A popular summer destination off the coast of Cape Cod
As ferries sail into Nantucket Harbor, Brant Point Lighthouse welcomes them to Nantucket with a flashing red light that shines over the water. “I would describe Nantucket as magical,” says Jeanne Hicks, a sales associate with Lee Real Estate who’s lived on the island for more than 20 years. “It has the quality of life and just a beautiful environment all year-round. You can work all day and get home in five minutes to go to the beach, go to a hockey game or go scalloping without getting stuck in the commute.” While less than 15,000 people live on Nantucket year-round, its population increases to around 80,000 during the summer months, as seasonal residents and visitors flock to the island for vacation. “The summer is very busy, but the real secret of Nantucket is the spring and fall,” Hicks says. “The island takes a big breath after Labor Day. The water is still warm, but the traffic is gone.”
People often compare Nantucket and the Hamptons since they’re both popular summer destinations, but residents here pride themselves on maintaining a sense of New England charm that’s unique to the island. “You could be down at the newspaper stand on Main Street and be next to a farmer or the head of a corporation, and you wouldn’t know the difference. You can be anonymous here,” Hicks says. “Everyone drives around in the same beat-up Jeep and pair of cutoff shorts.” About 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket Island is also known as “The Faraway Land” and is only accessible by air or ferry. Whether it’s longtime residents, summer vacationers or daytime visitors, those who take a trip to the island will find an abundance of natural attractions, coastal estates and local businesses awaiting them.
Homes situated on the bluffs provide breathtaking views of Nantucket Sound.
Bustling downtown Nantucket is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
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Miles of coastline with opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing
More than half of the island is designated conservation land protected from future development by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation and the Nantucket Land Bank. “Nantucket offers so many outdoor activities. It’s the perfect island for people who like to be active,” Hicks says. There are more than 82 miles of coastline along Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, and beaches on the north shore are known to have calmer waters for families to enjoy. With several marinas and yacht clubs, Nantucket is also a haven for boaters. Fishing is a popular activity all year long, and anglers can head to the island’s beaches or freshwater ponds in search of fresh catch. There are several golf courses on Nantucket, and Miacomet Golf Course stands out as its only 18-hole public golf facility. Hiking trails and bike paths wind around the island, and Hinsdale Park has a playground for kids to explore near the center of town. Residents should expect to see all four seasons, with humid summers and brisk winters.
Fishermen cast their lines into Nantucket Harbor near Brant Point Lighthouse.
Nantucket offers five golf courses, each presenting its distinct challenge.
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Island living in the most expensive county in the United States
Nantucket is known for its Greek Revival and shingle-style homes, and the island preserves these coastal signatures alongside custom-built properties and contemporary estates. “The Nantucket Historical Commission oversees the building of homes on Nantucket. If you want to make any changes, you have to go through them,” Hicks says. “There are a lot of gray shingles and white trim. There’s only a certain number of colors you can paint your front door. You have to embrace that, or it’s just not the right place for you as a homeowner.” The median price of single-family homes is just under $4 million, and a 2024 Forbes article ranks Nantucket County as the most expensive county in the United States. “It’s tough for first-time homebuyers to break into the market at this point,” Hicks says. “There’s still very high demand at the high end of the market, which can be anywhere between $15 to $30 million.” Waterfront properties in the Cliff area tend to be the most expensive, while houses further inland around Mid-Island make up the lower end of the price range. Those who live on the coast may be required to purchase flood insurance, and coastal erosion has become a significant concern in recent years, particularly along the island’s southern shore. “There are ways to mitigate that, but we live on an island, and that’s Mother Nature,” Hicks says.
Homes on the cliffs of Nantucket are highly sought after and can sell for $15 to $30 million.
As you move away from downtown Nantucket, you'll find sprawling homes located on spacious lots.
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Downtown Nantucket has boutiques, restaurants and museums
Downtown Nantucket is a hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. “There aren’t really any chains, it’s all about the local businesses,” Hicks says. Ferries arrive and depart from the docks next to downtown, and cobblestone streets are one of the first things to greet people as they step off the ferry and onto the island. Independently owned bookstores, boutiques and art galleries are staples in the community, and shops emphasize local goods like Nantucket Reds and Nantucket Lightship Baskets. The island honors its abundant marine life with various seafood and New England-inspired restaurants. Nantucket’s oldest continuously operating restaurant is Le Languedoc Bistro, known for its French-inspired cuisine with fresh ingredients sourced from Bartlett’s Farm, which is also home to Cisco Brewers. Ice cream shops, cafés and upscale eateries round-out the downtown dining scene.
The Nantucket Historic District encompasses the entire island, and the Nantucket Whaling Museum preserves its rich history as an early New England seaport. Many of the galleries downtown are part of the Artists Association of Nantucket, which supports the island’s artistic community with special events and classes. Residents can also catch movies, concerts and theatrical performances at the Dreamland Theatre.
Guests can shop until they drop at dozens of locally owned shops in historic downtown Nantucket.
Nantucket residents love the lively and vibrant atmosphere at Cisco Brewers.
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Annual events include the Daffodil Festival and the Christmas Stroll
While Nantucket hosts events throughout the year, two popular festivities mark the beginning and end of its busy season. “The Daffodil Festival is kind of the kickoff, and then the Christmas Stroll is the bookend,” Hicks says. “A lot of people will come for Daffodil and then leave after the Christmas Stroll.” The Daffodil Festival takes place during the last weekend of April and has been a staple in the community for nearly 50 years. With more than 3 million daffodils blooming across the island, residents celebrate the beginning of spring each year with an antique car parade, community picnic and plenty of floral-themed activities. The island slows down after the Christmas Stroll, which marks the beginning of the holiday season in Nantucket, as more than a hundred dazzling trees light up downtown.
The Nantucket Garden Club decorates the Lieutenant Max Wagner Monument in preparation for the Daffodil Festival in Nantucket.
Support local vendors at The Nantucket Daffodil Festival Bazaar.
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Nantucket Public Schools and the Nantucket New School
Nantucket Public Schools earns an overall grade of B from Niche. The district serves less than 2,000 students and has an average student-teacher ratio of 11-to-1. It consists of an elementary school, an intermediate school, a middle school and a high school, all of which receive a C-plus or higher from Niche. Private school options on the island include the Nantucket New School, which covers prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Children begin their academic journey at Nantucket Elementary School.
Students in grades nine through twelve attend Nantucket High School, which has a B+ rating from Niche.
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NRTA bus service, ferry lines and Nantucket Memorial Airport
There are more than 35 miles of bike paths on the island, and the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority offers local bus service. “Transportation has come a long way. You can put your bike on the bus and go anywhere on the island,” Hicks says. The only way to get on or off Nantucket is by ferry or plane. Two ferry lines provide year-round service from the island to Cape Cod, while others provide seasonal service to New York, New Jersey and Martha’s Vineyard. For air travel, there’s Nantucket Memorial Airport. Cape Air offers year-round service to several major cities on the East Coast, and there are more direct flights available throughout the summer. Nantucket is known for its dense fog, and particularly foggy days can result in flight delays or cancellations. “That’s why the island is called the Grey Lady,” Hicks says. Nantucket Cottage Hospital is the only hospital on the island and has a 24/7 emergency department.
Public transportation provides a convenient way for both guests and residents to navigate around Nantucket.
Guests disembark from the ferry to start their vacation on magical Nantucket.
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Nantucket Police Department shows a decrease in crime
Data from the Nantucket Police Department shows a decrease in the total number of arrests made between 2020 and 2023. During the same time period, the island saw nearly a 10% decrease in the total number of reported crimes.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
