$946,979Average Value$469Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes 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.
A brilliant sign greets you as you enter West Barnstable.
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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.
Great Marshes in West Barnstable provide miles of brilliant hiking trails.
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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.
Lush green lawns surround the homes of West Barnstable.
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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.
A brilliant historic colonial is surrounded by lush trees in West Barnstable.
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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.
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.
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.
Residents of West Barnstable can travel to nearby Hyannis to the delicious Tap City Grille.
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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.
Barnstable High School is a traditional public school with a modern campus.
Barnstable Intermediate School is dedicated to creating an equitable learning community.
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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.
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On average, homes in West Barnstable, Barnstable sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in West Barnstable, Barnstable over the last 12 months is $786,500, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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