$1,317,239Average Value$595Average Price per Sq Ft36Homes For Sale
Quiet and easygoing coastal living by iconic Cape Cod beaches
Orleans is a quaint seaside town on Cape Cod with beautiful beaches. The community has a year-round population of roughly 6,000, but that number nearly triples during the peak season between July and August. Compared to the more suburban Upper Cape area, Orleans offers a more laid-back beachtown vibe, says longtime Cape Cod resident Clayton Southworth. “I love it out there. You know the postcard pictures of Cape Cod? A lot of them come from Orleans. It has a long beach on the Atlantic side with these big sand dunes. That’s where all the surfer bros hang out.” The community is also a hub for artists. Its charming downtown features several local galleries.
Beachside homes in Orleans draw homebuyers with stunning views and proximity to sandy shores.
Orleans’ Main Street offers diverse stores and restaurants for shopping and dining in Cape Cod.
Orleans, MA features Crystal Lake and Pilgrim Lake, two scenic spots for recreation.
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Classic and timeless New England homes from the 1800s to the 2020s
Orleans's median sale price is around $1.1 million. Its older homes are full of authentic New England charm, featuring clapboard cottages and classic shingle-sided Colonials built as early as 1830. In the 20th century, a more dynamic array of homes was built; however, many adhered to vintage looks, displaying Minimal Traditional, Colonial Revival and Cape Cod styles. Even the new construction houses blend contemporary and historic designs for a more timeless appearance. Gales, hurricanes, heavy rains and tropical storms are regular weather hazards in Cape Cod, and many waterfront properties are in special flood zones, requiring flood insurance for federal backing. Hurricane season ranges from June to November on the Atlantic Coast. The state of Massachusetts encourages homeowners in coastal communities to know their evacuation routes and zones.
Colonial homes are plentiful in Orleans, creating a traditional and inviting atmosphere.
Lakeside new construction homes in Orleans deliver contemporary comfort in a serene setting.
Homes in Orleans stand out with unique designs and yards filled with vibrant seasonal trees.
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Barnstable County’s top school district and Nauset Regional High’s renovation
Niche grades Nauset Public Schools an A and ranks it as the best school district in Barnstable County. It serves around 1,300 students across seven schools. Nauset Regional High earns an A, too, and ranks as the county’s second-best public high school. The over-50-year-old facility is undergoing a roughly $170 million renovation. Phase one concluded in 2024, and the school celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art performing arts center with musical performances. Phase two of the project is estimated to wrap before the end of 2025.
Orleans Elementary School educates young learners from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Nauset Regional Middle School in Orleans teaches grades 6–8 with over 500 enrolled students.
Orleans’ Nauset Regional High School provides rigorous academics for college-bound learners.
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Beaches and green spaces in Orleans
Nauset Beach is a 10-mile stretch of white sand on the community’s east side. In season, visitors try to get there early in the morning to secure a spot. On the opposite end of Orleans, Skaket Beach skirts the calmer, warmer waters of Cape Cod Bay. This spot is particularly popular for shelling because of all the exposed tidal pools and flats during low tide. Orleans also has conservation areas with walking trails, popular among birders and hikers. Local boaters enjoy the boat ramp at Kent’s Point Conservation Area. The small peninsula is near the heart of the community, surrounded by coves, a pond and a river.
Nauset Beach in Orleans features 10 miles of sandy trails for scenic walks along the shoreline.
Boats sway gently in the breeze at Kent’s Point Conservation Area near Orleans on Cape Cod.
Skaket Beach in Orleans offers calm waters and scenic views opposite Nauset Beach on Cape Cod.
