Island Hopping: Nantucket

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

10 May 2008 03:54 PM

I grew up on an island and I would be a rich woman today if I could have collected a dime from every person who uttered these words to me over the last three decades: "Hawaii is a great place to visit, but I sure couldn't afford to live here."

I have a feeling that residents of Nantucket get a lot of the same. The only difference is that most of them are already rich. It's true; statistics show that most of the island's residents are second-homeowners who spend the peak summer season in their multi-million dollar oceanfront pads.

If you have ever traveled to the elbow-shaped island located 30 miles off Massachusetts then you know home prices are stratospheric and the same goes for many of the other commodities there. Only a quarter of the population lives on the island year-round (roughly 12,000). But come summertime the island's full-time population swells to more than 60,000.

Travelers flock to the 3-by-14 mile island to take in its historic charm and its serene beaches. The beaches are open to the public so swimmers, boaters and anglers have a field day in the warm summer months. In addition to the breathtaking beaches, Nantucket is also home to a host of museums and cultural offerings as well as parks and preserves with extensive bike and walking paths.

The island has just one main business area: Nantucket Town, which is considered a National Historic District. Very little has changed architecturally in the town since the 17th century, which means you can essentially take a trip back in time strolling down the cobblestone streets, shopping at mom-and-pop stores, and lingering at authentic soda fountains.

The island is also home to three major neighborhoods:

Nantucket Town, which I mentioned earlier. It's the urban center of the island and home to the majority of Nantucket's stores, restaurants, and ferry terminals. Most of the homes located in this area retail for more than $1 million.

Waterfront is the ultra-exclusive neighborhood that sits on the island's prime real estate. Homes here begin at $3 million to $4 million and run into the teens - or more.

And finally, Brant Point, which is the only part of Nantucket Town that is on the beach. It is also the location of the island's premier luxury hotel where rooms start at $250.

Hmm... Reminds me of Hawaii.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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