East Harwich is a rural, residential Cape Cod community
East Harwich is one of seven villages that makes up the town of Harwich on Massachusetts’ Cape Cod peninsula. It is nestled between Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound amid a landscape of mature trees that offers homeowners a different feel than the seaside towns that surround it. The community is also home to Hawksnest State Park, which features 13,000 acres of undeveloped forest land. “The villages have so many personalities, and East Harwich is our rural, residential community,” says Richard Waystack of William Raveis Real Estate & Home Services in Harwich Port. The community provides an appealing level of seclusion, yet several waterfront destinations are easy to reach. “It’s five to 10 minutes max to get to any beach,” Waystack says.
With its proximity to the ocean its no wonder why residents love living in East Harwich.
Vendors pack the Cape Cod Tech's gym to spread the holiday joy in East Harwich.
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Homes sit on spacious lots among mature trees
Colorful Cape Cods stand out among the charming homes that line the community’s quiet, tree-shaded streets. The Colonial Revival style is common among larger established homes, and it is prominently featured in new construction. “It’s becoming more populous,” Waystack says. “We’re starting to see more building because there’s more available land.” Homes sit on spacious lots with large, well-maintained front yards and wooded back yards. Some of the largest and most expensive homes offer waterfront or golf course views. Many streets end in cul-de-sacs or dead ends, offering an extra layer of privacy. Prices typically range from the high $600,000s to $2 million-plus. Flooding is a risk throughout the peninsula, but the community is somewhat insulated from damage by its landlocked location. Otherwise, residents enjoy a mild maritime climate.
Cape Cod style homes are the predominant style of architecture in East Harwich.
Colonial style homes can be found all over East Harwich.
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State park in the community is a hidden gem
Featured amenities at Hawksnest State Park include a swimming pond, a beach, hiking trails and scenic overlooks. “It’s one of the Cape’s least known parks,” Waystack says, “but it’s used substantially by locals. It’s a beautiful area of town.” The community borders Long Pond, the largest on Cape Cod. It is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Residents have access to plenty of beachfront activities, including popular stops along Cape Cod Bay, Pleasant Bay and Nantucket Sound. The surrounding waters are also a haven for boaters and watercraft enthusiasts. Golfers have several nearby options, including Cranberry Valley Golf Course closer to the center of Harwich. The municipal course was rated as the 11th-best public layout in the state by golfpass.com. Harwich proper is also home to parks, ballfields and, Waystack says, “one of the finest community centers on the Cape.” The Harwich Community Center offers an array of recreational amenities, and it hosts the annual Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival.
Drive for the fences at the Cranberry Valley Golf Course in East Harwich.
Enjoy breathtaking views from the jetty at Red River Beach in East Harwich.
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Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School is rated A-minus by Niche
The community is home to Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School, which serves students in sixth through eighth grades. The charter school is not part of Monomoy Regional School District, which earns an A-minus from Niche. However, the state allows inter-district transfers. Monomoy schools include Harwich and Chatham elementaries, rated B and A-minus, respectively; Monomoy Regional Middle School; and Monomoy Regional High School, both rated B-plus.
A brilliant sign greets you to Cape Cod Charter School in Harwich.
Monomoy Regional High School serves students in grades 8 through 12.
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Shopping options conveniently located in the heart of the community
Shopping and dining options are limited, but there is a Stop & Shop and a collection of small retail stores conveniently located in the middle of the community along Brewster-Chatham Road. The Corner Store is a popular counter-serve eatery known for its custom burritos. Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse is an upscale Italian restaurant. It is located on Main Street, which is lined with a variety of restaurants heading west through Harwich.
Grab your everyday provisions at Pleasant Lake General Store in East Harwich.
For fine Italian cuisine residents of East Harwich can head to Buca's Tuscan Roadhouse.
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Locals avoid seasonal traffic by taking back roads
Getting around Harwich and Cape Cod requires a car, but the community’s secluded location makes travel easier, especially during the summer when the population swells. “If you live here, you know which back roads to take,” Waystack says. Route 6, known locally as the Mid-Cape Highway, provides quick access to Cape Cod Gateway Airport about 15 miles away. The airport offers regular flights to and from regional destinations such as Boston, New York and Washington, D.C., as well as quick trips to local points of interest such as Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Provincetown. All three can also be reached by ferry.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Al Straggas
Video By
Adam Lapallo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Barbara Garside,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Step into history at 221 Church Street in Harwich, MA, where 1765 charm meets modern-day comfort. This enchanting 4-bedroom, 2-bath, 2,032 sq ft antique home showcases stunning wide-board hardwood floors full of character and history. Stay cool in summer with a modern split-system AC, blending timeless charm with everyday convenience. A detached two-car garage & two sheds--one with antique appeal
Nature-lovers! A beautifully renovated post 'n beam home perched above the Monomoy River with peeks of the water from the main bedroom, screened porch, and huge patio! Completely updated in '23/'24 with new exterior sheathing, siding, windows, doors, and refinished wood floors. The kitchen boasts new cabinetry, counters, and SS appliances. The bathrooms feature new tile floors, vanities, toilets,
Nature-lovers! A beautifully renovated post 'n beam home perched above the Monomoy River with peeks of the water from the main bedroom, screened porch, and huge patio! Completely updated in '23/'24 with new exterior sheathing, siding, windows, doors, and refinished wood floors. The kitchen boasts new cabinetry, counters, and SS appliances. The bathrooms feature new tile floors, vanities, toilets,
Step into history at 221 Church Street in Harwich, MA, where 1765 charm meets modern-day comfort. This enchanting 4-bedroom, 2-bath, 2,032 sq ft antique home showcases stunning wide-board hardwood floors full of character and history. Stay cool in summer with a modern split-system AC, blending timeless charm with everyday convenience. A detached two-car garage & two sheds--one with antique appeal
Nestled on 1.85 acres along the pristine shores of Pleasant Bay, this extraordinary waterfront estate offers an elegant blend of craftsmanship, comfort, and sweeping water views. Thoughtfully updated and expanded over the years, the home showcases a stunning post-and-beam addition with soaring cathedral ceilings, exposed trusses, and walls of windows that frame captivating views of the bay and
Paul GroverBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties
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