The narrow curling arm of land that surrounds Cape Cod is home to a unique blend of culture, climate and recreation. The Lower Cape refers to the portion that bends sharply to the north, often imagined as the elbow of the arm, and the towns of Brewster, Chatham, Harwich and Orleans are the primary population centers of this famous region. While the population in coastal towns expands significantly during the mild summer months as vacation homeowners return to The Cape, long-time residents appreciate the year-round benefits of calling the Lower Cape home. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy all that the Cape has to offer, such as swimming in the warm salt water, beachcombing, tennis, golf, shopping and fine dining. As the Cape Cod real estate market steadily increases, more people are choosing to relocate to the area, as well as selecting investment properties and second homes.

The Town of Brewster

Among the many quaint and historic cities on the bayside of Cape Cod is the charming town of Brewster. With a history deeply entrenched in colonial events and nautical activities, Brewster is home to a thriving population of residents who truly believe that their town is one of the most desirable places in the entire U.S. There are just over 10,000 residents of this charming town, and the many part-time residents who own second homes are welcomed as neighbors and friends. Covering a geographic area of just 23 square miles, Brewster embodies everything wonderful about the Cape Cod landscape: sandy beaches, marshes, ponds and light forests.

First settled in 1656 and incorporated in 1803, Brewster is named after one of the original Pilgrims, William Brewster, who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 with his wife and two sons. He became the colony's religious leader and a key member of the early organization and government of the settlers. Today, much of the town's historic architecture has been preserved or reconstructed to keep the atmosphere consistent with its colonial and maritime past. Brewster continues to evolve while successfully preserving its rich culture and history.

Things to Do in Brewster

The population of Brewster swells to more than 25,000 during the summer months, and it's easy to see what attracts visitors to this quintessential Cape Cod town. Brewster offers plenty of activities and entertainment to satisfy the weary traveler. With careful attention to green spaces, plus an abundance of natural resources, Brewster is truly a vacationer's heaven.

You can create your ideal day while in Brewster - whether that means starting with a rousing round of golf at one of two nationally recognized 18-hole courses or enjoying a leisurely brunch at any of the quaint cafes, restaurants and eateries in Brewster. With more than 30 art galleries, craft emporiums and antique shops, Brewster is guaranteed to keep visitors pleasantly occupied for days on end. Most of these shops and restaurants are located along Route 6A, the historic King's Highway, which also boasts several bed and breakfasts along its winding route.

If you find yourself interested in the history and culture of Brewster and Cape Cod, a visit to the Brewster Historical Society Museum is a must. With artifacts and stories from the area's first settlers through the conflicts and triumphs of the centuries, the museum is sure to fascinate patrons of all ages. The nearby New England Fire and History Museum and the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History each take a unique look at important aspects of the area. Other attractions of note are the Old Higgins Windmill, Breakwater Landing Ellis Landing, and several historic cemeteries.

When it's time to play, visit nearby Nickerson State Park, offering hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails among some of the country's most breathtaking scenery. Camping, fishing, swimming, boating and more are all located within minutes of Brewster. Several nearby lakes and ponds, including Cobbs Pond, Schoolhouse Pond, Myricks Pond, and Freemans Pond dot the landscape and give recreational use as well as scenic splendor. Some of Brewster's more popular beaches include Robbins Hill Beach, Saints Landing Beach, Ellis Landing Beach, and Town Beach, all of which offer endless white sand and grassy dunes ripe for exploring.

Living in Brewster

Brewster is an ideal place to vacation, but for those who choose to invest in a Brewster home, whether as a year-round resident or as a second home, beaches and biking trails are just the icing on the cake. Town amenities such as medical centers, schools and churches are just as important.

Brewster has easy access to a major highway as well as several airports. With Route 6A serving as the main street in and out of the town, there are endless transportation possibilities. The airports nearest to Brewster include The Barnstable Muni-Boardman/Polando Field in nearby Hyannis, the Chatham Municipal Airport and Provincetown Municipal Airport, both of which are within 25 miles of Brewster.

There are several hospitals and medical centers in and around Brewster. The Cape Cod Hospital is just 17 minutes away in nearby Hyannis, and the Rehab Hospital of the Cape and Islands is less than 30 miles away in East Sandwich. There are several doctors and clinics operating full-time in Brewster as well.

Education is an important aspect of living in Brewster, and the town boasts superb schools with students who excel. Two public elementary schools are located in Brewster: Stony Brook Elementary and Eddy Elementary. Both schools have fewer than 300 students and include grades K-5. There are several private elementary schools as well, including Laurel School and Family School. There is a private high school in Brewster as well. Even if residents don't have school-age children, it's well-known that fine communities are reflected in fine schools, and Brewster is a community committed to education and learning for a lifetime.

Brewster Real Estate

The appeal of the Cape Cod lifestyle is widespread, which explains why so many people seek to purchase homes in and around Brewster. Brewster real estate is some of the most desired in the country, and many people are especially looking to purchase a second home in this extraordinary New England town. The dream of owning a beach house, luxury condo or waterfront home in Cape Cod can become a reality with the right Brewster Realtor, who is familiar with the area and can advise you on all the advantages of owning a second home.

One reason Brewster homes are in high demand is because they have a long tradition of value and quality. The consistent increase in value leaves many homeowners glad that they purchased a Brewster home. Because these homes, condominiums and town houses are located near resort and recreation areas, it becomes a smart investment. When purchasing a second home, buyers are investing not only in bricks and boards, but in a lifestyle.

Don't let the wind-swept beaches and the picturesque lighthouses fool you into thinking that purchasing a Brewster home is an emotional investment. On the contrary, homes in Brewster are considered fine investments, whether the buyer is seeking rental income or a high return upon selling. Brewster real estate is desirable because of the surroundings and the atmosphere-all part of the Cape Cod lifestyle that evokes carefree memories of fresh seafood dinners, hunting for antiques, sailing in the bay, and strolling along the beach at sunset.

For more information about Brewster real estate, contact expert Realtor Wendy Ustach at 617-835-7374, or by email at wendy@wendyustach.com, to schedule an appointment today.

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