$1,547,871Average Value$740Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Marine research in Woods Hole
Woods Hole, unlike some Falmouth villages, is not known for its beaches and quaint summertime life. This Upper Cape village is synonymous with marine research, and deep-sea diving craft, naval vessels and laboratories share the harbor with tall sailing ships. Homeowners value the benefits of the scientific community and the village’s natural beauty. Woods Hole lies at the far southwestern corner of Cape Cod and its hook-shaped Penzance Point peninsula separates Buzzards Bay from the Vineyard Sound. “There are so many different levels to it — that’s what makes Woods Hole so eclectic,” says Jamie Regan, the senior vice president of the Regan Southworth Group with Compass Osterville, who has lived on the cape for more than 40 years. “There’s the science community, some long-time residents and some transient ones, like the interns.” Demand for housing is high and with all the activity coming through the area, parking can be a pain point.
A couple enjoys an afternoon picnick in Woods Hole.
Oceanic discovery is one of the main draws of visiting Woods Hole.
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From whaling to deep-sea exploration
Early settlers used Woods Hole as a farming community, but by the 1800s, whaling became the most profitable industry. Other ventures included the production of fertilizer from bat guano and menhaden. Along the Bar Neck wharf, where sailing ships once moored to deliver whalebones and guano, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute buildings now stand. The naturally deep waters of the harbor behind the institution allow scientists to test new equipment and prepare for deep-sea missions. Residents can attend lecture series and events to meet scientists from around the globe. WHOI also has a repair facility that employs welders and other skilled tradesmen, making it one of the area’s biggest employers. The Steamship Authority, which runs a ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, is another major employer. “There always traffic going back and forth to the islands,” Regan says.
Dozens of boats rest on the shores of Woods Hole.
A local boat tour passes through the shores of Woods Hole
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Parks
Aside from the marine science aspects of the community, there are several recreation areas to visit. Falmouth’s Sea to Shining Sea Bikeway begins in Woods Hole, and bikers can pedal along more than 10 miles of paved paths through cranberry bogs, up the coast and through several Falmouth villages. At the northern edge of Woods Hole is the Knob, a small, rocky peninsula known for its sunset views. Those who live along Gosnold Road can walk to Stoney Beach, along Buzzards Bay. Its sandy shore gives parents a place to relax while their kids search for sea creatures or try snorkeling between the jetties. Residents who live down Church Street are closer to Nobska Beach, beside the Nobska Lighthouse. With just a few parking spots at the lighthouse, it can be challenging to access, however. The Woods Hole Science Aquarium lies at the end of Water Street. Away from the crowds on Water Street is the Woods Hole Park, with a shaded walking trail, tennis court and a playground. Woods Hole Golf Club has an 18-hole course, but “you’ve got to be on the list for a couple of generations to join,” Regan says. “Newcomers might be able to play as a guest.” Those looking for a golf club to join can try Willowbend, about 15 miles away in Mashpee, he says.
A local resident works on his foot juggling in Woods Hole Park.
Sea to Shining Sea Bikeway in Woods Hole offers paved trails for bikers.
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Falmouth Road Race and the Woods Hole Film Festival
In addition to lectures at WHOI, events in Woods Hole often bring an influx of tourists to the village. Each August, the long-running Falmouth Road Race begins just south of Eel Pond. Though the 7-mile race itself just takes place for a few hours in the morning and “by one in the afternoon, it doesn’t even look like people were there,” Regan says, participants visit Falmouth from far and wide to compete. The Cape Cod Marathon also makes its way through Woods Hole, and at the end of June each year, the week-long Woods Hole Film Festival holds screenings at the Swope Center and other village auditoriums. Year-round residents attend the annual Woods Hole May Festival, where kids dance around the maypole and compete in egg toss competitions. There are also regular contra dance and folk dance meetups at the Woods Hole Community Hall on Water Street throughout the off season.
