$568,309Average Value$327Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
White sand beaches and year-round residents keep Onset thriving
Onset is a small waterfront village on the southern shores of Massachusetts, often considered a peaceful gateway to Cape Cod without the traffic. Known for its walkable, family friendly environment and coastal ambiance, it offers a more relaxed alternative to the crowded Cape. The village features sandy beaches and picturesque Victorian homes, making it a popular destination for families. Originally developed in the late 19th century as a summer camp for Spiritualists, Onset first flourished as a destination for summer vacationing. “People used to come for the location, the waterfront and the beaches, and people still come because it’s a lazy little village by the beach with a lot going on,” says longtime resident and local Realtor Ginny Lewis of Divito Realty, adding that the village continues to attract more year-round residents. “The white, sandy beaches are just incredible,” Lewis says, emphasizing that the shores are not man-made. “The beaches weren’t built; they’re there by the force of nature and God.”
Residents enjoy panoramic views of Onset Village and its beaches.
Buzzards Bay provides scenic views and boating opportunities for Onset Village residents.
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Victorian styles and bungalows dominate the housing mix
Rows of historic Victorian homes, many adorned with shake siding or pastel colors that evoke a coastal vibe, are a hallmark of Onset Village. “We call it a farmhouse Victorian style,” Lewis says, “and carpenters had plenty of time on their hands to make the intricate trim on the edges of the porches and roofs.” Bungalows and colonial-style cottages add variety to the housing mix. A few condos and townhouses in converted homes are also available. Smaller single-family homes such as cottages and manufactured homes may start at around $100,000. Homes closer to the shore typically begin at $300,000 and go up from there, depending on size and location. The larger, stately Victorian homes and more contemporary new builds in the main area of the village begin at $600,000, with coveted waterfront properties fetching up to $1.3 million.
Colonial-style cottages in Onset Village blend tradition with coastal living.
Residents enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and timeless appeal of these cottages.
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Onset Beach draws crowds with lifeguards and concessions
The sandy shores of Onset Beach become a patchwork of umbrellas and towels in the warmer months, when beachgoers flock to the oceanfront. The beach is a destination for its accessibility and amenities, which include lifeguards, concessions and restrooms. The many bays and coves that border Buzzards Bay are hubs for boating, kayaking and other water sports. Locals can set off from the public boat launches or dock their vessels at marinas like Stonebridge Marina. Fishing is also popular. “You can catch stripers right off the pier, and lots of places offer fishing boat trips,” Lewis says. Inland, residents can stay active at Leonard C. Lopes Memorial Park, which features a playground, basketball courts and multi-purpose fields.
Onset Beach is a popular point to set off for kayaking.
Robert A. Thornton Memorial Courts offer basketball and multi-purpose fields in Onset Village.
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Seasonal seafood spots and gift shops line Onset Avenue
Most commercial establishments line Onset Avenue, both inland and along the coast. Seasonal dining favorites include Quahog Republic and Onset Beach Patio & Grill. Both serve comfort foods and seafood plates with waterfront views. Farther inland along Onset Avenue, shoppers can find a string of gift shops, such as Tried and True and Fortunate Rabbit Co., and additional eateries like Pier View Restaurant. Onset Village Market provides basic groceries and essentials, and locals can head about a mile north of the hamlet to Cranberry Plaza, which houses a Stop & Shop and other local and national businesses.
Quahog Republic serves up seafood favorites with waterfront views in Onset Village.
Residents enjoy browsing gift shops and dining at local favorites along Onset Avenue.
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Wareham High offers sports, clubs and a night school option
Onset Village is served by Wareham Public Schools, which earns a C-plus overall score from Niche. Kids may begin at Wareham Elementary School for prekindergarten to fourth grade before advancing to Wareham Middle School for fifth through seventh grades. Both earn C grades. Wareham Senior High School serves eighth through 12th grades and receives a B-minus rating. Home of the Vikings, the high school offers well-rounded athletics and extracurricular programming, including sports teams like soccer and field hockey. The school also offers a night school cooperative program.
