Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes
Hoschton, Georgia
Chatham, Massachusetts
What It Is Like to Retire in Chatham
Probably everyone has a vision of Cape Cod, even if you haven't been there. Picture a wealthy and postcard-perfect Cape Cod, and you have Chatham, Massachusetts. For many active adults, it could be the perfect retirement community. Set at the Cape’s outer elbow, the town’s 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. Active adults are flocking to the Cape 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. Children and grandchildren love to visit here. There are many very good golf courses. The art and antiques scene is first rate. Towns butt up against each other here, so if you choose not to live in Chatham as your retirement community,the nearby towns of Harwich, Orleans, Yarmouth, and Brewster off somewhat similar experiences.
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 $1,141,919 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Chatham
Chatham has a charming downtown with excellent shopping and restaurants, the famous Chatham Bars Inn, the ocean and the Chatham Bar on 3 sides, topped by the Chatham Light, Monomoy Island and Stage Harbor, ocean views and beaches
What Is Not Special about Chatham
The only possible bad things to say about Chatham are that it is expensive, and crowded in season.
Who Will Like Retirement in Chatham
Chatham attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a charming and historic old town where just about everything is beautiful. Chatham is a very walkable community. For more information about how to retire in Massachusetts or towns like Williamstown
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is driven by tourism, construction, and the remnants of some fishing
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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