West Falmouth, Massachusetts – One of Cape Cod's oldest historic districts
With a population of 1,738, West Falmouth is a small census-designated place in the greater town of Falmouth. The village, which is bordered by North Falmouth, Route 28, and Little Sippewisset Marsh, enjoys a scenic location along Buzzard Bay, giving it unparalleled access to beaches, marinas, and some of the region's best views.
The neighborhood is known for the West Falmouth Village Historic District, as well, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and features some of the oldest structures on Cape Cod.
If you're considering buying a home in West Falmouth, you'll enjoy all of the benefits of living on the Cape, but will only be about an hour from both Boston and Providence. This location allows you to live in paradise while working in the city, providing you with the best of both worlds.
The history of West Falmouth, MA
The first records of settlement in West Falmouth date back to 1673 when colonists inhabited the area that is now the West Falmouth Village Historic District. In 1685, members of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, relocated to Cape Cod to escape religious persecution in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, building homes and eventually setting up the original West Falmouth Friends Meeting House in 1720. The third meeting house, constructed in 1842, stands to this day.
Other historic buildings that remain in West Falmouth include the Emerson House, the West Falmouth Library, the West Falmouth Fire Station, and Crowell–Bourne Farm.
For the most part, this part of Falmouth was a residential area, and this historic district shows remnants of what life was like in the 18th and 19th centuries.
West Falmouth's neighborhoods
Despite being a relatively small area itself, West Falmouth has a few distinct neighborhoods that are worth exploring.
On the south end of the community is Saconesset Hills, a homeowners' association with a private beach. Houses through this area vary in size and age, so you'll want to have a look to see what's available.
Further north is Chappaquoit Point, which overlooks West Falmouth Harbor and is near Chappaquoit Beach. Chappaquoit Point is another private homeowners' association area that features some of Cape Cod's most outstanding views.
At the northern tip of North Falmouth is Falmouth Cliffs, which sits just south of Old Silver Beach and overlooks Buzzard Bay.
There are also large residential neighborhoods off Quaker Road and Massachusetts Route 28A, many of which feature historic homes.
There is a unique charm to each of West Falmouth's neighborhoods, making the region far more diverse than you'd expect.
Things to do in West Falmouth, MA
You'll find more than enough activities in West Falmouth, particularly in the warmer months.
If you're an ocean enthusiast, Chappaquoit Beach is a large sandy area with plenty of action and a large parking area. There's also Black Beach, which is mostly private but worth checking out if you can find nearby parking and Old Silver Beach.
For hiking, you can check out the bird sanctuary at the Crowell–Bourne Farm, as it's 49 acres in size and has numerous trails, or Little Island, which overlooks West Falmouth Harbor.
The Shining Sea Bikeway runs through West Falmouth, as well, with a parking lot in the historic district. From there, cyclists can ride to North Falmouth or Woods Hole through marshes, past ponds, and along the ocean.
While West Falmouth isn't a shopping hub, there are some boutiques along Route 28A, including the West Falmouth Market. There are restaurants through this area, too, along with snack shacks and a private beach club near the water.
It's surprising to see so much going on in a small area, but that's Cape Cod for you, especially in the summer.
Living in West Falmouth, Massachusetts
Buying property in West Falmouth puts you in a beachfront setting, but it's so much more than that.
From this location, you're close to the major cities of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, while living in one of Cape Cod's most historic villages.
The area also has large properties that provide homeowners with a little space, in addition to historic homes with all kinds of character.
Overall, West Falmouth is scenic, convenient, historic, and lively, providing everything that you want from Cape Cod in a compact section on the shores of Buzzards Bay.
Contact the experts at Kinlin Grover Real Estate if you have any questions or to learn more about the available properties in West Falmouth.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll send you an email update anytime a new home matching your criteria is listed.
