When people tell me they want to retire to Cape Cod but are terrified of the bridge traffic, I usually point them to one place: Bourne.
Bourne is known as the “Gateway to the Cape” for a reason. It offers that classic coastal charm—salt marshes, harbor views, and village centers—without the isolation you might feel further east in Orleans or Chatham. For retirees, this is a strategic sweet spot. You get the lifestyle of living on the Cape, but you maintain easy access to off-Cape medical care in Wareham or Boston.
The vibe here is distinct. It’s less about manicured resorts and more about scenic walks along the canal and quiet evenings in villages like Pocasset, Cataumet, and Buzzards Bay. Plus, from a financial standpoint, it’s one of the smarter moves you can make in the region, thanks to a very attractive residential tax rate that sits around $7.65 per $1,000 as of early 2026.
Why Choose Bourne for Retirement?
If you are looking for the Living in Bourne, Bourne often flies under the radar compared to Sandwich or Falmouth, but it has some massive practical advantages.
First, let’s talk about the commute. Even in retirement, you will likely need to leave the Cape for travel, visiting family, or specialists in Boston or Providence. Living in Bourne means you are either “before the bridge” on the mainland side or just over it. You aren’t stuck behind 15 miles of backed-up traffic on Route 6 on a Friday afternoon.
Then there is the affordability factor. Generally speaking, your money goes a little further here than in neighboring Sandwich. You also have incredible recreation right at your doorstep. The Cape Cod Canal Bikeway is essentially a flat, paved, 7-mile gym that is widely popular with active seniors for walking and cycling.
Finally, healthcare access is superior here. You are minutes away from Tobey Hospital (Southcoast Health) in Wareham, and manageable distance to Falmouth Hospital, ensuring you aren’t cut off from care during the busy summer months.
Types of Senior Living in Bourne
One thing I always tell buyers is to manage their expectations regarding the “style” of communities here. Bourne doesn’t really have those massive, 1,000-home, resort-style 55+ campuses you might see in Florida or at the Pinehills in Plymouth.
Instead, the market is a mix of intimate condo complexes, dedicated active adult rentals, and traditional villages that just happen to be popular with seniors. You have three main categories:
- Active Adult Rentals: dedicated 55+ apartments with amenities included.
- Ownership Condos: HOAs that may or may not be age-restricted but offer single-level living.
- Assisted Living: Facilities that offer a continuum of care.
Top Active Adult Rental Communities
If you want to sell the big family house and stop worrying about property taxes and repairs altogether, renting might be the right move. Bourne has a couple of standout options for this.
Connect55+ Bourne in Buzzards Bay (13 Kendall Rae Place) is the heavy hitter here. It is strictly 55+ age-restricted and focuses heavily on the social aspect of retirement. They offer “maintenance-free living,” which means no mowing and no snow shoveling. But the real draw is the calendar; they have a community room, a movie theater, and a fitness center on-site. It’s ideal if you want neighbors who are in the same stage of life as you.
For those who want a blend of independence with a safety net for the future, Keystone Place at Buzzards Bay is a fantastic option located right on Main Street near the Canal. It offers Independent Living but also has Assisted Living and Memory Care wings. The amenities here are higher-end, featuring a pub, a theater, and even a putting green. It feels less like a facility and more like a hotel, but with the peace of mind that care is available if your needs change.
Condo Communities & Ownership Options
For many of my clients, the goal is still homeownership—just without the stairs and the yard work. While inventory is tight, there are specific spots where you should keep a lookout.
The Villages at Brookside is arguably the most sought-after community for retirees in town. Located adjacent to the Brookside Golf Club, it offers that classic “golf course living” atmosphere. You will find a mix of townhouses and ranch-style units. While not every phase is strictly deed-restricted as 55+, the demographic is overwhelmingly active adults. Between the community pool and the sunset views over the golf course, it checks a lot of boxes.
Beyond Brookside, you might look at smaller associations like Canal Bluffs or Laurel Hill. These aren’t marketed exclusively as “retirement communities,” but they are popular with seniors because they often offer single-level floor plans and manageable HOAs.
It is also worth noting that many retirees simply buy smaller, single-family homes in villages like Pocasset or Monument Beach. If you can find a ranch near the water, you get that village feel without the condo rules.
Affordable & Income-Restricted Options
For seniors on a fixed income, it is important to know that high-end condos aren’t the only choice.
Cape Cod Senior Residences at Pocasset offers a unique vibe. It has a distinctive “country kitchen” atmosphere that feels very homey. They offer both independent and assisted living options. Importantly, a portion of their units are often income-restricted (under the LIHTC program), making this a vital option for those who qualify.
There are also places like Canalside Apartments, where income-based options may exist, though I always advise checking the waitlist status immediately as these spots fill up very fast.
Cost of Living for Retirees in Bourne (2026)
When you are building your retirement budget for Cape Cod, Bourne is one of the more fiscally responsible choices.
Let’s look at the taxes first. As of early 2026, the residential tax rate is approximately $7.65 per $1,000 of assessed value. To put that in perspective, that is significantly lower than many mainland Massachusetts towns and competitive with other Cape towns.
Regarding home prices, the market has held strong. You should expect median list prices for single-family homes to hover in the $700,000 to $750,000 range. However, if you are looking specifically at condos, you can still find good options in the $500,000 to $600,000 range, depending on the view and the level of luxury.
Don’t forget to factor in HOA fees. In Bourne, these vary wildly. A simple condo complex might charge $300 a month for landscaping and snow removal, while a place with a pool and clubhouse could easily run $600+ a month. Always ask to see the condo docs before you fall in love with a unit.
Lifestyle: The Canal, Dining, and Transit
What does a Tuesday look like when you live here? For many, it starts at the Cape Cod Canal. Whether you are walking, biking, or fishing, the service road is the community’s backyard. It’s flat, safe, and offers some of the best people-watching and boat-watching in New England.
The Bourne Council on Aging (COA) is also a massive resource. They provide transportation services to medical appointments at Tobey, Falmouth, and even Boston hospitals, which is a game-changer if you prefer not to drive in city traffic.
For dining and culture, Buzzards Bay has seen a real revitalization on Main Street, with new restaurants and easy access to the park. If you need more intense retail therapy or fine dining, you are a short drive from Plymouth. Plus, in the summer, the Cape Flyer train stops right in Buzzards Bay, giving you a stress-free rail link to Boston for a day trip or a weekend away.
Bourne vs. Nearby Towns: Where Should You Retire?
If you are still on the fence, here is a quick comparison of how Bourne stacks up against the neighbors:
- Bourne vs. Sandwich: Sandwich has that historic, “Old Cape” charm with the boardwalk and the glass museum. However, Bourne is generally slightly more affordable and, crucially, offers easier access to the bridge. If you hate traffic, Bourne wins.
- Bourne vs. Falmouth: Falmouth has an incredible, bustling downtown and ferry access to Martha’s Vineyard. It feels more like a year-round city. However, it is further from the bridge (meaning a longer commute) and property prices tend to be higher.
- Bourne vs. Plymouth: Plymouth is just over the line and features massive developments like The Pinehills. It has more amenities, but the property taxes in Plymouth are generally higher than Bourne’s. If you want the Cape Cod cost of living benefits (specifically the taxes), Bourne is the play.
