About Falmouth, MA
If you’re lucky enough to be searching for Falmouth homes for sale in person, you’ll be pulled in by some of the most stunning vistas in New England. Located on the southwest end of Cape Cod, Falmouth, MA, is home to 32,517 residents, according to the 2020 census. About 60 miles southeast of Boston and 70 miles east of Providence, Falmouth is fairly secluded, separated from the rest of Cape Cod by the Francis A. Crane Wildlife Management Area. It faces the island of Martha’s Vineyard, a 22-mile ferry ride to the south. Barnstable, the other major settlement on Cape Cod, is about 21 miles northeast.
Cape Cod is one of New England’s most popular tourist destinations, especially in summer. The area is renowned for its sandy beaches, extended coastline, and many historic lighthouses that dot its shores. Cape Cod is, naturally, an area with a rich maritime history. Villages within Falmouth include Woods Hole, Falmouth Village, West Falmouth, and North Falmouth. There are several historical sites in town, along with scenic spots like the Spohr Gardens and Falmouth Harbor.
Buying a Home in Falmouth, MA
The median price for Falmouth, MA, homes for sale is $701,250, or $441 per square foot. That median price is about $90,000 higher than the Massachusetts median and nearly $300,000 more than the U.S. median. Falmouth, MA, is a seller’s market, meaning Falmouth homes sell at higher prices and are off the market quickly. While the market is competitive, final selling prices tend to waver in Falmouth, and 47% of homes sold in October went for prices higher than the original asking price, while 43% went for lower prices. The real estate market in Falmouth turns over quickly. In October, Falmouth homes were on the market for an average of 33 days, and 76% of them were sold in under 30 days. Some of the more desirable neighborhoods include Woods Hole, North Falmouth, Teaticket, and Great Harbors. Falmouth’s cost-of-living index is 131.5, nearly 32% more than the U.S. index and 3.1% higher than the rest of Massachusetts. Most residents in Falmouth own the properties they live on, although there are a few opportunities for renting in town as well.
Living in Falmouth, MA
Falmouth is loosely classified as a sparse suburban area. Long an especially attractive destination for retirees, the town has seen an uptick in young singles and growing families as well. There are 7 public schools in Falmouth, with three elementary schools scoring 8 out of 10 on the GreatSchools rating system. The overall student-to-teacher ratio is 11:1, slightly lower than the state average. Falmouth High School earned a level one rating from the state of Massachusetts, the highest performance rating attainable.
The local economy in Falmouth is healthy. Cape Cod is a popular trip destination, and Falmouth benefits from plenty of tourist dollars. The Woods Hole Oceanic Institute and telecommunications equipment maker Arris Group are the biggest employers in town.
Public transit is overseen by the Cape Cod Transit Authority, which offers bus lines and shuttle services to Falmouth. There’s no rail connecting Falmouth to the mainland, but there is regular ferry service to several nearby places.
Things to Do in Falmouth, MA
Falmouth, MA, is one of the comparatively few Cape Cod communities that are active year-round. Many towns on the Cape shut down after the summer tourist season ends, but Falmouth’s shops, restaurants, and services are open through winter as well.
There are many opportunities for recreation in Falmouth. The 10.7-mile Shining Sea Bikeway lets cyclists ride over a coastal plain replete with cranberry bogs and salt marshes. The Nobska Point lighthouse, just across the bay from Martha’s Vineyard, is a postcard-perfect attraction with stunning views.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has an associated museum that focuses on the organization’s sea-related sciences. Falmouth also has a thriving arts and culture scene centered around annual events like the Jazz Stroll and Arts Alive festival.
Restaurants in Falmouth tend to be fairly casual, with a particular emphasis on seafood, although there are a few exclusive eating places as well. Some of the most popular spots for food in Falmouth include the Water Street Kitchen, the higher-end Glass Onion, Pickle Jar Kitchen, Moonakis Cafe, and Simply Divine Pizza Company.