Section Image

West Falmouth

West Falmouth

Neighborhood in Falmouth, Massachusetts

Barnstable County 02536, 02540

$1,376,253 Average Value
$609 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes For Sale

The West Falmouth lifestyle

Walking to Buzzards Bay beaches, biking to Woods Hole and meeting with friends for dinner at the local market are some of the draws of the West Falmouth lifestyle. At the center of this Upper Cape village rest the unassuming cedar-shingled Quaker Meeting House and the West Falmouth Library. The more commercial section of the village, with small markets and a few restaurants, lies along state Route 28A. Marshes, ponds and harbors dot the landscape to the west and residential streets snake through the area, lined with tall red maple and black cherry trees.

West Falmouth has miles of white sand beaches along Buzzards Bay.
West Falmouth has miles of white sand beaches along Buzzards Bay.
A small sailboats sways in the win in North Falmouth.
A small sailboats sways in the win in North Falmouth.
1/2

Private beaches and the Shining Sea Bikeway

The town of Falmouth is known for its long shoreline, and in West Falmouth, homeowners have access to miles of beaches along Buzzards Bay, as well as some in the warmer, more protected waters of West Falmouth Harbor. Each year, locals can purchase town beach stickers to park at both Chapoquoit Beach and Old Silver Beach. Some West Falmouth residents don’t frequent either beach, however, because they have deeded access to private beaches, such as Black Beach or Little Island Beach, says Pamela Heylin, broker associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Robert Paul Properties, who has lived in West Falmouth for more than 10 years. With the paved, almost 11-mile Shining Sea Bikeway running through the village, it’s possible to take a day trip into Woods Hole or Falmouth Village by bike. The bikeway also passes the Little Sippewisset Marsh, a 26-acre salt marsh that's popular among bird watchers and nature lovers. Boaters without private docks can use the West Falmouth Harbor Landing ramp to launch into the harbor and explore the many waterways. The West Falmouth Library also offers indoor activities, such as story times, knitting groups and guided meditations.

Take in the stunning sunsets from Chapoquoit Beach in West Falmouth.
Take in the stunning sunsets from Chapoquoit Beach in West Falmouth.
The Shining Sea Bikeway offers miles of paved road for West Falmouth residents to explore.
The Shining Sea Bikeway offers miles of paved road for West Falmouth residents to explore.
1/2

Barbecue nights at the West Falmouth Market

Small shops and restaurants are centralized along state Route 28A, also known as West Falmouth Highway. The West Falmouth Market carries a full range of groceries and serves prepared foods. On Thursday nights in the summer, villagers gather there for barbecue and live performances by local artists, including the Silent Trees, Heylin says. “You can get dinner and then go across the street to Eulinda's for ice cream.” Another well-loved dining spot is Chapoquoit Grill, known by locals as “Chappy Grill.” With a coffee shop and a few locally owned stores in the village, people can walk or drive a short distance for most essentials. The nearest major grocery store is the Stop & Shop in Teaticket, less than 5 miles away, and there are several restaurants and retail shops in Falmouth Village, a little over 4 miles south. The village also has a weekly farmers market from June through mid-October.

Residents live the selection of aged meat from West Falmouth Market.
Residents live the selection of aged meat from West Falmouth Market.
West Falmouth residents take the short drive to Falmouth Village for more dining options.
West Falmouth residents take the short drive to Falmouth Village for more dining options.
1/2

Theater performances and the Falmouth Road Race

Many Falmouth events take place in Woods Hole and Falmouth Village, West Falmouth residents can choose to avoid crowds or drive a short distance to find a regular schedule of festivals. The West Falmouth Village Association organizes Pumpkin Day in October, a meetup at nearby Bourne Farm with family-friendly activities, such as pumpkin picking and pony rides. Along Chapoquoit Road, a troupe of musically talented college students spend their summers rehearsing plays and operettas for the College Light Opera Company. Their performances are held at the Highfield Theatre on the grounds of historic Highfield Hall & Gardens. Villagers can also enter the annual Falmouth Road Race and compete against elite runners from around the world on a 7-mile course from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights Beach.

People from around the world come to learn at the College Light Opera Company in West Falmouth.
People from around the world come to learn at the College Light Opera Company in West Falmouth.
A sign welcomes visitors to West Falmouth.
A sign welcomes visitors to West Falmouth.
1/2

Deeded beach access is major factor for homebuyers

In West Falmouth, beach access is one of the biggest determining factors of real estate pricing. Home prices usually begin in the $600,000 to $800,000 range. Options might include a mid-1900s ranch-style or Cape Cod located in the section of the village between state routes 28 and 28A. “You won’t really be walking distance to the beach,” Heylin says. The bulk of listings fall between $1 million and $1.8 million, and buyers sometimes find either a newly built condo with a private garage or a three-to-four-bedroom single-family residence within a few blocks of a beach and with deeded beach access, Heylin says. Waterfront properties start around $3 million and may top $11 million. “On the lower end, it may need a lot of work and might only have fireplaces for heat or be retrofitted with mini splits,” Heylin says. “Some have been in families for generations.” With the possibility of flooding along the waterfront, newly built residences must adhere to strict building codes, and homebuyers may need to purchase additional flood insurance. Falmouth, along with the rest of the cape, is gradually converting to town-wide sewer systems in order to lower nitrogen levels in waterways. Currently, homeowners are responsible for maintaining their own septic systems.

