Nantucket, MA
With so many Nantucket homes for sale, you might be contemplating your next move. Before you do, take a minute to familiarize yourself with what life is like in Nantucket.
About Nantucket
Nantucket is an island, county, and town all rolled into one. Located off the coast of Massachusetts, the island’s total land area is 105.3 square miles. Nantucket boasts a population of 14,255 residents for a population density of 308.6 people per square mile. However, during the summer months, Nantucket’s population swells to roughly 80,000, highlighting its status as a popular summer destination. That’s not to say that its local residents are lacking in housing, schools or jobs. Nantucket is a self-contained, thriving community with many local businesses and restaurants. Though geographically isolated from the mainland, Nantucket remains accessible by sea and air.
Notably, Nantucket has a rich cultural history. In fact, the National Park Service declared Nantucket as a National Historic Landmark District in 1966. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the town was one of North America’s most prosperous whaling ports, though today it’s known primarily for its tourism. Today, a large portion of Nantucket’s land mass is devoted to conservation efforts, helping to maintain the island’s wide sandy beaches. For the most part, however, the island still maintains the “vibe” of a New England whaling community, complete with a wide harbor and a series of lighthouses dotting the island.
Buying a Home in Nantucket
The Nantucket real estate market is competitive and home prices are extremely high. In 2023 the median sale price of $4.28 million. In 2023, 235 homes were sold in Nantucket and in 2022 322 homes were sold. The past two years were down a bit from the real estate frenzy of 2021, during which time 522 homes were sold. Though the island is geographically limited, it has unique neighborhoods and niches. Popular neighborhoods include Town, Brant Point, Cisco, Cliff, and Dionis. But if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of in-town areas, you might consider the quieter regions of Madequecham or Quidnet, which offer more seclusion.
Living in Nantucket
If you’re considering a move to Nantucket, MA, your biggest consideration will be your ability to navigate the tourist season. During the summer months, the island’s population is roughly five times higher than the rest of the year, which might feel a bit like living in two different places, depending on the season. If you work on the island, your average commute is just 12 minutes, though you can also leave the island via an hour-long ferry. Most of the industries on the island proper include education, agriculture, construction, and retail. Cranberry farming is arguably the island’s most distinctive agribusiness, processing vast quantities of berries every autumn. Nantucket is also a family destination, with four schools serving students of every grade level. High school students may also find summer job opportunities in the seasonal work of tourist season.
Things to Do in Nantucket
In addition to its beaches, Nantucket features museums, trails, and yachting facilities. For instance, residents can tour the Whaling Museum for a richer understanding of the island’s maritime history or explore lighthouses such as Great Point Lighthouse and Brant Point Lighthouse. Biking is another popular island activity. You can rent a bike from several locations or take your own out on the island’s many biking trails. Golfers will enjoy playing 18 holes at the Miacomet Golf Course. And nature-lovers may especially enjoy the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge with its serene, shaded trails. Stroll down Nantucket’s cobblestone streets and enjoy locally caught seafood, or stop by a local brewery. Residents can also participate in unique celebrations like the annual Daffodil Festival or the Cranberry Harvest Weekend. The great thing about being such a popular tourist spot is that Nantucket will allow you to feel like you’re on vacation year-round, and it’s a great place to invite family and friends for a visit.
Finding Nantucket Homes for Sale
Nantucket, MA homes for sale tend to be quite high. But with the right real estate guidance, you can find a property that fits your budget and realize your dream of living in Nantucket, MA.