Wareham Middle School serves students in the Onset Village area.
Wareham High School in Onset Village. has a barrel-vaulted atrium.
Onset Village students begin their academic careers at Wareham Elementary School.
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Thousands gather for music, soul food and waterfront lights
Onset has evolved into a vibrant community with a significant Cape Verdean population and hosts a lively annual festival that celebrates its cultural heritage. Hosted at the beginning of August, the Cape Verdean Festival features live entertainment, Verdean music, soul food and a variety of artisan craft vendors. Illumination Night at the end of August also attracts thousands of spectators. “They set off hundreds of flares and light up all the beaches,” Lewis says. “It’s breathtaking and creates a gorgeous glow.”
Easy access to highways and public transit options nearby
Residents say Onset Village has a Cape Cod feel without the traffic. The village is located near U.S. Route 6, which leads westward into Wareham and eastward along the Cape. It’s also close to Route 25, a direct link to Interstate 195 for access to southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Public transportation options include GATRA’s Link 1 bus route, which serves Onset Village and nearby areas. Boston Logan International Airport is about 47 miles away. Tobey Hospital, about 4 miles away in Wareham, is the closest medical center.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
Houston Knight
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erin Hovan,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Onset Village, MA sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Onset Village, MA over the last 12 months is $450,000, down 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beach beach beach!! Welcome to Onset Mobile Home Park where it is quaint living. Steps from Onset Beach, this freshly painted and updated mobile home is ready for you. Come sit on this lovely covered porch and enjoy a book or coffee with the ocean air and birds singing. HOA includes taxes, sewer, water, trash. Simple living at its best or a summer home you decide. Small shed for your belongings.
Overlooking Shell Point Bay this custom built bow roof home, inspired by Cape Cod's shipbuilding heritage offers 1.29 acres of privacy and breathtaking sunsets. On the market for the first time, this spacious home has a passed title five for a five bedroom septic system for future expansion possibilities. The home currently boasts four bedrooms, three full baths, beautiful hardwood floors,
Deb KenneyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties
Welcome Home to your beautifully updated coastal escape near Sandy Beach. This low-maintenance home shines with recent renovations completed in the past few years, giving you a fresh, move-in-ready space. Beach access is just down the street, and you’re minutes from major highways, great shopping, dining, entertainment, and the lively charm of Onset Village. The seller has installed a new roof,
Direct Waterfront in Onset! Tastefully remodeled waterfront home offering stunning views of Broad Cove and easy access to water. Stunning new kitchen with all new appliances, open and bright floor plan with all new flooring throughout, gas fireplace, three bedrooms and one full bath, laundry area and large entry foyer. Central air. Rough plumbing installed for additional 1/2 bath. Spacious
Situated across from the tranquil waters of the East River in Onset, this year-round, 180 degree waterview cottage offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of coastal New England charm. Drop your kayak just a few feet from your front door or launch your boat at Broad Cove boat ramp! This cherished home has been a haven of memories for its owners, and now it awaits its next chapter. Just a stone’s
Welcome to beautiful Onset Village, where coastal charm meets endless opportunity. Whether you're searching for a year-round residence, summer retreat, or investment property with Airbnb potential, this home offers it all. Step inside to a spacious, sun-filled living room flowing seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen featuring granite countertops, pantry closet, and peninsula seating.
Water View Lot with Proposed Home Site – Sunset Cove- Discover the potential of this rare 1.58-acre vacant lot located in the peaceful and private enclave of Sunset Cove. Offering serene water views overlooking the marsh and filtered glimpses of Onset Bay, this wooded parcel provides the perfect setting for a coastal retreat.The proposed site plan includes a 28'x36' dwelling with a 24'x24'
Prime redevelopment opportunity in East Wareham’s Village District within close proximity to Onset Village and beautiful Onset Beach. This prominent property on Onset Avenue is currently improved with a church building situated on approximately 9,500 square feet (0.22 acres) and offers exceptional potential for residential, mixed-use, institutional, or commercial uses (subject to approvals).
