Moving to Mashpee but don't know much about it! (Falmouth: for sale, renting)

[mothra19]

My husband and I are born & raised on the lower Cape, living in Eastham right now. We're buying our first house in Mashpee because we just happened to have found the perfect house for us and our two boys, but I've never spent much time up there. Can someone let me in on what the community is like there? The schools? Our oldest will be starting kindergarten in the fall and I'm really nervous about him going into a bigger school that I know nothing about (Eastham Elementary is a tiny school, his entire kindergarten grade has 18 kids in it! That's why I loved it and am kind of sad about him not going there). I know it sounds silly and maybe you won't understand unless you're a Cape Cod native, but to us lower-Cape people the upper Cape area (Mashpee, Falmouth, etc) is like a whole other world. I know it's just as beautiful and seems like there is a ton to do, but I'm just clueless as to what it's like. Anyone have any good family practice/pediatricians office recommendations, also? Thanks

[Beachcomber4]

I live in a neighboring town and while I don't know Mashpee well, I do know a little about the schools and the culture. You will find a great deal of difference in the quality of education in Mashpee compared to Eastham. Unfortunately, it will not be for the better. Mashpee is better known for their football and basketball teams than they are their academics. They take those sports very seriously. Do a google search of Rockland and Mashpee basketball. They are fierce rivals with very similar populations. Hopefully seeing a classmate arrested and charged with a felony was enough to keep the trash talking to just that- talk in future contests. I saw some of the other comments made by both sides and actually attended a game. The tension was palpable. But when this type of culture exists, it is for a reason.

[Cape Cod Todd]

Being in Brewster I'm in between the 2 towns and my take is Mashpee is alot faster and busier than Eastham. Of course as you know there is more commerce there, more employment opportunity, more to do year round and like beachcomber may have suggested more chance for your child to get caught up in some of the negatives. I grew up in a town that bordered Rockland and it was kind of a tough town and still is but remember that school is what the child makes of it and with proper guidance your little ones should be fine.
Hopefully when selling your home in Eastham you were able to buy more house moving to Mashpee. At least you won't have to worry about the water anymore.
Good luck

[mothra19]

Originally Posted by Cape Cod Todd

Hopefully when selling your home in Eastham you were able to buy more house moving to Mashpee. At least you won't have to worry about the water anymore.
Good luck

Thank you! This is actually our first home that we're buying, we've been renting up until this. And the house we're getting is currently on Well water, but we're getting that converted ASAP because, ya know, radioactive ground water and all. Haha We'll see how the next couple of months goes before we actually get the keys and make the move, I have a lot of exploring the area to do!

[Cape Cod Todd]

My RE office recently sold a property in Mashpee for cheap money but it was a real fixer upper. To help the out of state owner I did a lot of work over there in getting it ready for sale and spent several weeks there.
I don't know much about the town but I think it is a nice place and despite RT28 it is one of those "forgotten" towns nestled between the "city" of Hyannis and the town of Falmouth and Woods Hole.
I'm excited for you and this being your first home. I believe you are making a smart move.
Good luck!

[SCSUSIE]

Hi Mothra19, I'm moving to Mashpee with my family, 2 young school age kids. I love the nature in that town and the ponds and proximity to shopping. I'm wondering how you've found the schools, pediatricians, etc. Any pointers for our big move?