives along the bayside on 6A are pure eye candy with the sea captains houses and gardens. If moving to live here year round, I recommend strongly considering between the bridges and Dennis if you want neighbors who are year rounders—it’s spooky to be the only lights on in the winter, and the arts and restaurants are much less seasonal than the outer Cape. A few downsides to the Cape—VERY high home prices, a workforce crunch because of those prices, and bridges to the mainland that are under frequent repair and may or may not be replaced in my lifetime. If anyone is interested in the Cape, I’m happy to answer questions from my experience.
Roberta says:
I get a lot of emails about a place in Mashpee called Southport. The prices are not that insane. Around $500k-$600k. Does anyone know anything about these condo/townhomes? Maybe you live there or know someone who does? We are trying to get back to the eastern part of the state but prices are insane in most towns. Currently in the western part of the state and not too happy about it. Also how is the medical care on the cape?
Admin says:
Mashpee is a nice area. Don't know anyone who has retired to Southport but it sure sounds good. Has 749 units and a 9 hole golf course, plus pickleball and tennis. The website makes it look like there is a real community. See our review of Southport.
Carol says:
I am familiar with Southport, having looked at a few condos there before I bought a freestanding home. It is a nice community, pretty convenient to Cotuit and Mashpee Commons. The people I’ve known who have lived there have enjoyed it.