Dining with views of Great Harbor or Eel Pond
Hungry scientists, tourists and ferry riders have allowed a number of restaurants and businesses to thrive in the small village. Along Water Street, cedar-shingled former sea captains’ homes now house souvenir and candy shops, package stores and restaurants. Pie in the Sky Bakery & Café, at the crest of Water Street, serves house-roasted coffee and popovers. People can stop by the Woods Hole Market & General Store to pick up ingredients, and some patrons order lobster rolls or fresh-baked pizza and eat them on the back deck overlooking Eel Pond. One of the village’s most notable dining areas is Landfall, which has views of the boats in Great Harbor. It was constructed in 1946 with parts from sailing ships and arched windows from historic Woods Hole residences. Buoys and lobster pots hang from the rafters, donated by local fishermen. For special occasions, people head to the Water Street Kitchen, known for its upscale farm-to-table dining. When homeowners need to stock up on groceries or other household essentials, they drive into Teaticket, about 6 miles north, where there is a Stop & Shop. There are more shopping and dining options in Hyannis, about 25 miles away.
The Landfall Restaurant in Woods hole has an eclectic nautical interior.
Many dining options in Woods hole offer views of the water.
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Competitive housing market in Woods Hole
The real estate market in Woods Hole is quite competitive, as many homes remain in families for generations. Cedar-sided Queen Annes, Foursquares and Shingle-style homes rest at the end of narrow private driveways. Lots tend to be around a quarter to a half acre and include space for septic systems. Recent sales for homes built between the early-to-mid 1900s were priced between $800,000 and $1 million. There are a few residences which were built after 2000, and these often include historic elements such as gambrels and widow’s walks to blend in with their neighbors. These may sell between $1.7 million and $2.1 million. In some portions of Woods Hole, prices tend to be much higher. “On Penzance Point, it’s the crème de la crème,” Regan says. “You could win the lottery and still not be able to afford those houses.” Multiacre estates on Penzance Point and residences on large plots along Buzzards Bay rarely come on the market, but when they do, prices sometimes fall between $11 million and $13.5 million. Several parts of Woods Hole are at risk of flooding and some homebuyers may need to purchase flood insurance.
Seaside homes hug the nearby beach of Woods Hole.
Woods Hole offers a variety of different styles of architecture.
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Green ribbon school district and the highly-rated Falmouth Academy
Families that live in Woods Hole year-round may send their children to Falmouth Public Schools. In 2024, the district was honored by U.S. Department of Education as a green ribbon school district. Schools in the district partner with nearby scientific research facilities, including the Marine Biological Laboratory and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, to give students a deeper understanding of the wildlife and waterways around their home. In preschool through fourth grade, kids may begin their learning at Mullen-Hall Elementary School, which receives a B on Niche. Morse Pond School, with an A-minus rating, serves children in fifth and sixth grades. In seventh and eighth grades, students can transition to the B-rated Lawrence School. Falmouth High School earns an A-minus. Some students choose to attend the private Falmouth Academy for seventh through 12th grades. Niche rates it an A-plus and ranks it as the No.1 private high school in Barnstable County. Continuing learning opportunities in Woods Hole include internships at WHOI in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and learning opportunities at the Marine Biological Laboratory through the University of Chicago.
Lawrence School got a B+ in the academics category from Niche.
Cheer on the Falmouth Clippers at Falmouth High School
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Getting to and from Woods Hole
Though Woods Hole’s harbor sees a constant influx of vessels, boating is not the main form of transportation for most residents. “I’m a pretty proficient boater, but it’s tough to navigate the area with all the currents,” Regan says. “There are some pretty unforgiving rocks.” Some boat owners moor their boats in Eel Pond and can sail through to Great Harbor when the drawbridge is up, but the spaces there are limited. “There’s a long wait to get a spot,” Regan says. The main road in and out of the village is Woods Hole Road, a tree-lined, two-lane road, which can lead drivers toward Hyannis or Boston, 25 and 76 miles away, respectively. As parking is notoriously challenging to find in Woods Hole, most homeowners leave their cars in their driveways and walk or bike when traveling around the village. Ferries run to and from Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket throughout the year. There is a seasonal WHOOSH trolley service, operated by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, that takes people to and from Falmouth Village. CCRTA also has a year-round bus service with a stop in Woods Hole. In Hyannis, there is a small commercial airport with flights into Boston, New York and Washington, D.C.
