History & Overview
Nantucket is an island 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod — a National Historic Landmark district, a whaling capital turned summer haven, and a year-round community with its own government, schools, and character. The island is simultaneously a town and a county, the only such entity in Massachusetts.
Settled by the English in 1659, Nantucket became one of the world’s foremost whaling ports. By the early 1800s, the island’s fleet of more than 125 ships hunted whales across the globe, and Nantucket oil lit lamps throughout America and Europe. The Great Fire of 1846 devastated the waterfront and accelerated the industry’s decline, as New Bedford surpassed it as a port. What survived is remarkable — an almost perfectly preserved 18th- and 19th-century townscape of weathered cedar shingle buildings, cobblestone streets, and a maritime character found nowhere else.
Today Nantucket is a year-round community of about 14,000 residents that swells to 50,000 or more in summer. Tourism, construction, and real estate drive the economy. The island faces serious challenges around housing affordability, coastal erosion, and transportation — but it also possesses a fierce civic culture, with engaged Town Meetings, a powerful Historic District Commission, and residents who care deeply about preserving what makes Nantucket unique.
Government & Key Officials
Nantucket is governed by a five-member Select Board and an Open Town Meeting — the same form of government used by most Cape Cod towns. The Town Administrator handles day-to-day operations. Because Nantucket is both a town and a county, its government also handles functions that would otherwise fall to county government, including the Registry of Deeds and the Sheriff’s Department.
Annual Town Meeting is typically held in May, and it’s where voters decide budgets, bylaws, and land-use policies. Special Town Meetings are common, given the island’s unique challenges around housing, infrastructure, and environmental management.
Villages & Areas of Nantucket
Nantucket Town
The main village and historic center. Cobblestone Main Street, the Whaling Museum, boutiques, restaurants, and the ferry terminal are all here. The architecture is remarkably preserved — weathered cedar shingle buildings dating to the 1700s and 1800s line nearly every street.
Siasconset (‘Sconset)
A tiny village on the eastern tip, famous for rose-covered cottages, dramatic ocean bluffs, and the Sankaty Head Golf Club. Ground zero for Nantucket’s coastal erosion crisis — bluff-top homes have been falling into the sea.
Madaket
The western end of the island, known for spectacular sunsets over Madaket Harbor and the open Atlantic. A quieter, more remote feel. Madaket Beach is popular for surfcasting and swimming.
Surfside
Named for Surfside Beach on the south shore — one of the island’s most popular beaches with strong surf and a wide sandy expanse. The bike path from town to Surfside Beach is one of the most traveled routes on the island.
Tom Nevers
A residential area on the southeast coast with a remote, windswept character. The old Navy facility here (a former LORAN station) has been a subject of redevelopment debate for years.
Miacomet
A south-central area known for Miacomet Pond, Miacomet Golf Club, and newer residential neighborhoods. The town’s affordable housing developments are concentrated here.
Active Issues
Housing Crisis
Median home prices exceed $2 million, and seasonal workers essential to the tourism economy often struggle to find any housing at all. The island has created a housing trust and built affordable units, but demand far outstrips supply. This is the defining civic issue of Nantucket politics.
Coastal Erosion & Climate Adaptation
The coastline is eroding at an alarming rate, particularly along the eastern bluffs near Siasconset. Some properties have lost their homes to the sea. The town has debated seawalls, managed retreat, and other interventions, but there is no consensus.
Ferry & Transportation
Everything that arrives on Nantucket comes by ferry or airplane. The Steamship Authority ferry from Hyannis is the primary link, and its capacity, scheduling, and pricing are perpetual political flashpoints. Summer traffic congestion is severe for such a small island.
Key Attractions & Landmarks
Nantucket Whaling Museum
A beautifully restored 1847 candle factory houses exhibits on the island’s whaling history, including a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. The rooftop observation deck offers panoramic harbor views. The museum is the flagship of the Nantucket Historical Association and tells the full story of how this small island became the whaling capital of the world. Collections include scrimshaw, ship models, navigational instruments, and the massive whale skeleton that dominates the main hall. Plan at least two hours — this is the must-see attraction on Nantucket.
Brant Point Lighthouse
The second-oldest lighthouse site in America (established 1746). Tradition holds that you throw a penny into the harbor as the ferry passes Brant Point to ensure your return to the island.
Great Point & Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge
A remote barrier beach on the northern tip, accessible only by 4WD vehicle (permit required) or a long hike. Great Point Lighthouse stands at the tip. One of the best birding and fishing spots on the island.
Cisco Brewers
A brewery, winery, and distillery complex on the outskirts of town that has become Nantucket’s unofficial social hub. Live music, food trucks, and outdoor seating. The kind of place where locals and visitors mingle on summer afternoons.
Demographics Snapshot
Nantucket’s year-round population is modest, but the island swells to 50,000+ in summer. The median home price exceeds $2 million, making it one of the most expensive housing markets in the United States. The economy is driven by tourism, construction, and real estate.
Getting There
⛴ Ferry Schedules & Tips
Steamship Authority (Year-Round)
Traditional Ferry: ~2 hours 15 min from Hyannis. Cars, trucks, bikes. Book vehicle reservations months ahead for summer.
Fast Ferry (M/V Iyanough): ~1 hour from Hyannis. Passengers only, no vehicles. Seasonal (May–Oct typically).
Hy-Line Cruises (Seasonal)
High-Speed: ~1 hour from Hyannis. Passengers only.
Inter-Island: Seasonal service between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard (no mainland stop).
Freedom Cruise Line offers seasonal service from Harwich Port (~1.5 hrs). freedomcruiseline.com | Tip: Book SSA vehicle reservations as early as possible — summer slots sell out fast. Walk-on passengers can usually get on same-day.
Air service to Nantucket: Cape Air has been the backbone of air travel to Nantucket for over three decades, offering year-round flights from Hyannis (15 minutes), Boston, and other cities. The airline absorbed Nantucket Airlines in the 1990s, continuing a tradition of small-aircraft island service that dates to the 1960s. Together, these carriers have been a lifeline for islanders who depend on reliable air connections when winter weather makes ferry travel difficult. Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) also sees seasonal service from JetBlue and United.
🏥 Nearest Medical Care
Nantucket Cottage Hospital
57 Prospect Street, Nantucket
Full-service hospital, 24/7 Emergency Department. (508) 825-8100.
Website · 📍 Directions
Essential Services & Points of Interest
Who Represents Me?
Nantucket residents are represented at the federal, state, and local level. Here are your elected officials and how to reach them:
🔍 Look up your full representation: Use the MA Secretary of State Voter Lookup to find every elected official for your address.
How to Stay Involved
→ Select Board Meetings — Town-wide policy decisions.
→ Historic District Commission — Reviews building modifications island-wide.
→ Planning Board — Zoning, development, and subdivisions.
→ Town Meeting — Direct democracy where voters decide budgets and bylaws.