Living a Small town Lifestyle in Chatham, Massachusetts

Chatham, Massachusetts is a lovely small beach town. Set at the Cape’s outer elbow, the town is surrounded on 3 sides by ocean. The Chatham Bar is an extremely long sand bar that is hazardous enough to warrant the Chatham Light, a lighthouse that has been warning off sailors for centuries. Monomoy Island is just off the coast to the southeast.

There is excellent shopping on the quaint Main Street. Many good area restaurants offer fresh seafood as well as sophisticated menus. As you drive along the town’s roads, your eyes will be treated to competing views - the ocean’s pounding surf, fishing vessels, and large and beautiful homes in the Cape Cod and Nantucket style.

The Cape is known for its beauty and relatively mild (for New England) climate. In fact there is not really a slow time here any more, just a less crowded season. There are many very good golf courses. The art and antiques scene is first rate.

Where to Retire in Chatham and Home Prices

Some condominiums are available in addition to single family homes. Retirement living in town is very attractive in many quiet neighborhoods, and there are a lot of water views over the ocean, bays, and inlets such as Stage Harbor. Prices are very high, reflecting Chatham’s presence at the top of the Cape Cod real estate food chain.  Zillow reports the median home value to be $1,119,535 in early 2022.

What Is Special about Chatham

Chatham has a charming downtown with excellent shopping and restaurants and is home to the famous Chatham Bars Inn. The ocean and the Chatham Bar on 3 sides, topped by the Chatham Light, Monomoy Island and Stage Harbor, along with ocean views and beaches all make Chatham a special place.

What Is Not Special about Chatham

The only possible bad things to say about Chatham are that it is expensive, and crowded in season.

Climate and Physical Environment

Chatham is on the outer elbow of the Cape, east of Falmouth as it turns toward its terminus in Provincetown. Chatham is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and bays on 3 sides, and gently rolling land on the other.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Art and antiquing are big here. The Chatham Historical Society has an excellent collection and frequent program. The Society is located in the historic Atwood House Museum, one of the oldest homes in town and which dates to 1752. The expanded library is a tremendous resource for the town. As a resort community there is a great choice of good restaurants both in Chatham and in surrounding towns like Orleans.

Crime

Crime is low in Chatham.

Medical Facilities

Cape Cod Hospital is 23 miles away in Hyannis.

Transportation

Barnstable Airport is 22 miles away in Hyannis.

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Chatham, MA

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