Before donating his collection to AccuWeather in 2007, Dick Porter was the owner and curator of “The World’s Only Thermometer Museum,” an eclectic arrangement of over 5,000 thermometers in an outbuilding at Porter’s house that was recognized by Guinness World Book of Records as the world’s most extensive collection of thermometers. Wareham is a fitting place for a thermometer museum, as the friendly climate is one of the many reasons the city has become one of the most desirable small towns on Cape Cod.
Traditional colonials and Cape Cod style homes
The streetscapes throughout West Wareham reflect the community’s suburban and rural sensibilities, combining quiet cul-de-sacs and manicured lawns with the towering trees and meandering rivers of the New England countryside. The housing market is equally mixed, and buyers can choose between undeveloped acreage, 19th-century colonials, secluded cottages in the pinewood forests and newer ranch and Cape Cod homes in quiet subdivisions, typically priced between $400,000 and $600,000. “It’s one of the most affordable communities in the region, especially when compared to other towns in Cape Cod,” says Bill Bachant, owner/operator of Laforce Realty and Swifts Beach Real Estate, one of the oldest real estate agencies in Wareham. “You get more bang for your buck here, so we can sell to all sorts of different home buyers.”
A row of Cape Cod homes, located in West Wareham.
Colonial-style homes are also common in West Wareham.
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Education at Wareham Public Schools
Students in West Wareham begin their education at Minot Forest Elementary School, a C-rated school on Niche with a student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. From there, students move to Wareham Middle School – a C-plus-rated school on Niche – and Wareham Senior High School, which earns a B-grade from Niche and boasts an average ACT score of 30. Wareham Senior High School graduates regularly gain admission into prestigious local universities like Boston College and Brown University.
Sunbathing along the sandy coastline of Buzzards Bay
The West Wareham community comes together at the parks and beaches throughout the area, starting with Decas Field and Playground, a community park that hosts the area’s baseball and softball little leagues. Horseshoe Mill Nature Preserve is located on the Weweantic River, where the freshwater flowing downstream meets the salt water of Buzzards Bay, creating a unique ecosystem for rare species of plants and animals and a hidden retreat for hiking, fishing and kayaking. The beaches in Wareham are crowded during the summer, particularly Swifts Beach, where kids explore the tide pools for hermit crabs, quahoggers wade into the shallow water digging for clams, kayakers paddle the inland creaks, and anglers cast long lines into Buzzard Bay.
Shopping at Wareham Crossing
Residents in West Wareham enjoy access to several familiar retailers and locally owned restaurants throughout West Wareham. For groceries, residents drive to Shaw’s – one of the oldest continuously-operated supermarkets in the US, with 150 locations across New England – while all other shopping can be done at Wareham Crossing, an open-air shopping center offering 45 retail stores including Lowe’s, Target, Walmart and Staples. Locals avoid the weekday lunch rush by visiting the Mainly-Dawgs Food Truck at its permanent location on Cranberry Highway, where the flavorful Maine hot dogs were voted “Best Hot Dogs in New England” by the editors at Yankee Magazine. For over 50 years, Vel’s Family Restaurant has been serving New England seafood and Italian staples from its casual dining room, while the taproom at Stone Path Malt hosts live music, cornhole tournaments and private events.
Shopping needs can be met at Wareham Crossing in West Wareham.
Grab a tasty hot dog at Mainly Dawgs.
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Transportation around West Wareham
West Wareham is immediately next to the junction between Interstates 195 and 495, providing direct driving access to Boston and Providence, both of which are less than 55 miles away. Wareham’s unofficial slogans — “Gateway to Cape Cod” and “It’s Better Before the Bridges” — highlight the community’s location west of the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges, shaving significant time from the commute from areas throughout the Atlantic Coast. The CapeFLYER train route runs from Cape Cod to Boston’s Logan International Airport, stopping in Wareham at the Wareham Village Train Station.
West Wareham is located next to I-195 and I-495 two major highways.
West Wareham residents enjoy commuting from Wareham Village Train station.
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Written By
Jack Hale
Photography Contributed By
Shawn Miller
Video By
Everett Hall-McNeill
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Doug Crane,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in West Wareham, MA sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in West Wareham, MA over the last 12 months is $448,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home! This 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch in West Wareham offers single-level living with great potential. The home features an attractive layout including a centralized kitchen, a comfortable dining space, and a spacious living area. The home also features a back deck for relaxing or entertaining, and a detached 22'x22' garage—perfect for storage, a workshop, or even fits 2 cars. While some
Welcome to this adorable 3 bedroom, 2 bath Cape style home on a large 1.16 acre lot! Step into a bright and inviting kitchen featuring a beautiful butcher block island, perfect for meal prep or casual dining. A new pellet stove in the over size living room adds warmth and character, making it a cozy spot to relax. Upstairs you will find three generous size bedrooms and a full bath with all new
Welcome home! This 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch in West Wareham offers single-level living with great potential. The home features an attractive layout including a centralized kitchen, a comfortable dining space, and a spacious living area. The home also features a back deck for relaxing or entertaining, and a detached 22'x22' garage—perfect for storage, a workshop, or even fits 2 cars. While some
Live life as if every day was a vacation in this beautifully remodel cottage style home. This property is nestled on the shore of the Weweantic River that gently winds its way into Buzzards Bay. This home offers a large yard with a fenced in area for your dog. There are several walk to assoc. beach for swimming, lunching Kayaks and sunbathing. This home speaks for itself. Come take a look. First
Looking for a Winter Rental? Look no further British Landing Condominium & Yacht Club offers Waterfront luxury living at its best! This immaculate open floor plan unit with oversized deck overlooking the Yacht Club and Marina is on the Wareham River! Relax and enjoy the fresh air as you watch the boats and wildlife while sipping your coffee or cocktail. This unit has it all! Living room w/ a wall
Beautiful two bedroom condo centrally located to all major highways, Wareham Crossing and Rosebrook Place. Large open living room with lots of light leads into the eat in kitchen. Two large bedrooms and one full bath. Composite back deck with yard space in the common area. Off street parking, professional landscaping, snow and trash removal included. First, last and security as well as references
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
