Another Billion-Dollar Year in Nantucket Real Estate!

It's official... Nantucket is still the place to buy real estate.

Every year Nantucket exhibits a new real estate trend and it's our job here at Jordan Real Estate to track Nantucket Real Estate trends so we can better serve our clients.  There have been years where antique homes on Nantucket were a trend, then other years there was a hot neighborhood on island that people were really interested in. What was 2019's real estate trend on Nantucket? It was turn-key with a pool.  (That doesn't mean that there isn't a buyer for your antique home.)

2019 was the first year of the short-term rental tax on Nantucket Rental properties. We did see a slight effect on the rental market as a result.  Most homeowners were wise to not raise rents, as the 11.7% tax was enough of an extra expense for rental clients. If you want to browse our extensive selection of Nantucket vacation home rentals, click here. 

Nantucket got some press in Barron's this past year which is good news for sellers on the island. Nantucket has the highest value for any vacation-home destination in the country. Nantucket county is made up of 55.5% vacation seasonal/vacation homes. A vacation home county is one described by Barron's as a county with 20% or more of its residential property being seasonal. 

Homeowners; it's always good to know the value of your home.  So if you are interested in selling, or just looking at your options, contact us today and speak with one of our Brokers about doing a complimentary comparative market analysis for your property.  Take a look at the following for a snapshot of the Nantucket Real Estate Market.  For full market reports, contact us to have one of our agents register you onto our Nantucket MLS site.  

Nantucket Real Estate broken down into segments. Residential real estate on Nantucket continued to be the leader. Commercial real estate on the island can be difficult yo come across because it tends to move quickly. At the time of publishing the article we have a very nice commercial plot for sale, looking for info on that, click here. 

Surside, Town, Mid-Island and the Cliff villages continue to show strong sales numbers on Natucket. We have included some additional charts for you to use as refrence when researching Nantucket real estate. Again, if you have any questions our experienced team is ready to assist. We are available at info@jordanre.com or by phone (508)228-4449

Have you started planning your Nantucket trip for 2020? Many people use the Steamship Authority or Hyline to get to the most beautiful vacation destination around. Here are some details you need to know to get to Nantucket by ferry in 2020. 

It's time to daydream about sandy beaches, mudslides, pool parties and boat rides. It's time to imagine the feeling of WARM SUN on your skin! Let's plan your Summer Vacation!

The Steamship Authority will begin taking those highly coveted car reservations for travel between May 15 - October 20, 2020 at
5AM on Tuesday January 14.  There are some popular weekend that fill up FAST every year! Events such as the Daffodil Festival, Nantucket Comedy Festival, The Nantucket Food & Wine Festival, Fugawi and The Nantucket Yoga Festival are just some of those events that help to fill up car reservations quickly. 

 

A NOTE FROM THE STEAMSHIP AUTHORITY:

2020 Nantucket General Internet Opening: January 14 - January 20, 2020

Beginning at 5:00 am on January 14, 2020, reservations for travel to Nantucket only from May 15, 2020 through October 20, 2020 may be made via the internet. Reservation requests will also be accepted through the mail.  During this time the reservation office hours will be extended to provide support to our internet/web customers. Office hours on January 14 & January 15, 2020 will be from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. On all other dates normal business hours will be 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, daily.

How to start planning for your Nantucket Vacation! 

Step 1:  Set your Alarm for 4:45AM on January 14
Step 2:  Make a pot of STRONG coffee
Step 3:  Click here to BOOK your Reservation
Step 4:  Contact Jordan Real Estate and we will handle the rest of making your Nantucket vacation a reality by showing you some of the most amazing Nantucket Vacation Rental Homes on the island! 

HOMEOWNERS:  Make sure you contact Jordan Real Estate with any changes to your rates and availability.  If you have made and
updates/renovations to your home and/or have new pictures or would like new pictures taken. Your listing will rank better in searches with the most detailed and accurate information. 

