Nantucket - The Charming Island South of Cape Cod

Nantucket Island, located 30 miles off the east coast of the United States, is a sophisticated summer refuge with dune-backed beaches, cobblestone streets, and sought-after real estate. Rich in history, Nantucket was once the whaling capital of the world. From the 1690s to the 1850s whaling and its lucrative by-products was the island’s primary industry.
 

The U.S National Park Service declared Nantucket as the “finest surviving architectural and environmental example” of a classic New England port. And while history is part of life on Nantucket, the island is by no means a museum dwelling on its past. It has transitioned into a cultured destination with high-end dining and shopping options sure to please even the most sophisticated visitor. Natural beauty abounds, with sprawling moors, marshes, wildlife sanctuaries, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The beaches are as accessible as they are stunning with most of the 82 miles of glorious coastline open to the public. Intent on preserving its history and natural beauty, the entire island is within The Nantucket Historic District and deemed a National Historic Landmark with 40% of the land preserved as conservation land.
 

LOCAL EXPERTS WITH KNOWLEDGE

While Nantucket is only 14 miles long and 3 1/2 miles wide there are many different areas of the island with their own distinct character. Town, for example, with its grand sea captain’s homes and Greek revival architecture is the hub of activity. In contrast, beach communities such as Dionis, Surfside, and Cisco offer waterfront estates and classic beach cottages in a more rural setting. Properties with the ideal combination of being close to Town yet still on the water are highly sought after. For example, recently listed for sale in Brant Point, 47 Hulbert Avenue (advertised on 4th spread page 12 or page 14 online), is a stunning waterfront property with its own private sandy beach yet only a short walk to historic Main Street and all the shopping and dining that downtown has to offer.
 

The ease of access from the U.S. mainland while still feeling “away from it all” has contributed to the popularity of vacation homes on Nantucket. Direct flights from major U.S cities such as Boston, New York and Washington DC and several other smaller cities are available. The flights are short in duration. New York, for example, is only a little over an hour in length. For those wishing to bring a car to the island or just want to travel by boat, regular ferry service is available out of Hyannis, Massachusetts.
 

Real estate on Nantucket has consistently been a strong investment. Average home prices continue to increase and demand remains high, despite fluctuating interest rates and economic uncertainties. History has shown our local market to be much more resilient to such factors than the US national market. When buying a home on Nantucket the need for a local real estate broker experienced with navigating the local market cannot be overstated. The intricacies involved such as permitting, restrictions, zoning, development, and financing can easily cause problems for the inexperienced. As the leading real estate agency on Nantucket, Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty has helped more buyers successfully find and purchase homes than any other agency on the island.  
 

ABOUT GARY WINN

Broker/Owner

Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty

Highly respected throughout Nantucket’s real estate community, Gary’s proven knowledge of the political process of Nantucket’s permitting, zoning, development, financing, and investment sectors has been beneficial to both buyers and sellers. Gary’s clients attest to his consistent discretion, loyalty, confidentiality, and dedication. His positive approach and client level service has contributed to Gary’s exceptional reputation over his 40 year career and his current position as Principal Broker and Owner of Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty, the leading real estate agency on Nantucket.   EG