Buzzards Bay offers a Cape lifestyle before the bridges
Buzzards Bay curls around a network of bays and coves at the tip of the larger bay that gives the neighborhood its name. Home to Bourne Bridge, it’s the last neighborhood before travelers pass into Cape Cod — but that doesn’t mean its waterways are missing some essential element. To many residents, this location is actually a benefit. “It’s Cape Cod before the bridges, so you don’t have to worry about the bridge traffic,” says James Abdu, a Realtor at Upper Cape Realty who has been selling homes here for 8 years. “There are several great marinas nearby, great beaches.” The neighborhood also has a mix of local restaurants and recognizable retailers, the latter of which some smaller Cape towns miss out on.
Swimming and boating in Buttermilk Bay, Cape Cod Canal Bikeway
Buzzards Bay is dotted with beaches known for their calm water. “They’re great places to swim, but you’re not going to be overrun by tourists,” Abdu says. Electric Avenue Beach is among the most popular, offering a stretch of sand, a fishing pier and a boat ramp. Boating, fishing and kayaking are especially popular on the bay’s waters. On the Canal, Buzzards Bay Recreation Area, which is also called Buzzards Bay park, has a splashpad that Abdu says draws kids during the summer. It’s also known for its access to the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway. This bike path runs 7 miles along the edge of the canal — with a twin on the canal’s other side — and connects several natural areas, offering plenty of scenic views and picnic stops along the way. Little Buttermilk Bay Woods has an easy hiking trail for adventures on land or dog walks.
Inland homes and houses on the canal or bay
Cape Cods, colonials and the occasional small cottage or large new traditional house fill the neighborhood’s residential streets. Each house looks different, and Abdu says that historic houses are dotted through the neighborhood. Some date as far back as the 1700s, adding what he calls 18th century flair. Inland homes start at about $325,000 if they need updating and usually max out at about $800,000. Waterfront houses don’t go for sale very often, so it’s harder to find pricing data for them. Between 2024 and 2025, three homes sold on the canal, falling between $450,000 and $575,000. The handful of homes that sold directly on the bay cost between $750,000 and $1 million, but estimated values indicate some are worth up to $1.5 million.
Restaurants, shops and incoming improvements on Main Street
Sidewalks line the length of Main Street, which is dotted with restaurants and shops. “Mahoney’s on Main is one of my favorites, and Mezza Luna is an Italian restaurant that’s been a local staple since the 1930s,” Abdu says. “It’s a real institution in the area.” Mezza Luna is particularly well-known for its prime rib. Another of Buzzards Bay’s most popular spots is East Wind Lobster and Grille, which is right on the water and serves up fresh lobster rolls and scallops. Local shops and more recognizable retailers, including PetSmart and CVS, are studded between the restaurants. In 2024, work began to improve sidewalks and their accessibility in the downtown, which still experiences heavy foot traffic despite being a little spread out. For groceries, residents drive about a mile to Mazzilli's Farm Stand or about 3 miles to Stop & Shop.
Free concerts and festivals in Buzzards Bay Park
Every Thursday during the summer, Buzzards Bay Park fills up for a free concert. “You bring your blankets, sit on the lawn; sometimes they have food trucks,” Abdu says. “They really do draw several hundred people every Thursday night.” Cape Cod Canal Day, which is also thrown in the park, is another free festival that features live music, food trucks, local vendors, a cornhole tournament and a 5K.
Career prep at Plymouth South High and a local university
Plymouth Public Schools gets a B from Niche. Children in Buzzards Bay often attend South Elementary School and Plymouth South Middle School, both of which also earn B ratings. They then move on to Plymouth South High School, which has a B-plus. Its College, Career and Technical Education program includes courses in fields like carpentry, HVAC and plumbing, cosmetology and early education.
The Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a small university with a military-focused atmosphere that has seven undergraduate programs revolving around the maritime industry, is located in Buzzards Bay.
Access to major highways, Bourne Bridge and train to Boston
U.S. Route 6, also known as Buzzards Bay Bypass, and state Route 28 pass through the neighborhood. Route 28 stays along Buzzards Bay’s edge, though, keeping traffic from the bridge off its more residential streets. But when residents want to head onto the Cape, the bridge is right there. Residents also have easy access to state Route 25. Commuters also benefit from Buzzards Bay Station. It takes about an hour and a half to reach Boston by train; driving can take anywhere from an hour and 15 minutes to over two hours, depending on traffic. Abdu says the option is a major plus for many residents, who find the train ride less stressful and more budget-friendly than driving.
Potential flooding along the bay’s edge
The Federal Emergency Management Agency places parts of Buzzards Bay in flood zones. Most of the homes in flood zones sit near the bay’s edge. Heavy rains, especially during hurricane season, can lead to rising water levels and potential flooding.
Written By
Christina Norwood
