Opinions on Barnstable (Sandwich, Nantucket: real estate market, how much, homes)

[baystater]

I been watching the real estate market on the Cape for awhile and noticed that homes prices in Barnstable are pretty low compared to the a lot of the cape and south shore. I honestly would love to pick up a cheap family vacation or a (someday) retirement home on the cape in the next couple of years. And maybe Barnstable would fit the bill for me. But I must say that I don't know that much about the town. So for my research purposes I love to hear from you guys what your opinion/observations of Barnstable is.

[Peter Creedon]

Depends on what village you wish to live in...


Hyannis, is what we Nantucketers call "The City" It has everything you can think of, but beware of some streets in Hyannis. I have been told that certain parts of HYA are really dumpy. The airport is in HYA. Cape Cod Potato Chips are also made in Hyannis.

Barnstable, is on the north shore of the cape. The harbor is a great Kayaking destination. I have been there many times.

Cummaquid, is next to Barnstable, but a little south. Nice homes there.

W. Barnstable, is out on the Sandwich Line where Routes 6A and 149 diverge.

Marstons Mills, a really nice area, this is along route 149, and 28.

Osterville, out at the very end of Barnstable, on an island accessible only through Barnstable town lands itself.

Centerville, On Nantucket Sound. Warmest waters in the sound are found here in the summer. Very good ice cream is to be had at the Four Seas.

Cotuit, a somewhat upscale locale. Has no real harbor, save for the Cotuit Anchorage.

Wianno, This is the Creme De Le Creme of the town. Really expen$ive homes are found here. the feeling is like Greenwich, Connecticut.

[capecodcathy]

I would steer clear of Hyannis just because it's so congested. W. Barnstable, Osterville, Centerville, Cotuit as all good choices.
It really depends on how much traffic you want to deal with in-season.

[Ronniec78]

Barnstable is the largest town on Cape Cod and it has several villages like Peter states. I would say Osterville is the creme de la creme of Barnstable. I actually think Wianno is a section of Osterville but Oyster Harbors is far superior to Wianno. Hyannis is the dump of Cape Cod. Very commercial with the exception of Hyannis Port. Marstons Mills and Cotuit are very nice villages as is West Barnstable. I would say the only area to steer clear from is Hyannis unless you like being closer to the hustle and bustle. Plus, the Real Estate is cheapest in Hyannis.