Section Image

West Barnstable

West Barnstable

Neighborhood in Barnstable, Massachusetts

Barnstable County 02668

$898,406 Average Value
$453 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

West Barnstable's focus on history

From the dune shacks, endangered animals and 1800s-era lighthouse on Sandy Neck Beach to the national scenic byway that runs through the center of the village, West Barnstable is one of the cape’s most historically significant areas. Even its train station serves as a headquarters for the National Railway Historical Society. “It’s more like old Cape Cod,” says Betty Allen, president and owner of Decoy Realty, Ltd. and West Barnstable resident. “It’s very, very rural — good for if you want a quieter life.” Despite its peaceful setting, it remains accessible for commuters who travel to and from Boston. West Barnstable also has both private and public-school options for children, as well as a renowned charter high school.
Brilliant homes line the Great Marshes of West Barnstable.
Brilliant homes line the Great Marshes of West Barnstable.
A brilliant sign greets you as you enter West Barnstable.
A brilliant sign greets you as you enter West Barnstable.
1/2

Cape Cod cottages and cedar-shingled new builds

In West Barnstable, 2-acre-minimum zoning throughout most of the village gives homeowners additional privacy. Allen says that there are a few subdivisions, but that houses still rest on lots of at least 1 acre. A buyer might find a single-story cottage, which was built in the mid-1900s priced between $550,000 and $950,000. Residences in this range are on inland streets and may need some updating. From about $1 million to just under $2 million are newly built cedar-shingled homes and well-kept historic ones with around 3,000 square feet or more. Larger estates often are passed between generations, but they sometimes come on the market as well, with prices anywhere from $2.5 million to $5.5 million. Their amenities might include access to the Sandy Neck Beach via a private path or acres of farmland.
Perfectly manicured lawns can be found all over West Barnstable.
Perfectly manicured lawns can be found all over West Barnstable.
A brilliant historic colonial is surrounded by lush trees in West Barnstable.
A brilliant historic colonial is surrounded by lush trees in West Barnstable.
1/2

Hiking along Sandy Neck Beach or doing hot yoga

West Barnstable’s most notable outdoor space is Sandy Neck Beach, which is open those who have a Barnstable town beach sticker. Beachgoers can swim in the cool water and hike with their dogs along trails through the dunes. Horseback riding and off-roading (with a permit) is also allowed. At the far end of the Sandy Neck barrier beach are historic dune shacks and an old lighthouse, but it’s a challenging 13-mile round trip through sand to see them. Many people enjoy passing views by boat instead. The 3,800-acre Great Marshes are another notable space. When the first tourists arrived on the cape at the West Barnstable station, overwhelming numbers of mosquitos from the marshes kept them from staying in village. In the early 1900s, workers with the Works Progress Administration added ditches to help with drainage, and these minimized the mosquito issue and made the marshes — and the area around them — more welcoming for visitors. Today, people enjoy hiking through them and hoping to spot rare saltmarsh sparrows or diamondback terrapins. “The marshes are gorgeous. In fall, the marsh heather all turns purple,” Allen says. There are also forest trails in the West Barnstable Conservation Area. In the heart of the village there is a yoga studio, Hot Yoga Cape Cod. Beside the West Barnstable Community Center, children of all abilities can play together at Luke’s Love Boundless Playground.
Wake up to seaside views on Sandy Neck Beach in West Barnstable.
Wake up to seaside views on Sandy Neck Beach in West Barnstable.
Great Marshes in West Barnstable provide miles of brilliant hiking trails.
Great Marshes in West Barnstable provide miles of brilliant hiking trails.
1/2

Public, private and charter schools for West Barnstable kids

Children in West Barnstable can begin their education at Barnstable West Barnstable Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through third grade and earns a B-minus on Niche. For fourth and fifth grades, they can attend Barnstable United Elementary School, which also receives a B-minus. Barnstable Intermediate School covers sixth and seventh grades and Barnstable High School, eighth through 12th. They earn a B-minus and B-plus, respectively. Some families send their children to private schools, which include A-minus-rated Trinity Christian Academy of Cape Cod, serving preschool through 12th grades and located about 7 miles east. Children can also apply to A-plus-rated Sturgis Charter Public School, in Hyannis, less than 7 miles away. Sturgis offers the International Baccalaureate Program and was ranked the No.1 charter high school in Massachusetts by Niche. Cape Cod Community College, located about 3 miles east, offers associate degree programs. Some students at CCCC participate in internships at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
At Barnstable-West Barnstable Elementary School, Children from K-3rd grade get a good education.
At Barnstable-West Barnstable Elementary School, Children from K-3rd grade get a good education.
Barnstable High School is a traditional public school with a modern campus.
Barnstable High School is a traditional public school with a modern campus.
Barnstable Intermediate School is dedicated to creating an equitable learning community.
Barnstable Intermediate School is dedicated to creating an equitable learning community.
1/3
Grab your favorite book at Whelden Public Library in West Barnstable.
Grab your favorite book at Whelden Public Library in West Barnstable.

West Barnstable stays active throughout the year

Though many Cape Cod villages are inhabited by a large percentage of part-year residents, West Barnstable’s population remains relatively constant throughout the year. Science lectures take place at the West Barnstable Community Center and the Whelden Memorial Library hosts garden tours and a Halloween haunted house. Each August, local vendors and community members gather beside the library for West Barnstable’s village festival.
Travels from near and far can access West Barnstable by means of the Cape Cod Gateway Airport.
Travels from near and far can access West Barnstable by means of the Cape Cod Gateway Airport.