Nantucket sits approximately 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. It's most commonly accessed by Ferry using either the Hyline or The Steamship Authority's ferries. The "slow boat" can take around two hours while the "fast ferry" will get you there in one hour. The other option is to fly in, which is, of course, faster, and if you're traveling directly to Nantucket outside of Cape Cod, this makes more sense. 

We, of course, live and work here on the island and often get asked by new visitors to this charming place, "What should we do?" We wanted to take the time to craft a list of things you can do while staying on island. 

Here is our guide of eight "must do's" while visiting Nantucket!

1. Rent a scooter or bike. 

Explore Nantucket in full with a leisurely ride on a bike or scooter. Nantucket Bike Shop has given tourists and residents the best view of Nantucket since 1976 and continues to provide top-quality equipment and quick, courteous service to every visitor. You can witness the entire island in the fresh open air and enjoy the full, rich seaside panorama from the seat of your bike or scooter.

Their bike fleet includes only top manufacturers of cycling equipment, including Specialized and Giant Bicycles. The resilient structure and comfortable design provides a superior ride and accommodates the needs of every new or experienced cyclist. Their bikes are outfitted with thick, puncture-resistant tires to give you a safe, smooth ride and ergonomic seats to ward off muscle and back strain. If you’re looking for a faster open-air ride, try one of our Kymco or Lance single– and double-seat scooters.

2. Tour Great Point Light 

Towering more than 60 feet, this historic lighthouse was established in 1784, destroyed in 1984 and rebuilt in 1986. Located on the Coskata Coatue Wildlife Refuge. You can get a tour of the lighthouse if you join one of the Trustees of Reservations guided natural history tours depending on the time of year and access to the lighthouse. Beach access is limited during storms and high tides. Always check the local Great Point tides and never drive through water! You can rent a jeep and drive out there for a once in a lifetime experience!

3. Marvel at History

Did you know Nantucket is home to many historic homes? In fact, Nantucket is home to one house that was constructed before the Declaration of Independence was signed! 11 Hussey Street is one of those homes! 11 Hussey Street, a large timber-frame home built in 1735, has recently been artfully renovated and restored. Many original features such as the historic winder staircase, original paneling, cooking fireplaces, beams, and "gunstock" posts have been preserved while incorporating every modern amenity today's owner desires. 

4. Go Sailing with Endeavor Sailing Excursions

The Endeavor has been offering sailing excursions in Nantucket Sound for 30 years. Voted by Yankee Magazine as "Best in New England," the Endeavor operates from May-October. Per person, fares start at $45.00. Private charters are available for an outing with family and friends or as an activity for corporate meetings. Reservations are suggested. There is not much more 'Nantucket' than sailing around the harbor at sunset!

5. The Whaling Museum

The Whaling Museum, operated by the Nantucket Historical Association (founded in 1894), is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Featuring permanent and rotating exhibitions in 9 premium galleries, with over a thousand works of art, artifacts, and treasures on display, it tells the Island's fascinating stories over four centuries. Numerous daily programs by our interpreters, children's' activities in the Discovery Center, and intimate spotlight tours complement the visit. The museum is home to a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a massive Fresnel lens, a restored 1847 candle factory, and a relaxing, fully-accessible rooftop deck offer stunning views of Nantucket harbor. Maximize your visit by going to our nine historic homes and sites which are open to the public. The Nantucket Whaling Museum is located just steps from both of the ferry docks, so this is often one of the first places people visit when coming to Nantucket. Make sure you block off some time because there is a lot to see and to learn. 

6. Visit Brant Point Lighthouse

Established in 1746, America's second-oldest lighthouse has been in service for more than 250 years. Brant Point Lighthouse is the lighthouse seen as you enter the harbor on either the Hyline or The Steamship Authority Ferry service. This is a great place to capture photos of you and your family. Very often, you will see families who hire professional photographers out here, creating long-lasting memories. 

