Dear Cape Friends,
If you're new here, welcome. If you've been along for the ride, welcome back.
I have a confession to make. As many of you know, Nan and I are fortunate to call Chatham home. But...
I absolutely love Orleans.
Now, before my Chatham friends & neighbors quietly revoke my beach sticker and run me outta town on a rail for admitting this publicly, hear me out.
I've always thought the relationship between Chatham and Orleans is a little like the Yankees and the Red Sox. We enjoy poking fun at one another. We defend our hometowns with great enthusiasm. We may even debate which town has the better beaches, restaurants, Main Street... or even baseball.(Btw, it's fair to say that we BOTH are united in hatred against the Mets - but I digress..)
And then, of course, there's one of the Cape's great debates...
The Squire or Land Ho!?
Having spent more than twenty-five years in the bar and restaurant biz - before becoming a Realtor®, I can honestly appreciate both sides of that argument.
Truth be told, they're both doing something right.
Whether it's The Squire in Chatham or Land Ho! in Orleans, both have become institutions in their communities. They're the kind of gathering places where locals congregate, visitors quickly feel at home, stories are shared, friendships are strengthened, and yes... the beer is always cold.
It reminded me that some things really don't change.
In my previous career, we had a saying that guided almost everything we did:
KISS ! - Keep It Simple - S..... !
Consistency (paramount). Great service. Friendly people. A warm welcome. Those principles worked in the hospitality business, and they still work today in real estate, in our communities, and perhaps - IMNSHO - in life itself.
Maybe that's one of the reasons both Chatham and Orleans continue to be such special places. They understand that while beautiful beaches and charming Main Streets certainly matter, it's the people who make a community feel like home.
Beneath the friendly rivalry lies something much more important... A deep respect.
This past week, I've spent quite a bit of time in Orleans with one of my newest listings on Hayward Lane. As I drove through town, met with clients, chatted with neighbors, I was reminded once again why I enjoy being there so much.
And I also realized something else. Some of my very best friends live in Orleans.
Over the past several years, I've been incredibly blessed to build friendships throughout Cape Cod, but many of those relationships have taken root right here in Orleans. Whether we're sharing a cup of coffee, meeting for lunch, strolling through town, watching the Orleans Firebirds on a warm summer evening at Eldredge Park, Orleans has become a place that always feels welcoming.
And what a remarkable community it is. Orleans truly offers something for everyone.
There are the breathtaking stretches of Nauset Beach and Skaket Beach, each spectacular in its own way. Boaters enjoy easy access to Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic beyond. Cyclists can spend an afternoon on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, while hikers and nature lovers have miles of conservation land and walking trails to explore.
Furthermore, I should mention that the town is also home to one of the finest public libraries on Cape Cod, the wonderful Academy of Performing Arts, outstanding locally owned restaurants, charming boutiques, art galleries, and a vibrant downtown that remains active throughout much of the year. Families gather at Eldredge Park to cheer on the Orleans Firebirds, carrying on a Cape Cod tradition that has delighted generations.
As a Realtor®, people often ask me, "Paul... what's your favorite Cape town?" The truth is -- I don't really have one. Every town on Cape Cod clearly has its own personality.
- Chatham has its maritime heritage, beautiful harbor, and timeless New England charm.
- Orleans offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, culture, recreation, and a wonderfully welcoming spirit.
Harwich, Brewster, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown... each has its own story to tell.
One of the greatest privileges of my profession is introducing people to these remarkable communities and helping them discover the one that simply feels right.
So yes... I'm still proudly a Chatham guy. But every time I cross into Orleans, I feel like I'm visiting old friends. And that's a pretty special feeling.
NET NET: Cape Cod isn't one place. It's a collection of remarkable communities, each with its own personality, history, and charm.
Have a wonderful week, everyone.
(If you're around Friday morning, I'll be holding court at Chatham Perk from 8:00–9:00 AM. As always, the coffee is on me. Feel free to stop by and say hello.)
See you around the elbow (and hopefully Friday morning),
Paul
P.S. If you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply keeping tabs on the market here on the elbow- or if you know someone who is - PaulBorde.com is a great place to start. You'll find listings, market updates, past NEWSLETTERS, and enough reading material to get you through at least one rainy Cape Cod weekend. A few of the articles came dangerously close to Pulitzer Prize consideration. 😀
