How is living in Sandwich, MA? (Fall River, Bourne: appointed, house, construction)

[beachlady58]

Originally Posted by Schousse

Living anywhere on Cape Cod is like lving in a suburb of Boston. If I were you I'd stay in RI ..... people are friendlier in RI as well.

You are in Oklahoma - how would you be able to make a crazy comment like this? RI vs MA - the difference is just a little ,more blue collar and uneducated. I have a house in both states and I don't get what you are saying...

[Annemieke Roell]

Originally Posted by beachlady58

You are in Oklahoma - how would you be able to make a crazy comment like this? RI vs MA - the difference is just a little ,more blue collar and uneducated. I have a house in both states and I don't get what you are saying...

Yes, I am in OK now. I lived on Cape Cod for 25 years and have spent a lot of time in RI and with people from RI. Trust me .... I know .... there is a reason I no longer live on Cape Cod.

[smarty]

Originally Posted by Schousse

Living anywhere on Cape Cod is like living in a suburb of Boston. If I were you I'd stay in RI ..... people are friendlier in RI as well.

I have a very friendly neighbor and am a friendly neighbor. I see them once a year!

What is living in a suburb of Boston like? or for that matter ... how is living in Cape cod or RI like beside neighbor being friendly? Is it any different than living in the suburb of OK?

[Annemieke Roell]

Originally Posted by smarty

I have a very friendly neighbor and am a friendly neighbor. I see them once a year!

What is living in a suburb of Boston like? or for that matter ... how is living in Cape cod or RI like beside neighbor being friendly? Is it any different than living in the suburb of OK?

I don't have first hand experience about living in a suburban area in OK because I live out in the country.

But if I recall, the OP asked what living in Sandwich, MA, is like and my response was that it is like living in an suburb of Boston, which is exactly what Sandwich (and most of the rest of Cape Cod) has become.

Sadly, many Cape Codders are moving away because the character of the Cape has completely changed. When I married a Cape Codder 27 years ago Cape Cod was still comprised of fishing communities with seasonal tourism that ran from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Now, the tourists are there pretty much year round and the year round population has increased dramatically. A population of which the majority commutes daily to off-Cape jobs.

This has several negative results:

1. The cost of living vs the local wages are out of wack making it nearly impossible for native Cape Codders to remain there; Season jobs are hard to fill because the workers can't afford to live there during the summer (or any time, for that matter).

2. The traffic is HORRENDOUS. I was on the Cape last week and a mile to the grocery store in Falmouth took me 20 minutes.

It is no wonder the people are hostile .....

[Floridagirl08]

Boy the Cape Cod traffic sounds a great deal like Florida traffic. It once took me 1.5 hours to take a short trip less than 10 miles away. Imagine traffic is bad every where though.

[capecodcathy]

I live in Bourne which is next door to Sandwich. Moved here from suburban Boston 10 years ago. Sandwich is beautiful but very busy. Falmouth is the same. If you live here, though, you tend to learn the better times to travel and the back roads.
I have quite a few clients who find Sandwich prohibitive because of the property taxes. As compared to other towns on the Cape, Sandwich is in the $9.00/1000 whereas others are in the $4-6 range. This may have changed, but the last time I sold a house in Sandwich, there was no curbside trash/recycle pick-up.
I call Bourne the best-kept secret on Cape Cod. Same commute to Boston, less traffic, schools are good (I have two kids and have been through the elementary, middle and high schools), median home prices are lower than Sandwich. The middle school is about 5 years old and we're building a new elementary school that is attracting a lot of new home buyers.

[RLCMA]

Sandwich is definitely a quaint town. It has one of the best school systems on the Cape and is definitely a good place for families. Plus, it is a year round community.

[GPH]

Hello out there, I am looking to buy a vacation cottage/ small home in Falmouth. Can anyone give me details about the various areas like Maravista, Teaticket, East Falmouth ect... I passed through Falmouth and liked the downtown area, it seemed vibrant and I like a crowd every now and then! I also need to be with in walking/biking distance to salt water, the town and possibly a bike path. Thanks

[RLCMA]

If you're looking to be within walking distance to the ocean I would say Falmouth Heights is your best bet. Maravista and Teaticket are not within walking distance to the ocean. E. Falmouth is ok and there are outlets to get to the ocean. The nicest areas of Falmouth are N. Falmouth and Falmouth Heights. I think your best bet is Falmouth Heights though. However, you're looking to be within walking distance to the ocean and downtown which is pretty tough. I hope you like walking.

[macdebbie]

My husband and I are looking to relocate from a MA northshore coastal town which we love but will be too high-priced for us in retirement.

Sandwich real estate seems reasonable (compared to where we are). Taxes are much lower as well.

Practical questions:

Where is the closest good hospital?

Same for grocery store - one in town?

How much snow on average a winter (another reason we are wanting to move)?

Crime?

Are there things to do in the Winter? We are quiet people - like to read, walk, love the beach. Like to eat out once in a while at other than an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Nearest airport? Logan? (we also like to travel)

Any insight from anyone who lives there would be appreciated. Also any other towns we should consider? (We live in a city right now of 17K, and that feels about right to us)