Cape Ann vs. Cape Cod

We often work with clients who are in search of a second home, vacation property or downsizing and want to be closer to the water.  Sometimes we see them coming from the suburbs of Boston or even from out of state and are weighing options of Cape Ann or Cape Cod.  In this blog we'll break down the main differences why you might choose one over the other.

Cape Ann

Manchester-by-the-sea | Gloucester | Essex | Rockport

Cape Ann is a rocky cape located about 30 miles north of Boston and is known for its beautiful coastline, fishing industry, and historic lighthouses.  Most towns on Cape Ann are easily accessible as the MBTA has a full year round commuter rail that stops in Manchester, Gloucester and Rockport.  This makes for ideal full time living for the residents who work and commute to and from Boston.  Moreover, these communities don't see the type of influx, or departure of visitors like Cape Cod which makes it ideal all year round.  

Cape Ann has some nationally recognized beaches as well.  Singing Beach, Good Harbor Beach, and Wingaersheek Beach are some of the more desirable beach spots during the warmer months which have resident and public access. Boating is another fun activity that can make summer days feel like the Caribbean.

Cape Ann also has some amazing restaurants, including Tonno, Talise, Duckworth and CK Pearl to name a few.  FRANK in Beverly is another hot spot just a town away from the true Cape Ann.  Gloucester is also home to an amazing waterfront luxury hotel called Beauport - which is famously name after Captain John Smith called the the harbor le Beau Port.  

The uniqueness of Cape Ann doesn't end at beaches and restaurants.  There is a strong cultural and art community that makes these towns have a bohemian feel.  Rocky Neck, in Gloucester has long been a artist community that has shops and art studios and fun vibe.  Up in Rockport, Bearskin Neck also has shops and creators of different kinds that provides helps to blend culture with historic fishing communities. 

Lastly, whether you are considering a second home, vacation home, or living here full time, the real estate market has been undervalued for so long that homes will continue to generate strong value over time.  That, combined with a strong rocky coastline ensures that beach erosion is not a concern as much as it is on Cape Cod where sandy beaches are continuously being washed away each year causing real estate to be volatile. 

Cape Cod

Falmouth | Bourne | Sandwich | Mashpee | Cotuit | Centerville| Osterville | Barnstable | Hyannis | Dennis | Yarmouth | Brewster | Chatham | Harwich | Orleans | Eastham | Wellfleet | Truro | Provincetown

Cape Cod, on the other hand, is a large, sandy cape located about 60 miles south of Boston. While Cape Cod is known for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and rich history, it is more challenging both for full time residents and transportation avenues. There are essentially only two bridges that connect Cape Cod to the mainland, and these can cause large traffic logs especially during peak times.  

MBTA does run a train during the summer months, called CapeFlyer that runs on a limited basis and ends in Hyannis(about halfway on Cape Cod).  Furthermore, there is a ferry boat service that runs from Boston to Provincetown, but this is limited to warmer months and weather restricted.  

"The Cape" as it is widely know a popular vacation destination for people from all over the country.  While this is a good signal, it also adds to the above mentioned traffic jams during summer months.  

In winter months, most of Cape Cod quiets down, restaurants will close and most of the attractiveness of the summer months fades away.   This makes many parts of this area a good vacation spot, but not ideal for full time residents.  

In summary, the main difference between Cape Ann and Cape Cod besides location and geography, are seasonality and accessibility.  We feel that Cape Ann provides more in terms of both of the latter and allows for our clients to be connected to the city of Boston while also enjoying the beach life of a coastal community.