Cape Cod is a unique geological formation created by the movement of glaciers 20,000 year ago.  These glaciers carved the curve of the Cape and created its outwash plains.  Chunks of glacial ice melted to create the Cape's unique kettle ponds and large boulders, known as glacial irregulars, were left behind.  The land was inhabited long before the first European settlers reached its shores.  The Pilgrims touched here before continuing on to Plymouth.  Settlement spread from Plymouth across the Cape's bay shores; the earliest established towns were Sandwich, Barnstable and Yarmouth - all incorporated in 1639.  Cape Cod's history is kept alive through its historic architecture, sandy beaches and unique lifestyle.  Each town has its own character and charm.  When looking for your own property on Cape Cod, let Today Real Estate guide your search.  With four office locations across the Cape, we can show you real estate for sale in every Cape Cod town and introduce you to a Cape lifestyle of your own.

Bourne - The Gateway to Cape Cod

The Pilgrims used this area for trading as early as the 1620s.  Around 1627 the Aptucxet Trading Post was established.  Bourne was originally settled as part of the Town of Sandwich in the 1640s before separating and incorporating as the Town of Bourne in 1884.  The town is bisected by the Cape Cod Canal and connected by the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges.  With its quiet harbors and inlets for boating, swimming, fishing and shell fishing, you can enjoy Cape Cod without the crush of tourists.  Areas in Bourne include: Bournedale, Buzzards Bay, Cataumet, Gray Gables, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Sagamore, and Sagamore Beach

Sandwich - The Oldest Town on Cape Cod

Settled almost 150 years before the American Revolution, the Town of Sandwich was incorporated in 1639 and lays claim to being the oldest town on Cape Cod.  Historical sites include the Hoxie House, the Dexter Grist Mill and the Benjamin Nye Homestead.  If a day at the beach is more to your liking, you can head out to East Sandwich Beach, Town Neck Beach or relax at the Ryder Conservation Area on Wakeby Lake.  Areas in Sandwich include: East Sandwich, Forestdale, Sandwich and South Sandwich.

Falmouth

First settled by English colonists in 1660, the Town of Falmouth was incorporated in 1686.  During the War of 1812, Falmouth came under fire from British frigates bombarded its southern coast.  The railroad came into Falmouth and many summer homes were established at this time.  Today, Falmouth is known world-wide as the home of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and the Woods Hole Research Center (WHRC).  The Steamship Authority provides easy access from Falmouth to the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.  Areas in Falmouth include: Davisville, East Falmouth, Falmouth Heights, Hatchville, Maravista, Megansett, North Falmouth, Quissett, Silver Beach, Sippewissett, Teaticket, Waquoit, West Falmouth and Woods Hole.

Mashpee

The history of Mashpee is closely tied with Wampanoag history.  Following King Phillip's War the Wampanoag from the mainland were resettled here.  In 1660, the Wampanoag were allotted 50 square miles.  This land was eventually integrated with the district of Mashpee in 1763, and by 1870 Mashpee was incorporated as a town.  Today Mashpee is known for its Native American culture and annual pow-wow provides the opportunity to explore activities and crafts.  Mashpee has more than 5 miles of beaches along Nantucket Sound as well as four of the largest fresh water ponds on Cape Cod.  Areas in Mashpee include: New Seabury, Popponesset and South Mashpee.

Barnstable

Barnstable is the largest town, both in land area and population, on Cape Cod.  The area was first explored in the early 1600s and was incorporated as a town in 1639.  Barnstable reaches from Cape Cod Bay with Barnstable Harbor and Sandy Neck to the north, through to Nantucket Sound with Hyannis Harbors and beaches to the south. Lake Wequaquet is set like a jewel in between.  Barnstable became known as a summer destination, drawing many famous visitors to the area.  The Kennedy compound, in Hyannis Port, was the summer home of President John F. Kennedy and was likewise the home of Senator Ted Kennedy until his death.  Areas in Barnstable include: Centerville, Cotuit, Craigville, Cummaquid, Hyannis, Hyannis Port, Marstons Mills, Osterville, Santuit, West Barnstable and West Hyannis Port.

Dennis

Dennis was first settled in 1639 by John Crowe (later Crowell) and Thomas Howes as part of the Town of Yarmouth.  When the town separated and incorporated in 1793, it was named for Josiah Dennis, a beloved local minister.  The Shiverick Ship Yard, near what is now Sesuit Harbor, built clipper ships used during seafaring days.  The Dennis Playhouse is the oldest summer theater in the United States.  With beaches along Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound, Dennis is a popular vacation destination.  The Bass River, which divides Yarmouth from Dennis, provides an outlet for boaters to Nantucket Sound. Areas in Dennis include: Dennis Port, East Dennis, South Dennis and West Dennis.

Yarmouth

Yarmouth shares common history with Dennis, settled by John Crowe (Crowell) and Thomas Howes in 1639.  Known for its beautiful sandy beaches along Nantucket Sound from Great Island to Bass River, Yarmouth has long been a destination for vacationers.  Yarmouth boasts four golf courses, fresh water recreation options and historic destinations together with motels, hotels and restaurants.  Areas in Yarmouth include Bass River, South Yarmouth, West Yarmouth and Yarmouth Port.

