Cape Cod is known for its pristine beaches, mouthwatering seafood, and photo-worthy views. While it’s a well-frequented vacation destination, some people are lucky enough to call it home – at least for the summer months. If you’re looking to move to Bourne, MA or any of the coastal communities of Pocasset, Sandwich, and Buzzards Bay, there are a few things to know ahead of time.
Things To Do in the Bourne Area
While Bourne, MA, is conveniently situated near many other Cape hotspots, the community itself is packed with different things to see and do. Bourne is known for the Cape Cod Canal, which acts as a hub for everything outdoors year-round. Canal activities include biking, boating, fishing, and great “boat-watching” if you’re in the mood to break out your folding chair and watch the yachts and ships cruise on by.
Another place to break out your bike and fishing rods is Scusset Beach State Reservation in Sagamore Beach. RVers and campers are also welcome, as the Reservation features 98 RV sites with hook-ups. If you’re looking for a place to store all of your outdoor gear or your RV during the colder months, Prime Storage on Clay Pond Road has storage units and RV parking that will suit your storage needs.
Other beaches in the area include:
- Monument Beach: Monument Beach is a fantastic place for birdwatching. Budding and seasoned ornithologists can catch a glimpse of ospreys, gulls, and cormorants.
- Barlows Landing: Ever feel like you can never get your family out of the water at the end of a beach day? This may be the beach for you. Barlows Landing is the gateway to upper Buzzards Bay and it’s great for boating, paddling and swimming!
- Onset Beach: Also tucked away on Buzzards Bay, this is a great spot for a kayak adventure. Bring your own kayak or rent one at Onset Beach’s kayak outfitter, Nemasket Kayak Center.
Close Proximity to Other Areas
The Cape itself is approximately 70 miles in length, with Bourne situated in the Upper-Cape. Being on the cusp of the Upper-Cape has its advantages, as you’re only about 55 miles from downtown Boston. There are countless things to do and see in Boston, including a stroll down the Freedom Trail, baseball games at Fenway Park, and sampling Italian cuisine in the North End.
Living in Bourne means you are also just a short drive away from other Cape Cod towns to explore. The Mid-Cape features downtown Hyannis, the JFK Museum, and tour boats that can take you to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The Lower-Cape is home to many summer communities with seasonal residents. You must pass through the Lower-Cape to get to the Out-Cape, which includes lively, colorful Provincetown.
Great Food is Aplenty
Living close to the water definitely has its perks, however, one of our favorites are the seafood restaurant options:
Lobster Trap: Considered a true Cape Cod experience, Lobster Trap has been around since 1969. Their bar and restaurant sit right on the water and you can also take a look at their fish market to find locally caught fish!
Bailey’s Surf ‘N’ Turf: Conquering cravings since 1988, Bailey’s is a great local spot for not only surf and turf but salads, soups, sandwiches, and more. Plus, if you have some picky eaters in your group, they help accommodate so you leave happy and full!
If seafood isn’t your go-to, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Pizza lovers can find different slices of their favorite pizzas at Buzzards Bay House of Pizza and for more Italian options like pasta, veal, and chicken, you can check out Mezza Luna.
Traffic Increases in the Summer
The picturesque beaches draw in tourists during the summer, with July and August being the busiest months. The Bourne Bridge acts as a gateway to Cape Cod, meaning it’s quite packed with visitors entering and existing the Cape.
It is good to plan your travel to and from your Cape Cod home during busy season since the bridges and roadways can be crowded by vacationers. Local advisors recommend coming to the Cape on Friday mornings and avoiding the bridges on Saturday mornings. If you want to visit the mainland, try to avoid leaving on Sundays unless you plan on leaving very early in the morning or later in the evening.
When it’s off-season, you should experience standard traffic patterns. While traffic does heat up on weekends between Labor Day and Columbus Day, it should not be as congested as in the summer months. But, putting up with a bit of bad traffic is worth it when you get to live in beautiful Bourne, MA.
Insurance & Weather Considerations Are Important
No matter where you live, chances are you have homeowners insurance, and as most homeowners know, the cost fluctuates depending on location. Since the Cape is comprised of Atlantic coastline, it is more susceptible to hurricanes and storm surges. The potential for volatile, destructive weather can increase your homeowners and flood insurance, especially if you’re closer to a source of flooding.
It is essential to understand the insurance requirements of living on the Cape and how you should prepare your Bourne home if this weather does arise. According to the National Weather Service, it is estimated that Cape Code experiences a hurricane around every 16 years – with major hurricanes occurring in intervals of 58 years.
Take the Trip, Make the Move!
If you haven’t visited the area yet, what are you waiting for? Cape Cod is a well-known vacation destination, but many people call it and the surrounding communities home. If you’re planning a move and need space to make the transition smooth, Prime Storage on Clay Pond Road features units ranging from small 5×5’s to large 10×20’s and even parking spaces. Not sure how much space you need? Check out our size guide or space calculator!