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Eclectic local shops, restaurants for seafoodies and grocery shopping choices
The area's small downtown is concentrated around Massachusetts Route 6A. The narrow, two-lane road winds past locally owned shops, selling everything from boats and tackle gear to books, jewelry and clothes. For over 40 years, Birdwatcher’s General Store has been a popular stop for local and visiting birders alike. The shop stocks binoculars, birdhouses, birdseed, feeders, field guides and more. There are a number of popular restaurants, too. The Knack is a modern restaurant opened by a pair of brothers who grew up in Cape Cod, eating so much of the coastal cuisine they serve now. Down the road, Cooke’s Seafood has been popular for lobster rolls, fried clams and more since 1976. There are two chain supermarkets and a few local grocery store options like Friends’ Market and Nauset Farms.
Bird Watchers’ General Store in Orleans attracts visitors with its unique birding supplies.
The Sparrow Store in Orleans draws locals with its eclectic mix of gifts and charming products.
Friends’ Marketplace in Orleans offers fresh groceries and a deli for convenient local shopping.
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Public transit, U.S. 6, the closest airport and the nearest hospital
The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority runs several seasonal and year-round bus routes with stops in Orleans; however, most drive to get around Cape Cod. U.S. Route 6 is the main way in and out of the community and the most direct route to the town of Barnstable, which has the nearest airport and hospital. Cape Cod Gateway Airport is 20 miles away, and Cape Cod Hospital is a couple of miles farther.
Public buses in Orleans make it easy for residents to reach destinations within and beyond town.
Just twenty miles away, the Cape Cod Gateway Airport offers flights for Orleans residents.
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Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
Kellan Beaver
Video By
Jaried Frogosa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Barbara Garside,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Orleans, MA sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Orleans, MA over the last 12 months is $925,000, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A waterfront gem, where your back yard meets the water's edge in Orleans' coveted Briar Springs neighborhood, is 63 Briar Spring offering three levels of thoughtfully designed rooms with panoramic views of Pochet inlet, Pochet Island and Nauset Beach at every floor. The lower-level features two light-filled waterfront walkout bedrooms to include the ensuite primary flanked by a guest room and
Mayflower Point, Orleans. This extraordinary waterfront estate on Little Pleasant Bay. Eastward Companies, synonymous with Lower Cape luxury homebuilding, has exquisitely designed this 5800 sq ft shingle-style masterpiece to showcase their coastal aesthetic in a fantastic saltwater setting. The covered entry porch beckons to the main floor which is entirely dedicated to gathering and enjoyment.
East Orleans - Set on 2.3 private acres framed by classic stone walls and close proximity to the water with winter peeks, this rare multi-home compound offers exceptional charm and versatility.The main residence provides nearly 3,500 square feet of inviting single-level living, featuring 8 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an oversized 868-square-foot two-car garage--ideal for comfortable
WATERFRONT with deepwater access from Rachel Cove - a protected and picturesque bay off Town Cove. This lovely, expansive Cape was built in 1995 on a private, bucolic 1.23 acre lot and has been lovingly maintained by the original family. Large, welcoming foyer features raised-panel wainscoting, and warm, maple flooring which continues throughout the main living area. Transom windows maximize the
Sarah Gammons - CiampaBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties
This two-bedroom one bath has been totally renovated inside and out. The kitchen has been updated with new appliances, washer/dryer and custom granite counter tops. The outside of this home has a new roof, windows, slider, AZEK decking and handrails. It is also situated in a premiere location. 1.2 miles from Skaket Beach and waking distance to restaurants, shopping and the Rail Trail.
Embrace easy living at Old Colony Condominiums in the heart of Orleans! This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom end unit is more than a home--it's a gateway to the vibrant lifestyle Orleans has to offer. Step inside to discover a warm and inviting living space complete with a cozy fireplace, generously sized bedrooms and convenient in-unit laundry. Sip your morning coffee on your private balcony.