U.S. Route 6 and nearby public transportation

West Barnstable lies along U.S. Route 6, otherwise known as the Mid-Cape Highway or the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Drivers can take this four-lane, divided freeway to make their way around the cape or to head toward Boston, which is roughly 67 miles north. “I have friends who go there every day,” Allen says. There are several public transportation methods as well, including a Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority bus service, which stops at Cape Cod Community College. CCRTA also offers a Dial-A-Ride Transportation service, which can pick up residents at their home and take them shopping. People who have disabilities or are over the age of 60 pay a reduced fee for the service. “Some people don’t want to maintain their cars,” Allen says. In Hyannis, about a 7-mile drive west, there is a station where riders can catch the CapeFLYER trains to Boston on summer weekends. Hyannis is also home to the Cape Cod Gateway Airport, which offers flights to Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. Private pilots can also use the Cape Cod Airfield in Marston Mills, just 2 mile south of U.S. Route 6. Though West Barnstable used to have a train service, the station now only operates a tourist excursion train, meandering past sand dunes and cranberry bogs and providing views of the Cape Cod Canal.

Local shops in West Barnstable, more shopping in Hyannis

Throughout West Barnstable and especially along U.S. Route 6, a focus on maintaining the historic character of the village impacts commercial development. Unlike Hyannis, about 6 miles away, which has a mall and chain grocery stores, the village’s businesses are locally owned and often housed in historic structures. The Old Village Store, beside the historic train station, is the center of activity. Customers can pick up sandwiches, fresh produce and wine — while there, they can add a picture of their pup to the “Community Information” board. There are few other shops, as well, including an art gallery, feed store and even a place that sells restored antique stoves. Shaw’s and Trader Joe’s, which are about 5 miles east, are the nearest grocery stores. Diners can drive 2 miles to East Sandwich, where Amari serves Italian-style seafood and pasta. Hyannis has a variety of other dining options, including gastropubs, Indian and Mexican restaurants and a gelateria.
In nearby downtown Hyannis locals of West Barnstable can visit a variety of shops.
In nearby downtown Hyannis locals of West Barnstable can visit a variety of shops.
Barnstable Farm and Pet in West Barnstable has you covered for all of your pet needs.
Barnstable Farm and Pet in West Barnstable has you covered for all of your pet needs.
Colombo's Cafe in Hyannis is a favorite nearby spot for residents of West Barnstable.
Colombo's Cafe in Hyannis is a favorite nearby spot for residents of West Barnstable.
Residents of West Barnstable can travel to nearby Hyannis to the delicious Tap City Grille.
Residents of West Barnstable can travel to nearby Hyannis to the delicious Tap City Grille.
1/4

Protecting history and the environment

West Barnstable has a long history, dating back to before the arrival of the Pilgrims. Native Americans from the Wampanoag tribe caught shellfish in the harbor and walked the paths that later became state Route 6A. The route is now a 65-mile-long national scenic byway, and those who live along it are expected to maintain its historical appearance by preserving antique stone walls and planting viburnums and other native species. The village was later used by early settlers for farming, particularly in areas with rich clay soil. Homes and structures date back as far as 1717 and the section of West Barnstable that lies to the north of state Route 6A is a historic district. Allen says that whenever a buyer is considering that area, she gives them an informational sheet that explains that homeowners will need to adhere to certain guidelines when doing any sort of building or renovation projects. Another factor that impacts owners is that everyone maintains their own wells and septic systems. The state of Massachusetts requires a Title 5 inspection as part of the buying process — private septic systems are checked to ensure that they are structurally sound and not polluting nearby water sources.
West Barnstable offers a variety of different styles of architecture.
West Barnstable offers a variety of different styles of architecture.
Lush green lawns surround the homes of West Barnstable.
Lush green lawns surround the homes of West Barnstable.
1/2
Ginny West
Written By
Ginny West
Al Straggas
Photography Contributed By
Al Straggas
Matthew Bloch
Video By
Matthew Bloch

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 Eleanor Reilly, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Martha's Vineyard

104 min drive

Bus

Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable

Bus

Mobile Mart Park & Ride, Barnstable, Ma

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

West Barnstable Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$850,000
Median Sale Price
$750,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$810,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
6%
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-9%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$453

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,300
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Median Year Built
1985
Months of Supply
3.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,063
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,358
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
43,560

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    11:30am - 1pm

    160 Coachman Ln, West Barnstable, MA 02668

    $729,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,464 Sq Ft
    • 160 Coachman Ln
    • New 5 days ago

    Open Houses Canceled! Charming one floor living in sought after Barnstable. Welcome to 160 Coachman Lane, nestled on a quiet, private cul-de-sac in the heart of Marstons Mills/West Barnstable. This beautifully maintained ranch style home offers the ease of one floor living on a spacious fully fenced level acre lot. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a finished basement, central a/c and a whole

    Team 300 Today Real Estate

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,648
Median Age
54
Population under 18
17.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.5%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$116,278
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$132,775

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
52.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
78°F
Annual Snowfall
6''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

27 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

11 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

0 / 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.

Reviews

Are you familiar with the West Barnstable 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 Barnstable