Should You Live in Martha’s Vineyard on a Year Round Basis?

Let’s face it. If you’ve ever vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard, you probably thought about moving there on a year round basis. Even if you’ve only read or heard about the island, you may very well dream of moving there. This holds particularly true for city dwellers who are sick and tired of the hustle, bustle and noises of living in a large metropolis. Although property on Martha’s Vineyard is incredibly expensive, the good news is that you can rent a home instead. You may want to do this even if you can afford to purchase a house so that you can get your feet wet and see if island living is for you before making such a large commitment. 

We should note that if you’re planning to move to Martha’s Vineyard and do not own or lease an automobile, like many people who live in a city, you should give serious consideration to renting a vehicle. That way, you’ll be able to get around the island on your own timeframe, and come and go as you please. So, what else should you expect as a resident of Martha’s Vineyard? In essence, as a year-round resident as opposed to a visitor, you need to keep in mind that you’re living in a small town. Although there is plenty to do in the summer season, some restaurants and shops close down for the winter. 

The bottom line is that life on Martha’s Vineyard in the off-season is quiet. It’s the complete opposite of the summer season. In addition, the weather will get brisk in the winter, just like any other area of New England. However, if you’re moving from the West Coast or other places that are warm on a year round basis, it’s something that you need to be aware of. Those warm summer days turn into cold and breezy days during the late fall and winter months. So, button up, relax and enjoy your time on this wonderful island. 

We fully realize that moving to Martha’s Vineyard on a year-round basis is a huge step, and MV Auto Rental would like to make it a bit easier for you. For example, if you live in a large city, you may not own or lease a vehicle. It can be difficult to park a car, truck or SUV in the city, plus most cities have fairly good public transportation systems. However, Martha’s Vineyard is different from a large city. You’re definitely going to want to have access to a vehicle in order to get around the island, and we can help.

We have six (6) convenient locations, so whether you take a ferry to Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs, our offices are within walking distance to each terminal. We also have an office at 196 Upper Main Street in Edgartown, and offer complimentary pick-up/drop off service at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport. Please make your reservation online, or call us. Our hours of operation are 8am - 6pm in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs. If you require before or after hours pick-ups, please call us to make arrangements.