Living a Beach Lifestyle in Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts

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Where to Retire in Marthas Vineyard and Home Prices

There are many great places to live on Martha's Vineyard, if you can afford it. In Vineyard Haven the median home sold for about $681,000 in early 2020. In Edgartown the Home Value Index was $1,001,914. Some homes near the water go for much more.

What Is Special about Marthas Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is one of the most charming, beautiful places on earth.  It has great beaches and restaurants.  A wonderful place to relax, and once you are here you will not want to leave.

What Is Not Special about Marthas Vineyard

It is hard to get to and get off the island, particularly if you want to take your car on the ferry. Everything here is much more expensive than on the mainland. Traffic can be aggravating in July and August and restaurants hard to get into. The winters are quite quiet, while August is a madhouse.

Climate and Physical Environment

Since MV is an island the temperature is much more moderate than just a few miles across the way to the mainland. Winters are a little warmer and summers cooler. In August the temperature typically ranges from 62 to 78, while in January from 25 to 38. You can expect rain about 7 days a month.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

MV has long been populated with famous writers and artists. There are movie theaters and good libraries in the bigger towns. There are film festivals including the African American Film Festival in August. There is a good suggestion of restaurants because there are so many tourists. The month of October is dedicated to the Arts with many festivals and exhibitions. Some cultural institutions include: Aquinnah Cultural Center, African American Heritage Trail, Featherstone Center for the Arts, Local Wild Food Challenge, Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, Martha's Vineyard Film Society & M. V. International Film Festival, Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival, and Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

Crime

There is some tourist related crime but not very much.

Medical Facilities

Martha's Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs provides medical care for the entire island. There are also walk-in clinics available.

Transportation

Cars are discouraged in MV because of the traffic they cause. You can ride a bike or scooter safely in much of the island. Ferries from Woods Hole, New Bedford, and Providence are of different types (high speed and regular that carry cars). The airport can be a good way to get to Boston or New York.

Valuable Links

Wikipedia page for Martha's Vineyard

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