Cape Cod homes are plentiful in West Falmouth.
Cape Cod homes are plentiful in West Falmouth.
A contemporary style home stands tall over Chapoquoit Beach in West Falmouth.
A contemporary style home stands tall over Chapoquoit Beach in West Falmouth.
1/2

Falmouth Public Schools and the A-plus-rated Falmouth Academy

Children who live in West Falmouth throughout the year can attend Falmouth Public Schools, a district that was honored by the U.S. Department of Education as a Green Ribbon district. Each year, students participate in hands-on learning with nearby scientific research and environmental agencies, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Preschool through fourth-grade students are zoned for either North Falmouth Elementary School, rated an A-minus on Niche, or the Mullen-Hall School, which earns a B. They transition to Morse Pond School, which receives an A-minus rating and serves children in fifth and sixth grades. Seventh and eighth graders can attend the B-rated Lawrence School. Falmouth High School earns an A. Families can also opt to send their children to private school for seventh through 12th grades at the A-plus-rated Falmouth Academy. Niche ranks it as the No. 1 private high school in Barnstable County.

Kids are eager to learn once they walk through the doors at Morse Pond School.
Kids are eager to learn once they walk through the doors at Morse Pond School.
Falmouth students hit the books at the Lawrence School.
Falmouth students hit the books at the Lawrence School.
Falmouth High School was given an A for academics by Niche.
Falmouth High School was given an A for academics by Niche.
Built on a participatory model, parents are integral to learning at North Falmouth Elementary.
Built on a participatory model, parents are integral to learning at North Falmouth Elementary.
1/4

Commuting to Boston or Providence

Most residents rely on cars for travel. State routes 28 and 28A pass through the community, allowing drivers to get around the Cape or commute to work in Boston or Providence, Rhode Island, both less than 70 miles away. Both cities have international airports. About 20 miles from West Falmouth is the Cape Cod Gateway Airport, which offers flights to New York City, Washington, D.C. and Boston. With the Falmouth Hospital in the village and some employment opportunities through Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, a few residents work locally, but a good portion are retired or telecommute. In the summer months, weekend CapeFLYER trains take vacationers from Bourne to Boston. The station is just over 11 miles north of the village. There are daily ferries running from Woods Hole, about 7.5 miles south, to Martha’s Vineyard, where travelers can take another ferry to Nantucket.

Wastewater treatment plant

Falmouth has already begun converting some parts of town to sewer systems, and the Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Plant is located in West Falmouth. Those who live closest to the plant may be bothered by its smell, and depending on weather and wind direction, residents who live farther from the plant may be impacted as well.

Ginny West
Written By
Ginny West
Photography Contributed By
Shawn Miller
Edward Pokoj
Video By
Edward Pokoj

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kerry Houde, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

Martha's Vineyard

72 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West Falmouth US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,275,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,355,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$675,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$609
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Last 12 months Home Sales
100
Months of Supply
1.30
Median List Price
$1,297,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
40%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,210
Median Year Built
1980
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,331
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,418
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,672
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
714
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
24,829

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 1pm

    4 Charles Ln, Falmouth, MA 02540

    $2,000,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 3,046 Sq Ft
    • 4 Charles Ln
    • New 3 days ago

    West Falmouth colonial, completed in 2023! Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, it is situated close enough to Buzzard's Bay to enjoy the soothing sounds of the water. The home is filled with natural light and boasts 9' ceilings on the first floor and 8' ceilings upstairs, offering a spacious and airy feel throughout.Designed with entertaining in mind, the chef's kitchen is a highlight,

    Susan Challenger Sotheby's International Realty

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    15 Marvin Cir, Falmouth, MA 02540

    $1,395,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,376 Sq Ft
    • 15 Marvin Cir

    Quissett Gardens-This is the light, bright, special, well kept home you have been looking for. The perfect location between downtown Falmouth, Woods Hole and close to Quissett Harbor, for you sailors. It is a delight to walk in the front door which opens to the first floor. There is plenty of living area. A living room features a wall of built-ins. The separate dining room offers ample room for

    Sue Gregory Kinlin Grover Compass

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kerry Houde, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,933
Median Age
59
Population under 18
14.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
40%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$119,809
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$144,687

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.6%
College Graduates
66.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.7%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

11 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

7 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the West Falmouth neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
West Falmouth