A ferry headed for Marthas Vineyard is about to set sea in Woods Hole.
Woods Hole offers busses that head directly to and from the ferry.
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
Robert Bono,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Woods Hole Waterfront Park
Belltower Park
The Knob
Transit
Airport
Martha's Vineyard
61 min drive
Bus
Water Street & Luscombe Avenue, Woods Hole
Bus
Woods Hole Terminal
Bus
Oyster Pond Road, Falmouth
Bus
Steamship Authority Ferry Docks, Woods Hole
Bus
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Woods Hole
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Woods Hole, Falmouth sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Woods Hole, Falmouth over the last 12 months is $1,188,500, down 73% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This exquisite contemporary house in Woods Hole offers a unique blend of luxury and tranquility. Nestled on 1.8 acres overlooking Vineyard Sound, the property boasts breathtaking views of Martha's Vineyard. The design maximizes natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, the layout includes a separate wing with 3 bedrooms, a family
A short sidewalk distance to the heart of Woods Hole. This newly renovated home offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and a Woods Hole address. This property provides easy access to restaurants, shops, Labs, the ferry to Marthas Vineyard and beautiful beaches. The house boasts four spacious bedrooms and two meticulously updated bathrooms, ideal for accommodating family and guests. The
This meticulously crafted new build in Falmouth isn't just a home; it's a gateway to the quintessential Cape Cod lifestyle you've been dreaming of, with every detail thoughtfully considered for seamless living and effortless enjoyment.Imagine looking out your door and having easy access to the renowned local beaches that make Falmouth so desirable. Feel the sand within moments, whether you're
Walk to Woods Hole Village - New Construction Luxury Townhome with Views of Vineyard Sound. Welcome home to Lighthouse Station at Woods Hole, a 55+ community perched on 5.3 acres overlooking Little Harbor & Vineyard Sound. Enjoy a true residential feel in this spacious, 2550 SF + 1748 SF finished basement unit. With 3 ensuite bedrooms, a home office, 2 separate living areas and double laundry
This lovely Queen Anne Victorian houses 4 separate units with all the charm of an antique home. Rent them all or keep one for yourself, or convert it back to a single family home. Quite a few options to explore. Set on over an acre of land with stone walls and serene grounds, this location is about halfway between Falmouth Village and Woods Hole. A quick walk around the corner takes you to
Remarkable Woods Hole Waterfront Property with Dock.Discover the charm of coastal living with this rare waterfront residence nestled on Woods Hole's picturesque Eel Pond. Boasting floor to ceiling water-facing windows in almost every room, this 4+ bedroom, 4 bath property offers flexibility and opportunity. The 20x40 open-plan first floor is perfect for entertaining. Upstairs are three bedrooms,
Woods Hole furnished rental. This modern home was built in 2024 with attention to detail & high-end finishes. Enjoy the proximity to Woods Hole Village offering world class restaurants, artisan shopping, boating, fishing, and tennis. Spend time exploring Martha's Vineyard, the ferry is a short distance from this home. Also close by is the Woods Hole entrance to the Shining Sea Bike Path a
2025 WEEKLY SUMMER RENTAL at $7,000 - 9,000/week plus MA tax (cleaning fee included). This beautiful expansive home sleeps 9-10+ comfortably and is steps from the beach and scenic "Shining Sea Bikeway". Offering a picturesque path to Woods Hole and Falmouth Center (each 2 miles away) and extending to North Falmouth, you'll find numerous public beaches, shopping, restaurants, and stunning views
Stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bath colonial home that has been completely renovated with high end finishes throughout. Beautiful wood floors, spacious areas for entertaining and a lovely patio makes this the perfect home to rent at any time during the year. Just a short stroll to the beach and everything Woods Hole offers, this home is ready for your vacation getaway.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robert Bono,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,311
Median Age
59
Population under 18
11.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
39.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$106,000
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$138,875
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.3%
College Graduates
83.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
50.5%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
47.4%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
38/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
30/ 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.
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.
