Either-Or: Cape Cod vs. the North End

Welcome to Either-Or, where we compare two listings with the same price—one in Boston and one outside. Build your own conclusions.

Photos courtesy of William Raveis R.E. & Home Services and Traverse Real Estate, Inc.

To remind you that price tags in Boston are a special breed, we’ve been presenting two homes listed at the same price from time to time. This round, it’s a battle of two beloved New England hangouts, where the decision comes down to weathered shingles or time-honored bricks.

The first is an impressive antique home on Cape Cod. It was constructed in 1711 and is tucked next to a classic, white New England church on Main Street in Sandwich. The second is a seemingly modern condo within one of the many aging brick buildings of the North End. Both exude different variations of the region’s charm, and they share a price tag of $599,000.

The Sandwich abode is the quintessential saltbox, complete with five fireplaces, wide floorboards, and exposed bricks and beams. On one side of the house sits the church, and on the other is the Sandwich Public Library. The property, which is zoned for business, also boasts a post-and-beam barn.

Within smelling distance of the North End’s finest restaurants, the one-bedroom condo on Richmond Street feels modern while still maintaining the neighborhood’s old world charm. The kitchen has been outfitted with new, stainless steel appliances, and there are hardwood floors throughout the unit. It measures up to 676 square feet—more than four times smaller than the house on the Cape.

While significantly tinier than the charming home in Sandwich, the North End condo offers the same homey comforts without requiring any upkeep. The unit is in a professionally managed building that offers a concierge, a workout facility, and a common European courtyard. On the other hand, the historic beauty for sale on the Cape could use some restoration work to bring it back to its former glory.

Both of the homes, however, are centrally located. The Sandwich saltbox is right on Main Street within walking distance of shops, restaurants, the library, and more. The same can be said for the North End unit, where walking about town is mandatory.

The biggest difference between the two properties can be found in the price breakdown. The house near the beach is $191 per square foot, whereas Boston’s condo is more than four times more expensive at $886 per square foot. There aren’t significant drawbacks when it comes to either home, meaning the right choice depends on your preferred lifestyle—and how much you want to stretch your dollar.