About
Martha’s Vineyard is an island located 7 miles off the southern coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Like the nearby island of Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard was brought to prominence in the 19th century by the whaling industry, during which ships were sent around the world to hunt whales for their oil and blubber. The discovery of petroleum gave rise to a cheaper source of oil for lamps and led to the almost complete collapse of the industry by 1870. After the old Colony Railroad came to mainland Woods Hole in 1872, summer residences began to develop on the island and it has long been a popular summer destination.
The Vineyard, as it is often called, includes the smaller adjacent Chappaquiddick Island, which is usually connected to the Vineyard, though storms have separated them in years past. About 96 square miles, it is the 3rd largest island on the East Coast of the USA. The Island is accessible only by boat or air and is primarily known as a summer colony. The island's year-round population is about 20,000 and swells to 150,000 in the summer months. A study by the MV Commission found that the cost of living on the island is 60% higher than the national average, and housing prices are 95% higher.
Climate
The climate on the Vineyard is highly influenced by the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, which moderates temperatures throughout the year. As a result, winter temperatures tend to be a few degrees warmer while summer temperatures tend to be cooler than inland locations. Winters are cool with a January average of slightly below 32 degrees. Summers are warm and mild with temperatures rarely exceeding 90 degrees, with only 1 or 2 days reaching it. During the summer months, the island's warmest months (July & August) average around 72 degrees.
Towns
Martha’s Vineyard is divided into 6 towns, in addition to the popular community of Vineyard Haven within Tisbury. Each town is governed by a board of selectmen elected by town voters, along with annual town meetings. Every town is also a member of the MV Commission, which regulates island-wide building, environmental, and aesthetic concerns.
The towns in Martha's Vineyard are:
Tisbury, MA
Tisbury, MA, encompasses Vineyard Haven and the West Chop Peninsula. It is the island's primary port of entry for people and cargo. To find Tisbury, MA real estate, use our recommended property searches. You can view all MV property searches here.
West Tisbury, MA
West Tisbury, MA, forms the "Up-Island" area of Martha's Vineyard, along with Chilmark and Aquinnah. Covering over 30 square miles, West Tisbury is known for its scenic beaches, acres of State Forest, and general New England charm through its historic buildings and structures. To find West Tisbury, MA real estate, use our recommended property searches. You can view all MV property searches here.
Edgartown, MA
Edgartown, MA, includes Chappaquiddick Island and Katama. It is noted for its rich whaling tradition and is the island's largest town by area and population. To find all Edgartown, MA real estate or by homes by type, use our recommended property searches. You can view all MV property searches here.
Oak Bluffs, MA
Oak Bluffs, MA, is most well known for its gingerbread cottages, its open harbor, and its vibrant busy town along Circuit Avenue. It boasts the reputation as one of the more active night-life towns on the island for residents and tourists. It includes the East Chop peninsula, Lagoon Heights and Harthaven. To find all Oak Bluffs, MA real estate, use our recommended property searches. You can view all MV property searches here.
Chilmark, MA
Chilmark, MA, features the fishing village of Menemsha, is rural, and features the island’s hilliest terrain. To find all Chilmark, MA real estate, use our recommended property searches. You can view all MV property searches here.
Aquinnah, MA
Aquinnah, MA, is home to the Wampanoag Indian tribe and the famous red Clay Cliffs. To find all Aquinnah, MA real estate, use our recommended property searches. You can view all MV property searches here.
Helpful Information
Edgartown and Oak Bluffs are the island’s only “wet” towns-the only ones with hard liquor for sale. There are no liquor stores in Chilmark, West Tisbury, Vineyard Haven, or Aquinnah though all except Chilmark now allow for the sale of beer and wine with meals in their restaurants. Chilmark is the only truly ”dry” town on the island. If you are dining in Chilmark you are welcome to BYOB—bring your own alcoholic beverage.
By water, the Vineyard is reached by the ferry that departs Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and seasonally by several other ferries departing from Falmouth, New Bedford, Hyannis, & Quonset Point, R.I., and the East 35th Street ferry terminal in Manhattan. The Steamship Authority operates the shorter routes, while the MV Fast Ferry and Hy-Line Cruises run faster, longer distance ferries to Rhode Island and Hyannis. SeaStreak operates weekend trips from New York City to the Island.
By air, the commuter airline Cape Air offers frequent service via the MV Airport. It provides year-round service to and from Boston, Hyannis, New Bedford, Providence, and Nantucket.
The Martha’s Vineyard Public School system serves Martha’s Vineyard. Five of the 6 towns have their own elementary school, while Aquinnah residents usually attend the Chilmark elementary school. The MV Charter School provides K-12 and serves the entire island and off-island students. The Martha's Vineyard Regional High School is located in Oak Bluffs and serves the entire island.
For more information on fun things to do in MV and resident tips, here are some resources to help:
Town Guides
Guide to Down-Island towns of Martha's Vineyard, MA
Guide to Up-Island towns of Martha's Vineyard, MA
Tips
The best water sports to do on Martha's Vineyard, MA
How to be safe and fight ticks on Martha's Vineyard, MA
How to know if you need a car on Martha's Vineyard, MA
Dining
Where to dine outside with your dog on Martha's Vineyard, MA
Where to get the best pizza on Martha's Vineyard, MA
Where to get the best burger on Martha's Vineyard, MA
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