Situated across from the tranquil waters of the East River in Onset, this year-round, 180 degree waterview cottage offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of coastal New England charm. Drop your kayak just a few feet from your front door or launch your boat at Broad Cove boat ramp! This cherished home has been a haven of memories for its owners, and now it awaits its next chapter. Just a stone's
Overlooking Shell Point Bay and Sunset Cove, this custom built bow roof home, inspired by Cape Cod's shipbuilding heritage offers 1.29 acres of privacy, tranquility, and breathtaking sunsets. On the market for the first time, this spacious home has a passed title five for a five bedroom septic system for future expansion possibilities. The home currently boasts four bedrooms, three full baths,
Deb KenneyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties
These 2 lots are being sold together, both are adjacent to 270 Onset Avenue, can be bought as a package with the restaurant which is listing number 73512165. Rare redevelopment possibility!
Discover brand-new townhomes at Windward Pines II at the Bay Pointe Club -- a boutique collection of luxury 2-bedroom townhomes nestled within a newly developed upscale coastal neighborhood. Situated along the 11th hole of Bay Pointe Golf Club, these beautifully designed residences offer the perfect blend of coastal living and modern convenience. Buyers will enjoy granite countertops, high-end
Property Id: 2613543Welcome to Broad Cove Bay, in historic village of Onset, a 1-minute walk to the beach. Come see this completely renovated home with all the bells and whistles. Walk in to a Sunny & Spacious foyer leading to an open living room w/ three first-floor bedrooms & a chef's kitchen. A beautiful huge 2nd floor primary bedroom, has skylights, & private bathroom waiting for you
Newly renovated townhouse style apartment offering two floors of living space" Newer Kitchen Granite countertops, white cabinets slow motion close, stainless steel appliances, Oven, microwave, dishwasher, Fridge. Central air a/c in unit! Gas Heat source. New updated baths! Laminate wood vinyl through out with tiled baths & Kitchen. Two floor Townhouse style apartment. off street Parking included
Welcome to our charming single-family cottage nestled in Onset, MA. This comfortable 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom cottage is located seconds from Onset Beach! Enjoy a newly renovated kitchen featuring granite counters and stainless steel appliances! Parking and on-site laundry are provided for your convenience. You'll have the opportunity to soak up the sun, take refreshing walks along the shore, and
This updated 1 bedroom unit is located on the second floor and features a mix of laminate & carpet flooring, an updated kitchen, and a dining nook. Heat, hot water,water/sewer/trash and off-street parking included in rent, with shared laundry provided on the first floor coin op.
**Year-Round Rental** - 2 bed unit just steps to beach and Onset Village Center. Open floor plan on 1st floor with full size bathroom, kitchen, living room and dining area. Cozy breakfast bar with lots of sunshine. New kitchen appliances. 2nd floor has 2 bedrooms, with outside deck off one bedroom; off street parking for two cars. Laundry hookup in unit. $2500 per month, utilities not included.
Newly renovated townhouse style apartment offering two floors of living space" Newer Kitchen Granite countertops, white cabinets slow motion close, stainless steel appliances, Oven, microwave, dishwasher, Fridge. Central air a/c in unit! Gas Heat source. New updated baths! Laminate wood vinyl through out with tiled baths & Kitchen. Two floor Townhouse style apartment. off street Parking included
Year round rental. A newly renovated 3 family home, located just 2 blocks from the beach and onset village. Pretty Kitchen with gas cooking, dishwasher, microwave, fridge, washer/dryer, a nice sized pantry, conveniently located next to the driveway. Full bathroom. Natural gas heat and cooking, town water and town sewer. Backyard is a common area and driveway is shared. Rent includes water and
Situated in an idyllic residential neighborhood in a beautiful, well-maintained, two-family style home with plenty of yard space for relaxation and enjoyment. Located on a quiet side-street. Spacious 2-bedroom apartment on an easy-access first floor and 2-car +, off-street parking. Neat and clean, recently painted and new flooring, heating system and water heater. Unit was deleaded in 2014 and
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