7. Visit Cisco Brewery

This is a must-do on island! Open every day year-round, dog, and kid-friendly! Cisco is home to not just a craft brewery but also a distillery and a vineyard as well! In the summer it can be quite busy here, but it is equipped to handle the traffic. Often there are multiple food trucks on-site as well as live music. The downside to some may be that there is not much place to seek shelter from the sun if you need a break from the heat, so bring a hat! Another impressive feature of the brewery is the shuttle. You can get a free shuttle ride to and from the brewery right from Federal St (just across from our office!). They pick you up at 23 Federal Street daily every 20 minutes from Noon to 6:30 pm in season (Starts May 10th!). 

8. Go to Surfside Beach!

This is one of the most popular beaches on Nantucket. Very family friendly though the surf can get heavy at times. Lifeguards are on duty in-season at this beach. Located at the end of Surfside Road, a three-mile ride on the paved bike path or take the NRTA Shuttle in season. Easy to park your car in the lot near the beach, and this beach is easily accessible by bike path. Plenty of surf, wide beach is suitable for picnics, beach games, and surfcasting. Kite flying west of Surfside Beach is acceptable; for safety reasons, please do not fly kites east of Surfside toward the airport. Due to the number of people who frequent Surfside Beach during the day, it is inadvisable to fly kites during the peak beachgoing hours. Surfside is good for shelling in the early morning and famous in the evenings for surfcasting. 

Fall is still busy here on Nantucket.  Recently
we have been whacked with a few storms but don't worry, we're still afloat and it'll take more than a nor'easter to stop our real estate market.  Now that the peak season is over, it's time to start thinking about next summer.  The earlier you book your Nantucket Vacation, the more options you will have to choose from.  If you are ready to move on from renting to ownership, the fall is an excellent time to explore the Nantucket Real Estate market.  Prospective buyers won't be distracted by the beach, and properties are easier to show this time of year.  If you're visiting the island this off season just to enjoy the serenity and salty air or with purchasing Real Estate in mind, we have two great downtown apartments available to rent on a nightly basis.  They are an ideal central hub from which to kick off your real estate pursuit.  Lastly, homeowners, please remember to register your rental property with MassTaxConnect.  If you have any questions about this, please contact our Rental Manager, Rachel, at our office and she will be able to help you through it.

Fall on Nantucket is a terrific time to take advantage of a myriad of activities from the historical to the athletic, from the educational to the just plain fun!

October is still an excellent time to visit, the weather will be on the crisper side, but all the beauty abounds! Of course with fall on Nantucket not only do we get a change in temperature but we get variations in color. Many of the greens start to fade to reds, ambers, and browns, which can make for some fantastic photo opportunities. 

On October 12th the island is hosting the 16th Annual Cranberry Festival at Milestone Cranberry Bog. "The Nantucket Cranberry Festival is a popular event among adults and children alike – the Foundation’s Milestone Cranberry Bog is transformed into the most unique and beautiful of Festival grounds for this special event. Visitors can expect to learn about the history of cranberry farming on Nantucket through educational displays and harvesting demonstrations, participate in family activities, sample delectable cranberry treats, and other New England classics, or simply enjoy the music and the spectacular autumn scenery. And as always, there will be pounds of organic Genuine Nantucket Cranberries available for purchase!"  To find out all the details follow THIS LINK. 

If you're the more active type and up for a challenge the 9th Annual Nantucket Half Marathon is the very next day! "This race is one of the most scenic Half Marathon courses on the East Coast! Set on charming Nantucket Island, the route travels through wooded dirt roads (some with short sandy sections!), tree-lined bike paths, and lightly traveled streets with beautiful ocean views. The course is gently rolling, but you are never more than a few feet above sea level! Approximately 40% of the course is on dirt roads with a few sandy sections that can be challenging, but there are no significant hills. You may run on roads and see parts of Nantucket you never knew existed!" The course map can be found HERE and more details on how to signup HERE. 

