Moving to and Living in Falmouth, MA - Everything You Need to Know

Falmouth is a charming town along the coast on the southwestern edge of Cape Cod, MA. Known for its beautiful beaches and its proximity to Martha’s Vineyard, this is an incredible place to live, and the market for Falmouth real estate always seems to be in high demand.

If you’re thinking about moving to Falmouth, read on for an expert guide to what living in Falmouth, MA, is like. You’ll get to know the community while also learning some helpful tips and tricks that will make your move easier.

The cost of living in Falmouth is slightly higher than the national average. The main reason for the increased expense is the cost of housing. With a median price of $775,000 within Barnstable County, MA, homes for sale in Falmouth command high prices and a significant amount of appeal from real estate seekers. In addition, the most extravagantly opulent properties can sell for well into the millions, with some of the most luxurious estates soaring as high as $11 million.

If you’re preparing for your house hunt, you’ll get a better idea of what you can spend on a house by speaking with a lender and discussing what type of loan you might qualify for. Getting pre-approved will help narrow down a price point to focus on in your house-hunting journey and give you confidence that you’re looking for homes within your budget.

Falmouth’s climate is relatively mild. The summers can be humid, but average high temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees. July is the warmest month of the year, with an average daily high of 79 degrees.

Cape Cod’s winters are often cold and snowy, and average daily highs during January and February usually don’t exceed 40 degrees. Most months experience between five and nine days of rainfall. Keep in mind that Falmouth is a coastal town, and it’s not uncommon for the area to experience tropical storms that can lead to flooding. You’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for these types of events after you arrive in town.

The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) operates a bus system that allows for convenient, hassle-free travel throughout the region. Boston is the closest major city, and you’ll spend about an hour and a half driving north to get into town. The CCRTA won’t take you directly into Boston, but it offers options for connecting to buses and trains that will take you all the way into town if you so desire. If you want to travel to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, you’ll have an easy time finding ferries that will take you both ways.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer information, human resources, construction, architecture and engineering, hospitality, natural sciences, healthcare, education, real estate, tourism, retail, and service-oriented businesses are some of the top industries in Barnstable County.

Many people visit Falmouth each year, and there are a number of shops and restaurants that cater to tourists, along with many hotels and vacation rentals. Two of the town’s largest employers are Falmouth Hospital and the Falmouth Public School System. The Falmouth school system employs over 1,000 employees, and Falmouth Hospital provides a wide range of medical services, including both inpatient and outpatient care.

Speaking of schools, Falmouth is home to several excellent public and private educational opportunities. Elementary students attend East Falmouth, Mullen-Hall, North Falmouth, or Teaticket. Grades five and six attend Morse Pond Middle School, while seventh and eighth graders attend Lawrence Junior High School.

Falmouth High School regularly receives accolades for its advanced course offerings and its extracurricular programs. If you prefer to send your children to a private school, Cape Cod Academy or Falmouth Academy are great choices. Multiple world-renowned research institutions also call the Falmouth area home, such as the Marine Biological Laboratory and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Falmouth residents love spending time outside at the beach or in one of the area’s many parks. If you hear the waves calling your name, don’t miss Old Silver Beach, Menauhant Beach, and Surf Drive Beach. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing at each of these sandy spots.

If golfing is more your speed, you’ll enjoy playing rounds at the Paul Harney Golf Course, Cape Cod Country Club, or the Falmouth Country Club. 

The arts scene in Falmouth is also thriving, with no shortage of art galleries and museums to visit. There are also several theaters in town that regularly produce plays and host film festivals. Every summer, check out the College Light Opera Company’s incredible performance at the Highfield Theatre. Another top spot is the Falmouth Art Center, where you can feel intrigued and inspired by the visual arts.

You’ll want to mark some of the area’s special events on your calendar, such as the Falmouth Road Race and the Falmouth Village Green Summer concert series. As you can see, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this delightful Cape Cod town.

If you’re intrigued by all that Falmouth has to offer, you might be ready to make moves in the Falmouth real estate scene. Top-notch REALTOR® Sarah Rock understands the appeal of living in Falmouth, MA, and she wants to help you make that dream a reality. Sarah has helped many real estate seekers find their dream homes in Falmouth and the surrounding area, and she would love for you to be the next client she serves. Reach out to Sarah if you have more questions about living in Falmouth, MA, or if you’re ready to start the process of looking for a new home.