Buying a Vacation Home in Cape Cod? 7 Things to Know Before You Move

Buying a Vacation Home in Cape Cod? 7 Things to Know Before You Move

  • Robert B. Kinlin
  • 04/6/23

Cape Cod is a beautiful peninsula off the southeastern tip of Massachusetts, known to draw in millions of visitors. Filled with quaint coastal towns just waiting to be explored, the Cape offers a variety of activities for all seasons. When considering moving to Cape Cod, there are some tips and tricks to know to make the most out of your experience.

Choose the Perfect Location (by taking a tour)

Buying Cape Cod real estate is like many other real estate transactions – location matters. You can travel through the Cape in roughly an hour, and each town you pass through will offer charming clam shacks, mom-and-pop stores, and an assortment of hidden gems.

You won't have to consider a commute to work from your Cape Cod vacation home, nor will you be thinking about the different lifestyles offered in each town. All of the towns on the Cape offer a similar vibe, but all come with unique features that help them stand apart.

There are 15 towns located on Cape Cod, each of them special in its own way. While traveling through the Cape is not difficult, choosing the right town for you is an essential part of the process. If you don't already have a town in mind, it's more than worthwhile to take a trip throughout the Cape, check out the ice cream shops, and see which town speaks to you.

Invest in Flood Insurance

Cape Cod is no stranger to hurricanes and nor'easters, making flood insurance crucial. The occasional storm blowing through is the price of living in such a beautiful place, but don't let it deter you. As long as you have flood insurance to protect your property, there's nothing to be alarmed about. Your real estate agent will have a list of references for you to reach out to so you can get the best policy possible.

Shopping locally is encouraged


Cape Cod natives are firm believers in shopping locally. Countless shops along the Cape offer a variety of goods and services, and you can buy nearly anything you could ever want from a local shop. Cape Cod locals are friendly, welcoming, and more than happy to tell you about their favorite local shops and the hidden spots in town that you may not find otherwise. You can even find handmade furniture on Cape Cod, allowing you to get true one-of-a-kind pieces that will beautifully compliment your coastal home. Rare artwork can line your walls, and handmade jewelry can sit on your wrists. Knowing about these low-key shops on the Cape gives you exclusive access that will leave your friends envious.

You can visit the seals

Starting around September, you can see playful seals along Cape Cod. There is nothing quite like enjoying the salted air while seals bark in the distance. It brings about a calm and relaxed feeling, allowing you to simply sit back and enjoy nature. One of the main draws for people searching for Cape Cod homes for sale is the beauty of the surrounding outdoors. Stepping away from city life can be a rejuvenating experience, and it is incredibly easy to do while living on Cape Cod.

Best spot for watching fireworks


As the locals of Cape Cod know, the best spot for watching fireworks is from the water. Gather your friends and family and set out on your boat for the show. Having an unobstructed view of the sparkling lights above is almost as amazing as watching how the fireworks color the waves with rainbows.

A sports fan’s dream


Living on Cape Cod comes with many perks, including access to a variety of outdoor sports. Golf on the Cape can be played at 27 public and 15 private courses. For water sports, there is surfing, kayaking, wind sailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, parasailing, and more. Cape Cod is a place that feels separate from the rest of the world, and time there seems to move a bit slower. It is the perfect place to get away and relax, letting the stress of life wash away under the sun.

High school and college sports are big on the Cape, allowing you to cheer along with your neighbors during a night of nostalgia. Moving here will make you a part of this close-knit community and give you a chance to make some life-long friends.

Perfect throughout the year

While Cape Cod may be most popular in the summer, it can be enjoyed no matter the season. Yes, winter can get quite cold, but do not let that stop you from having a holiday vacation. There are still a host of activities going on during the colder seasons, and the way the Cape glitters in the snow is magical. The juxtaposition of a beach house under a blanket of snow creates a unique, memorable family experience. Not to mention, Cape Cod is more relaxed outside of summer, as tourism is down and traffic becomes a breeze.

No matter what time of year you stay on the Cape or how long you stay, it will truly become a home. Charming and cozy, Cape Cod will always provide the perfect escape. Knowing that the home is always there for you to stay in can be a lifeline, especially during stressful times. No matter which town you choose to live in, you will be provided with all your vacation needs.

The right realtor

Cape Cod has so much to offer, and many places within are begging to be explored. To find your Cape Cod dream home, you need the best real estate agent for the job. Robert Kinlin is a real estate professional with a reputation for excellence. He understands the importance of putting his clients above all else and does not rest until their dreams are achieved. For your search for your Cape Cod vacation home, please do not hesitate to contact Robert.



Work With Robert

Specializing in the sale of luxury and waterfront property throughout Cape Cod, Boston and Coastal Massachusetts, Robert has built a reputation based on performance and is consistently one of the top producing luxury brokers in Eastern Massachusetts.

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