Here's the story: Want to rent a house on the cape next year but am very unsure as to where would be best.

Who's going?
my sister and her husband (mid-40's) and their two boys (ages 8 &12)

my husband and myself (age 30)

We love the beach and definitely want to day trip to MV and Nantucket. Enjoy cute towns with quaint shops, don't mind driving to other towns to see this and would like to be on a quiet residential block preferable in walking distance to a decent beach.

Anyone done this that can give some insight on what towns are best and is it worth it to try and find a house with a pool?

Thanks in advance,
D

Hi Delores:
I think your best bet is to stay in the Hyannis area, as you mentioned that you want to day trip to the Islands (the ferries and airplanes run from Hyannis) and you have children with you (more child-oriented in Hyannis/Yarmouth than in other parts of the Cape). Quieter spots near nice beaches would be the Ocean St. area of Hyannis (close by the ferries and near Kalmus beach) or Craigville a section of Centerville (nearby Craigville and Veterans) beach.
You would have Main St. Hyannis close by, which has some nice shops. You could drive to Chatham or Sandwich villages which are both "cute and quaint".
Good luck planning, and welcome to Cape Cod in advance!

to the top...

If you are into quaint towns - you really should consider Chatham. Cute town, beautiful coastline, great shopping, band concert, great food. Loaded with charm. You can easily take a day trip to Nantucket from the ferry in Harwich (next town over). Not a bad ride from Chatham to Ptown either.

A few years ago, we rented a lovely shingle cottage in Eastham with our young son. We loved going to the different towns and beaches. It was a very relaxing vacation.