$1,285,837Average Value$611Average Price per Sq Ft32Homes 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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Orleans, MA sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Orleans, MA over the last 12 months is $937,500, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 'Summer Salt', a stunning retreat where elegant coastal living meets timeless Cape Cod charm. Thoughtfully renovated, this exquisite home combines sophistication and ease, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests in style inside and out. Sweeping views of Arey's Pond and you own private deep water dock with easy access to Pleasant Bay. Beautiful grounds with a saltwater
On a quiet dead end street close to downtown Orleans, sits this updated ranch style home on a large landscaped lot. There's even a back patio with electrical outlet ready for your outdoor kitchen! Stainless appliances, double pain windows and slider to the deck make this a low maintenance gem. Finished basement with an additional 600 sq. ft. of living space and full bath.New deck is being
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
Fabulous new listing on Chickadee Lane in East Orleans! Tucked in a quiet residential neighborhood, this well-maintained home offers privacy, comfort, and convenience just minutes from town, shopping, restaurants, conservation trails, and Orleans' renowned beaches.The airy eat-in kitchen opens to a beautiful Trex deck overlooking a private backyard bordered by mature trees, flowering plantings,
This stunning new contemporary home by Eastward Companies is nearing completion. Designed to embrace the unique topography and natural setting, it overlooks a flourishing natural hollow. The three levels of living space offer immersive views of the surrounding native flora, further enhanced by a comprehensive natural landscape plan. Walls of south-facing windows and multiple decks offer quiet
Welcome to this classic Cape-style home now featuring a spring price improvement, a perfect opportunity to make your move this season and be in for the summer! Designed with a flexible and functional layout, the home offers 2,092 sq ft of versatile living space in the main residence.First floor living includes a spacious primary en suite bedroom, a second bedroom, a shared bath with convenient
Kirsten JohnstonGibson Sotheby's International Realty
A local gem, this property invites you to embrace the quintessential Cape Cod lifestyle. Tucked backfrom the road, it features an expansive front yard, a detached barn, and a main house surrounded by alarge private, level backyard--perfect for outdoor gatherings or exploring nearby conservation trails.Inside, sunlight floods through windows and skylights, illuminating beautiful wide-planked wood
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
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
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
Welcome to 'Summer Salt', a stunning retreat where elegant coastal living meets timeless Cape Cod charm. Thoughtfully renovated, this exquisite home combines sophistication and ease, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests in style inside and out. Sweeping views of Arey's Pond and you own private deep water dock with easy access to Pleasant Bay. Beautiful grounds with a saltwater
This lovely 3-bdrm plus office, 3 full bath Cape is set on an elevated lot with deeded rights to Bakers Pond! The 1st floor offers LR with gas FP, remodeled kitchen and dining area, hall bath with laundry, family room with slider to screened porch and large primary suite with cathedral ceilings and back deck access. 2nd floor has 2-bdrms, office with skylights and full bath. The home was
Perched above the Ospreys with views from the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and outside patio of Nauset Beach and the Atlantic beyond, 12 Windswept Lane sits at the edge of the National Seashore. Located in the sought-after Countryside neighborhood and built in 1995, the 4,300-square-foot, 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath house is large enough to accommodate both family and friends. The open living space is
Exceptional marshfront home offering expansive views of Cape Cod Bay in Orleans. Set on 1.12 private acres, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home captures the beauty of the Cape with sweeping marsh vistas and ever-changing coastal light. The thoughtfully designed layout provides generous living spaces ideal for relaxing or entertaining, with large windows that frame the natural surroundings. The
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
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
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