Did you know Nantucket is home to a vast array of conservation land and walking/hiking trails? This can make for great Fall fun, and many of the trails are easy to access and navigate so they can be perfect for family fun. There is a great online resource called All Trails, and we took the time to sort out the Nantucket trails HERE. If you don't want to take the self-guided route, you can call Nantucket Walkabout. Nantucket Walkabout is Nantucket’s only year-round guided hiking service offering natural history walks on Nantucket’s protected lands all over the island. They lead hikes during all seasons that inform on how, geologically, the island was created by the last glacier, how Nantucket got its unique collection of plants and wildlife, how and when Native Americans and European settlers impacted the island’s natural world, conservation efforts, and what the future may hold for the island. Nantucket Walkabout is not a tour bus or van service driving from sight to sight. They get out and walk into Nantucket’s wilderness to experience life off the road in all seasons. It’s a part bird walk, part botany hike, part geology and all about exploration.

The final pieces to any weekend getaway are transportation and lodging. For ferry schedules head over to The Steamship Authority or Hy-Line's website. For accommodation, you can browse our Nantucket vacation rental listings by clicking here.

Have a great fall!

-The Jordan Real Estate Team

Nantucket is always bustling with events both big and small! We made a small list of some of the events taking place in late August that are on our radar that you may be interested in checking out!

Nantucket Race Week

August 10th – 18th

Nantucket Race Week is nine days of regattas, awards ceremonies, and parties hosted by Nantucket Yacht Club and Great Harbor Yacht Club to benefit Nantucket Community Sailing. Nantucket Race Week is proud to be a Clean Regatta as certified by Sailors for the Sea.

Swim Across America

August 24th

Swim Across America is a Nantucket Island open water swim. Swimmers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in our annual event at beautiful Jetties Beach and help us support cancer treatment and patient care on Nantucket Island.

Register Here!

Nantucket’s Swim Across America

Oyster Farm & Harbor Tour with Nantucket Land Council

All Month Long

This summer, join the Nantucket Land Council for an exciting and educational afternoon aboard Shearwater Excursions Shearwater 47′ power catamaran with Captain Blair Perkins, NLC Executive Director Emily Molden, Resource Ecologist RJ Turcotte, and Oyster Farmer Simon Edwardes for a tour of Head of the Harbor, and an exploration of Fifth Bend Oyster Farm. Along the way, you’ll learn more about oysters and their role in the ecology of the harbor. Tickets are limited and advance registration is required.

Tours begin at 3:30 pm at the Nantucket Town Pier located at 34 Washington Street downtown, and will return at 5:30 pm. We will meet at 3:20 pm at the Town Pier, located at 34 Washington Street – across from the Town Parking Lot. Please dress comfortably. We recommend you could take the bus, bike, or walk to the Town Pier or use the in-town valet parking. Should you choose to drive, please leave ample time to find a spot. The tour will leave promptly at 3:30 pm.

Email meg@nantucketlandcouncil.org with questions or to schedule a private tour.

As always if you’re looking for a rental for any event taking place on Nantucket we would love to help find you the perfect retreat for your stay.

We look forward to making this the best resource for information about real estate, our local area, and current topics that impact you. Please feel free to comment on our posts if you have questions or reactions to share. If there is anything you'd like to see us write about, we'd love to hear your ideas.

Where to eat in Nantucket?

You’re planning a vacation to Nantucket; you’ve already called Jordan Real Estate to book your Nantucket vacation rental and now it’s time to plan some dinners. Sure we could simply share a list of a few great places to eat based on popularity, online rating sites but we wanted to offer some on island insight! We asked a few of our brokers where they love to grab a bite to eat on Nantucket and why;

Michael Angelastro: FUSARO’S. According to their site, Fusaro’s is “The perfect gathering place for families and friends, Fusaro’s hearkens back to traditional Italian-American roots of Sunday meals at Nana’s. Just a mile out of town, with plenty of parking, we are proud to offer an affordably-priced, Italian inspired selection of appetizers, salads, pizzas, pasta and seafood in a family-friendly setting.” Michael notes he loves that it is run by owner/operators and offers full meals to pizza. “I really love the enclosed patio and the reasonable prices” states Michael.

