You probably know Nantucket is an Island. Typically, when it comes to an island, you expect to find plenty of beaches, water activities, lovely sunsets, picturesque scenery, and seafood. Nantucket lives up to this expectation and provides so much more!

There are many hidden gems and unique characteristics about the island that makes even the world’s wealthiest take a keen interest in it.

Rich and famous people like Secretary of State John F Kerry, Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt, and Philanthropist Teresa Heinz Kerry have made the island their second home. Not only that but some, like Eric Schmidt’s wife Wendy, have made it their mission to preserve Nantucket’s nature and culture. Consequently, it has made Nantucket’s real estate valuable and unique.

So, What Is It Like to Live in Nantucket?

The Good

For starters, Nantucket provides the perfect blend of nature and modernity. If you intend to live in a serene, relaxed environment, where you can enjoy nature at its best and still get access to modern facilities and services, the island is the place to be.

You can find top-notch medical services, malls, shopping centers, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and golf clubs. At the same time, you get to enjoy a pristine environment and natural attractions on the island.

Here are other factors that make the island outstanding

Easy Accessibility

It is easy to get to the island and maneuver around it. You can get to it either by plane or ferry, from Hyannis. Both means are convenient and provide a wonderful experience.

While on the island, you may navigate it using a private car, taxi, shuttle bus, bike, or foot. If you wish to use a car but do not have one, you can choose among the available rental cars.

Great Neighborhoods

Nantucket has something for everyone. From quiet and calm neighborhoods to lively and busy ones.

The main neighborhoods on the island include:

Siasconset: It lies on the island’s eastern side, down Milestone Road. The enchanting town boasts a market with various wares, shops, restaurants, pocket gardens, and rose-covered sea shanties.

Madaket: It lies to the west of the island. The lively neighborhood hosts miles of coastline and plenty of sandy trails through flowering moors. Its residents also get to enjoy stunning views of Nantucket’s starry night skies.
Surfside: On the southern side of the island is Surfside, a haven for families. It offers the traditional, easy summer living ideal for the young and old. Expect to find grassy yards, scenic bike paths, lifeguarded beaches, ample sandy coastline, and many side streets to explore.

Amazing Attraction Spots and Unending Fun

If looking for a vacation home, the island is a perfect choice. Its got many fun activities to indulge in and natural attraction sites to delight in.

All year round, there is something for merry seekers. You can swim or surf at the beach, visit the Visco brewers for a cold beer, go for a walk, take insta-worthy pictures at the lighthouses, learn about Nantucket’s history at the Nantucket Shipwreck and Life Saving Museum, visit the local library atheneum, take part in festivities and so much more. The list is endless.

The Bad

There is a good and bad side to everything, and Nantucket is no exception. Several things may put you off about the island, but luckily, they are manageable.

First, homes in Nantucket can be quite pricy. It is a highly desirable place to live in, which makes its market very competitive, consequently driving up the cost of houses. But, it is a worthwhile investment if you can afford one. You can use the house as a luxury vacation home and, when away, make it available for rent by vacationers.

Second, some may find the classic shingle-style architecture of old Nantucket dull. Unfortunately, the Historic District Commission is adamant about maintaining this façade. They dictate the color and style in which you should construct your home, to blend in with your environment and neighborhood.

Third, the erosion rate along the northern portion of the bluff in Siasconset is alarming. It is about 3 -4 feet per year on average, with some areas losing up to 30 feet in a single storm.

As a result, several homes have been left vacant as people moved to safer areas. There’s an attempt to use high-tech sandbags to stop the bluff from sliding into the sea, but the move is still in its infancy.

Lastly, summer attracts many visitors to Nantucket (the estimated population is about 50,000 – 60,000). During this season, the streets can be crowded and a turn-off if you prefer non-crowded areas. Moreover, due to the high demand for services, prices go up. This applies to restaurants, hotels, bars, and travel tickets among others.

Fortunately, the congestion only lasts as long as this season. And so do the high prices.

Verdict

Living in Nantucket is a dream come true for many, thanks to its numerous niceties. You get to unwind, have unforgettable experiences, and enjoy nature – all on one island.

What’s more, owning a home is a worthy investment where you are guaranteed lucrative profits courtesy of the high demand for vacation homes.

Living on the island has several disadvantages, but the advantages far outweigh them!