How is living in Sandwich, MA? (Boston, Easton: homes, neighborhoods, schools)

[capecodcathy]

Sounds like you already have an Agent helping you find a place, so I feel safe answering this without appearing to try to drum up business!
Sandwich is very nice but property taxes are very high. I find it too congested for my taste, but that may not be true for others. I like visiting Sandwich. School system is good (I can't speak from personal experience, though). But you can get more for your money in Bourne, which is right next door, has less summer traffic. I've had 2 children in Bourne schools for 9 and 11 years and have never been disappointed. There is a new Elementary school under construction now, the Middle School is about 7 years old. The high school is much older but has been updated. Like Sandwich, Bourne offers many activities for kids, including baseball, soccer, football, basketball, lacrosse, etc.
I'd stick as close to the bridges as possible. Moving to the Cape 11 years ago was probably the best thing I ever did for my kids. It's a wonderful place to raise children.
Best of luck in your search!

[RESouthShore]

My parents recently moved to Sandwich Village and they love it. I grew up in Dennis and my parents kept the house until 2 years ago and then decided to downsize. They chose Sandwich for the historical flavor and also the nice village area with the library, Daniel Webster, etc. They can walk to everything, which they love. Having kids, I am often down there for them a go to the many activities that the town puts on. It seems like every weekend there is some sort of activity. In the summer there are bandstand concerts, sports games, parades (a really fun one is on July 4th where everyone that wants to be in the parade can be and everyone throws out candy. Also, many people in the parade and on the sidelines bring water guns and squirt eachother - everyone seems to have a blast). They also do a fireman's muster, touch a truck, craft fairs, concerts, holiday caroling, programs at the library and so much more. There is a beautiful boardwalk that goes across a marsh out to the beach near Sandwich Village that we go to often in the summer. I live off cape and our town doesn't have half of the activities that Sandwich does. The people that live near my parents are really friendly. There are a few seasonal residents but most are there all year round and they stop by to say hello, etc. The only negatives that I know of are the high tax rate (highest on Cape, I believe), high school has no music program from what I've heard, and, this is more personal opinion, beaches have cold water and are not as nice as some of the other towns on Cape (Dennis are my favorite). The elementary schools go from k-8 and then on to Sandwich High. Hope this all helps!

[hank c.]

How much do you guys in the Cape pay for your average heating bill in the winter? Just trying to estimate cost. Thanks

[renlouis]

Sorry to bring up a bummer subject, but I am wondering what the thinking there is on the childhood cancer/ upper cape issue (particularly Sandwich). Thanks Cathy for giving me your opinion today. Just curious if others could say how much of a concern it is for families living in the area. Also, do most parents feel comfortable with their kids swimming/boating etc. in the local ponds - there was a brief mention by a poster on another thread about people selling their home on one of the ponds because they were told it was a cancer hazard. Local folks, would you mind weighing in on this?? I've got 2 kids, ages 13 and 10, and would love to live in Sandwich, but need to consider safety, etc. Thanks for any info in advance!!

[renlouis]

I forgot to say that I know there are a couple of threads from a couple of years ago on this issue - and I have done an internet search, which turned up quite a bit of info from 2006 and 2007, but nothing more recent. Sounds like the official jury is still out, but I'd love to hear what the local thinking is on this. Thanks!

[lrfox]

This is the most recent thread: http://www.city-data.com/forum/massa...link-have.html last post was less than a week ago.

I'll say what I've said before. They haven't determined what EXACTLY the issue is. Personally, I wouldn't be all too concerned, but that's just me. I don't think anyone can give you great advice because there haven't been any cold-hard discoveries that prove what the issue is. I've got family in Brewster and Mashpee and none of them have had cancer. On the other hand, my brother had (and beat) A.L.L. Leukemia and we lived in Providence and the South Coast (just north of Fall River).

[renlouis]

Thanks Lrfox. When I look at the data, I don't think the data itself suggest a cause for alarm. Most sources say there were 10 cases in 5 years in the area, when on average there should have been 7. Actually 3 extra cases would be about 1 standard deviation from the norm, which I don't think would be considered statistically significant - would probably be considered more of a trend to keep an eye on only because the implications of it actually being statistically significant on long-term measures (in other words if there were more cases than expected over the next 5, 10, 15 years) would be quite devastating to the area. I was hoping to find more recent data, but it doesn't look like it has been published. If we get closer to making the move, I will probably contact the children's hospital (where they initially made the connection) and the town to see if they have any more recent data that has or has not been published yet. Thanks for the info and your opinion! Any others would be appreciated as well!

[geep]

Don't! Lived there for 27 years & towards the end I couldn't wait to move. The reasons - High taxes (which go up frequently), overated schools, high cost of living, terrible traffic, rotten weather, & an elitist attitude held by some people.
I've since moved to North Carolina & have never been happier.

[boots13]

marston's mill is a very old and quaint town also...i have relatives close to the area.

[renlouis]

Thanks Boots - do you happen to know if Marston's mill is in the sandwich school district?