Debbie Cleveland:  Languedoc Bistro on Broad St. “In my humble opinion, has THE BEST Cheeseburgers on the Island.  The hamburger is served with Cheddar Cheese and on an English Muffin instead of the usual hamburger bun.  The shoestring garlic fries are a perfect match.” According to their site link in this description “On any given night at the Languedoc, from the balmiest evening in August to the coziest blustery November night, an eclectic mix of locals, visitors, couples, singles, old-timers and newcomers can be found enjoying a perfect night on Nantucket over some of the island’s best food and wine.”

Debbie also mentioned what you will soon see is an island favorite Pi Pizzeria “My tennis girlfriends and I insist on calling the Rustica Pizza at Pi Pizza our “crack pizza” for whenever we return to the Island….we must have it!  Fabulous Italian Cheese, Pancetta and ample Arugula…..we always insist on extra Arugula too.”

Broker/Owner Gloria Grimshaw echos Debbie’s sentiment with a resounding recommendation for Pi Pizzeria as well! “It’s delicious wood-fired oven pizza in a lively casual setting!  The menu offers many other tempting options!”

Joelle Hess Bouchard: “When it’s fancy, I have always loved The Galley but these days with kids we tend to favor The Saltbox and Keepers” Saltbox Tavern & Table is Nantucket’s newest family-friendly spot. They offer a newly renovated dining room and a beautiful outdoor patio and bar. They have the best-frozen drinks and sangria pitchers, Saltbox is the perfect place to unwind with family and friends after a long day or a day at the beach –  according to their website.

If you still need to book your Nantucket Vacation rental we can help! Give us a call, send us an email or finds us on Facebook!

“For over twenty years, the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival has brought distinguished winemakers and chefs together for a world-class epicurean celebration. 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, this unique setting creates the backdrop for what has become one of the most celebrated events of its kind in the world. Over the course of five days, the island comes alive with prestigious tastings, lunches, dinners and educational seminars. Our luminaries are an extraordinary group of winemakers, chefs, sommeliers and presenters who contribute to the understated elegance of our festival.”

The above can be credited to the Nantucket Wine Festival website and does a great job of summarizing this wonderful event. The expo takes place just as the summer season kicks in here on the island and that can make finding a rental tricky if you don’t plan ahead. The first day of the event is May 13th. Thankfully at Jordan Real Estate we manage a wide variety of Nantucket vacation rental properties. Many of these properties have minimum stays of one week however some of them have shorter minimum stays of one to three days. Let’s take a look at a couple of properties we have that may work for anyone searching for a shorter stay.

We have some BEAUTIFUL short term rentals available for the Nantucket Wine Festival weekend - Click Here

If you’re coming to Nantucket for a longer stay of a week we have a very large inventory of rentals that can be searched by clicking on the "Rental" banner above. We hope that you find a place that works for you to enjoy the Nantucket Wine Festival and all the event has to offer!

Planning a trip to Nantucket but you’re worried about where you can run and ride? Nantucket has an amazing network of trails, bike paths and running routes so don’t you worry! For many people being active while away is a big part of choosing a vacation destination. We get it and Nantucket is the perfect place for you. Home to Nantucket Velo, The Nantucket Triathlon and many running road races.

Here are is the official trail and bike path map. As you can see there is an entire network of paved paths and unpaved trails. This does not include the numerous paths and trails on the conservation land all over the island. Here is a link to some fantastic maps and information on the Nantucket Conservation Foundation website. Bring a camera or your cell phone you will want to snap a photo of some of these amazing views!

Thanks to the power of MapMyRuns we also have linked you to a list of over 56 different Running Routes on the island which you can filter by distance! Click here to get over to that page directly.

Are you looking to ride your bike on Nantucket? You can always bring your own over but if that is too much of a headache you can rent all different types from our friends over at Nantucket Bike Shop.

– The Jordan Real Estate Team