Dear Cape Friends,
If you’re new here, welcome. If you’ve been with me for a while, welcome back! Each week I share Cape Cod Real Estate with a side of humor, common sense, and a splash of salt air.
We’re in that tweener-stretch of the Cape calendar -arguably the slowest time of the year- just before the early signs of the spring market begin to show. Things haven’t picked up YET, but you can feel them getting ready.
So, while we wait for that first real pop of spring, it felt like a good moment to tackle one of life’s great debates.
Some debates never seem to go away…
Red Sox vs. Yankees - Summer people vs. year-rounders - Red vs. Blue
And, apparently, Ribeye vs. Sirloin
I came across an article this week revisiting the age-old steak question - which cut is better? Ribeye, with its rich marbling and indulgent flavor? Or Sirloin, leaner, firmer, and a bit more understated?
The conclusion was refreshingly simple: Neither is better. It depends. (Hmm...)
Ribeye is bold and indulgent - the steak you order when you’re celebrating.
Sirloin is practical and versatile - less flash, but quietly satisfying. (Perfect when the summer guests finally leave and you can take a breath)
That debate isn’t all that different from Chatham vs. Orleans.
Spend enough time on the Lower Cape (aka “the elbow”) and you’ll hear strong opinions on both. Each town has its loyalists, its character, and its own rhythm - and for the right person, exactly what they’re looking for.
I happen to live in Chatham. My Real Estate office is in Orleans. Best of both worlds.
And just as the steak conversation doesn’t end with Ribeye and Sirloin, the Cape doesn’t end there either. Towns like Harwich and Brewster often appeal to Buyers looking for something a little different altogether - more like a Filet or a New York strip - each offering its own balance of lifestyle, value, and pace.
From a market standpoint, these towns often move in the same direction, but rarely in exactly the same way. Buyer profiles differ. Seasonal demand shows up differently. Pricing and taxes play a role. These aren’t dramatic differences, but they matter when real decisions - and real money - are involved.
And this is where local context matters more than national narratives It’s also why thoughtful strategy outperforms strong opinions.
So whether you’re a Ribeye person or a Sirloin loyalist… Whether Chatham feels like home, Orleans feels right, or you’re still figuring that out, the goal isn’t to win the debate. It’s to make the right choice for you - with clear eyes, good intel, and a little perspective.
As always, if you ever want to talk through what that looks like - no pressure, no slogans - I’m here.
And for what it’s worth - I’ve always been a Porterhouse guy🥩. Shout-out to Peter Lugers in Brooklyn – the very BEST steakhouse on the planet. If you disagree… we can still be friends (maybe).
As always - If you’re around Friday morning, I’ll be at the Chatham Perk from 8:00–9:00am. Coffee’s on me.
See you around the elbow,
Paul
P.S. If you’re starting to think about buying or selling, PaulBorde.com is a good place to browse listings, catch past newsletters, and stay current on the market - and, if I may say so, revisit a few of my Pulitzer Prize–level past newsletters.