Brewster

First settled in 1656, as part of the Town of Harwich, Brewster was incorporated as a town in 1803 and named in honor of Elder William Brewster.  An early water-powered mill along Stony Brook dates back to the late 1600's.  Brewster became known as the "Sea Captains' Town" as many captains chose to build their stately homes in the town.  Many of these old captains' homes have become bed-and-breakfasts or inns, accommodating visitors to the town.  Brewster borders Cape Cod Bay to the north, is the home of Nickerson State Park, and offers many fresh water lakes and ponds.  Areas in Brewster include East Brewster and West Brewster.

Harwich

Incorporated in 1694, Harwich originally included lands that now make up the Town of Brewster.  Harwich has long been associated with the cranberry industry and has many lovely cranberry bogs.  The town's southern border is Nantucket Sound, there are three lovely harbors: Allen Harbor, Wychmere Harbor and Saquatucket Harbor, as well as sandy Nantucket Sound beaches.  The largest lake on Cape Cod, Long Pond, is located in Harwich.  Areas in Harwich include East Harwich, Harwich Port, North Harwich, South Harwich and West Harwich.

Chatham

Located at the elbow of the Cape, Chatham was inhabited long before the first English settlers made their homes here in the 1600's.  The town incorporated in 1703.  The location at the Cape's edge proved ideal for fishing, whaling and shipping.  The mainland portion is typical of Cape Cod, with ponds, rivers and harbors throughout the town.  The town also contains islands, Strong Island, Tern Island (which is a sanctuary), Morris Island, Stage Island, and Monomoy Island (the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge).  Chatham has a quaint Main Street and band concerts still take place in the summer at the gazebo.  Areas in Chatham include: Chatham Port, North Chatham, South Chatham and West Chatham.

Orleans

Orleans was originally settled by Pilgrims who dissatisfied over land made available to them in the settlement, moved in search of larger land grants and better soil.  The town incorporated in 1797 and was named for the Duke of Orleans in honor of the French support during the American Revolution.  Orleans is the site of the county courthouse which serves the Lower Cape, the home of the Snow Library, and the location of several beaches, boat landings, and small parks.  Town Cove, Nauset Harbor, Pleasant Bay, and Little Pleasant Bay. Rock Harbor provide boaters with access to the water; the Cape Cod National Seashore joins the coast as well.  Areas in Orleans include: East Orleans and South Orleans.

Eastham - Gateway to the National Seashore

On one side, Eastham is bordered by Cape Cod Bay.  On the other side is the Atlantic Ocean.  Eastham's unique position straddling the Cape offers residents beaches on both, together with lots of open space for nature lovers.  Eastham was officially incorporated in 1651.  Fishing and farming, early industries in the town, have given way to tourism.  Eastham has been a magnet for authors and artists, drawn by the beauty of the area.  The Cape Cod National Seashore, founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, covers approximately one third of the town.  Areas in Eastham include North Eastham and South Eastham.

Wellfleet

Bounded to the east by the Atlantic Ocean and to the west by Cape Cod Bay, over 60% of the town is incorporated into the Cape Cod National Seashore.  Incorporated in 1763, the town has a rich history with the first permanent European settlement dating to 1650.  Wellfleet Harbor, once home to whaling fleets, still provides access to fishing boats, sailboats and yachts.  Known for its quaint charm and comfortable pedestrian access, visitors enjoy many fine art galleries, shops and restaurants.  For those who prefer fresh water recreation there are numerous clear, spring-fed ponds.  Wellfleet is also home to the Massachusetts Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary.  South Wellfleet is an area of Wellfleet.

Truro

When the Pilgrims stopped at Truro in November of 1620 they met with hostile natives and after taking on board fresh water, the Pilgrims sailed on.  European settlers eventually prevailed; Truro was incorporated as a town in 1709.  Almost two-thirds of the town has been preserved as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and visitors today enjoy the sun, woods and beach.  Truro is the site of the first lighthouse constructed on Cape Cod, the Highland Light, built in 1797.  The current light, built in 1857, was moved inland when erosion threatened.  Areas in Truro include North Truro and South Truro.

Provincetown

Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is known for its unique character.  Bartholomew Gosnold visited Provincetown Harbor in 1602, naming the land around it "Cape Cod."  Provincetown was incorporated in 1727.  When the fishing industry was damaged by the Portland Gale in 1898, artists and authors took over many of the buildings.  Today the town is known for its harbor, arts community, beaches, and as a gay community.  Almost two-thirds of the town's land is preserved as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, with the town's population center around the harbor.

Each of Cape Cod's towns has its own character.  Today Real Estate, with four office locations in Sandwich, Centerville, South Yarmouth and Harwich Port, is positioned to serve all of Cape Cod with knowledgeable sales staff familiar with Cape Cod real estate.  Whether searching for a home on Cape Cod or looking to sell property on Cape Cod, buyers and sellers alike will find professional real estate agents ready to assist.  The real estate market in Cape Cod has changed with the economic downturn.  Short sales and foreclosure properties offer opportunities for buyers looking for Cape Cod real estate.  Looking to buy or sell a home on Cape Cod?  Let Today Real Estate guide you through the process.