Hello,

I am interviewing for a job on Nantucket, and I am interested in any thoughts on rentals on the island (longer then your normal week or two vacation rental). So far, craigslist has little to nothing, at least in a decent price range. Or if its possible to live on the mainland and always ferry over? For anyone who has lived here or stayed for a long period of time - what do you think of living there and was there enough to do on the island or did you take many trips to the mainland?

Although it does seem like I will out on Nantucket, there is a possibilty of MV as well - are the rentals there less money? Its closer inland - maybe possible to ferry in from there on a daily basis? Ive heard from a few people that there is more to do there, slightly more people as well.

As I havent been out on either island since I was very young, I would love any info about the islands, living there, etc that is out there. Thanks.

You must know that Nantucket (and M.V., for that matter) feels like a very small island, indeed, in the winter months. Are you planning on living there year-round?

Your best bet is to take the ferry out there now so you can see what it's like off-peak. Island living is Not for everyone. Once there, you can check in with a realtor and see what they've got available or check around and ask if anyone knows anything about anyone with anything. (Sorry, I don't!)

Great question Bowsprit! Is this seasonal employment or a full fledged 4 season move? Seasonal employers should have a small database of possible 3-6 month rentals.

Four season job? Again the people interviewing should have ideas, but you should definately consider if you would be claustrophobic on island year round. I'd like it, but then I'm odd.

Hey, thanks for the replies. Its temp to hire, so yes, it could turn into a full 4 seasons there. I think I would actually like island living, and both islands are close enough to the mainland that I could take a ferry in when I wanted to (I think the MV ferry is a lot closer thou).

I live on Nantucket, though I spend Jan-April off now. Our best friends are currently visiting us in Virginia during their kids spring break. They came off last Friday on the ferry, then all the ferries were cancelled for the weekend owing to gales, stranding people who had airline and hotel reservations in ski country and Florida for the week. That is part of living on Nantucket. You can't always get there and you can't always get away.

This is a good time to rent, since the down economy has made many people leave the island, but you can still expect to pay rents that are comparable to Boston for a year round place. Don't get caught in the housing shuttle where you rent an incredibly cheap place for the winter followed by living with 8 friends from May to September. Just suck it up and build the rent into your budget from the beginning. Groceries are 15%-20% higher than the mainland, and gas hasn't been below $4 a gallon in a couple of years. I have no doubt that it will be >$5 when I get home and may be there now.

Pay should be higher here than you would get on the mainland, and almost everyone young person and many older people work a second or even third job in the summer. If you work for one of the airlines, you can get free flights to Boston. Waitressing can be a gold mine.
So why put up with the isolation and the costs? Well, it is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than the mainland. It is also to my mind one of the most gorgeous places in the world, with beaches, moors, salt marshes, sunrises, sunsets, walking, cycling, fishing, hunting, sailing, and surfing to die for, to say nothing of incredibly beautiful buildings. Everything grows. There are cheap buses everywhere May-September, and bike paths now or soon will go to most of the fantastic beaches. The Atheneum, the public library, has great programs year round, there are two independent bookstores, bars with live music, a small classical concert series, and active groups and classes for many hobbies and crafts. The general ethos is liberal democrat and gay friendly, something unusual in a small town. People are intensively involved in politics because government is by Town Meeting and Selectmen. Citizens get to vote directly on the town budget and important things like zoning changes.

If it is so great, why am I not there in the winter? My wife's health does not handle cold and damp. I can answer specific questions if you have them.

Didn't answer your real question.

Find housing by looking at the classifieds on the local newspaper's website: http://www.ack.net/

Craigslist is useless except for summer rentals.

Some employers provide housing; though you have to pay for it, it is reserved for their employees.

Ask when you interview. Lots of netweking required.

Join one of the local forums/boards and ask. There are a couple, one is http://yackon.com/forum

Ackislander: Yours is the definitive answer. Great information, very helpful.

Networking is key. I visited both islands about this time of year before. On Nantucket the owners of the inn made a call & got me an interview. I also flagged down a cab ( not knowing at the time you need to call for a cab), and asked them to take me where I could meet ppl. Yeah, going to the Chicken Box in Feb/March everyone will know you don't live there. I met great ppl , which led to them keeping their ears open; when I went back a few weeks later they introduced me to bar managers and ppl looking for roommates.

On MV, I was offered a job while having dinner.

I chose ACk because things clicked better for me there & could get around w/o a car. There's a saying "See you in Sept" since everyone is so busy working over the summer. If you get involved, and like the outdoors, there's plenty to do.

Ack.net is a good site for housing.

Hey thanks for the replies - the links are very helpful! Not moving out for another month or two, but its def a place that I want to have housing before I move out there. It was interesting to hear about why you live out on nantucket Ackislander - seems like there is a fair amount to do out there (something I was somewhat concerned about).

Nantucket has a small town sensibility and everyone knows everyone. For example: That waitress is the sister of the bank teller who saw the non-native cut the line at the local gas station that belongs to the waitress' brother in law, etc. Everyone knows everything even if they don't talk about it much.

Dope, dui, and domestic violence arrests are called out by name, and everyone will know when your car has spent the night in someone's driveway.

They will also hold a benefit so your family has something to eat while you recover from falling off a roof. One of the things people do is give back to the community.

yes.

Ohhh Nantucket!!! It is such a lovely place. I consider you blessed to have a chance to find work and live in such a special place. I once spoke to a local that told me they call Nantucket "the gray lady" due to the weather, although winter is mild it can be gray. I would not mind it at all!! Good luck to you.