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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