Light and bright 2 bedroom/2 bath end unit located on the top floor for quiet privacy, with an elevator for easy access. This beautiful condo offers one-floor living with many improvements added in 2024 including: appliances, granite counters, new luxury vinyl flooring, freshly painted, new slider, central AC, thermostats, plumbing fixtures, toilets. The 8' sliding door lets sunlight stream into
Classic Cape-style home offering 2,092 sq ft of living space in the main house with a flexible and functional floor plan. The traditional Cape layout includes comfortable living areas and a finished walk-out lower level, perfect for extended living, recreation space, a home office, or guest use.The main floor features a primary en suite bedroom, along with a second bedroom, shared bath with
Kirsten JohnstonGibson Sotheby's International Realty
Set at the peaceful end of a cul-de-sac and bordered by 10 acres of conservation land, this Cape Cod retreat offers rare privacy and serenity, with Pleasant Bay just around the corner. The main home features three bedrooms and two and a half baths, with a vaulted kitchen and dining area, den with gas stove, living room with Rumford fireplace, vaulted sitting room opening to the patio, first-floor
Modern Luxury Meets Coastal Charm in Orleans, Cape CodWelcome to an exclusive enclave of four newly constructed luxury homes in the heart of South Orleans, where timeless coastal charm meets sophisticated modern design. Nestled in a picturesque setting, each residence in this subdivision offers refined elegance, premium finishes, and a private pool--creating a sanctuary perfect for both
This magnificent new Eastward home in Orleans' beloved Mayflower Point Association will be completed for Summer 2026. Sited privately on 1.4 acres of gracious lawn enveloped by native flora, the home epitomizes Eastward's commitment to luxurious detail and a classic New England aesthetic. 5700 sq ft finished over three levels with multiple gathering spaces. The coffered-ceiling great room beckons
Spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath end unit in the desirable Standish Building at Old Colony Village, set away from the main road for added peace and privacy. The Cape Cod Rail Trail is just across the driveway, with the pool and clubhouse nearby. The open floor plan features a large living room flowing into a bright dining area with two walls of windows. The fully applianced kitchen includes a
Rarely available, this renovated 2023 four-bedroom home is tucked away on a quiet road shared by just six properties, offering a rare blend of privacy and an exceptional location just steps from Skaket Beach.The thoughtfully designed reverse floor plan is ideal for coastal living, with four spacious bedrooms on the main level and a light-filled upper level designed for gathering. The open
Welcome to Orleans! This wonderfully renovated Cape Cod Condo is located in the heart of prime attractions and offers a spacious layout consisting of 3 beds and 2 baths. This top floor living space offers an outdoor balcony area with storage, tastefully modernized interior, primary bath with en-suite, in-unit washer and dryer hookups, private parking, entry area storage and more! Conveniently
Phare is a mixed-income family rental development that is currently under construction in the Town of Orleans. The new development involves the adaptive re-use of a former bank headquarters building, combined with a new addition and two separate townhouse buildings. Together, the refurbishment and new construction will provide 62 apartments at various income tiers.The location provides
Enjoy the best of Cape Cod summer living at this inviting Orleans getaway, just a 5-minute walk to a private beach and dock on Little Pleasant Bay. This 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers generous living space, including a bonus TV room perfect for relaxing after a day by the water. The main living area features a working fireplace, creating a cozy gathering spot for cooler evenings. Step outside to
Large one bedroom one bath apartment available just one block from Orleans Center at Oracle Square. All parking is off street in private parking lot. Parking spots (one per tenant) are not assigned. This is a second floor two story apartment occupying the space directly above Honey Candle. Private 12' x 6' wood deck off the dining room is also included. Both the living room/dining room and
FURNISHED, WINTER SEASON SHORT TERM RENTAL AVAILABLE October 15 to MAY 31. This classic Cape is located in the desirable Tonset area of Orleans. Enjoy nearby access to Town Cove via Asa's Landing, which is just a half mile walk down the road and where you can put in your kayak, paddle board, etc. and enjoy the protected waters of the Cove! Paddle over to Hopkins Island and explore! (Kayaks & SUPs
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