Moving to Nantucket

Welcome to Nantucket, Massachusetts—a picturesque island community where history, natural beauty, and a vibrant local spirit come together. Whether you’re drawn to our top-rated schools, close-knit neighborhoods, or the breathtaking coastal landscapes, Nantucket is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.

Nantucket Public Schools are committed to excellence in education, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a strong sense of community. Families who move here enjoy a dynamic learning environment, dedicated educators, and opportunities for students to thrive academically and personally.

From the cobblestone streets of downtown to the sandy shores that frame our island, Nantucket offers an enriching lifestyle for residents of all ages. Thinking about making the move? We’d love to welcome you to our community!

Things to Know about Nantucket

Registering for School

Pre-K Programs

Getting to and from Nantucket

There are two ferry services, both leaving from Hyannis, MA (about 1 1/2 hour from Boston):

Steamship Authority, which has a year-round car ferry service (there is a reduced car transit rate, the "Islander Excursion" for islanders because we go the "wrong way")
Hyline Ferries, which runs year-round fast ferry service.

Both sell commuter books (you can use them for the whole family).

There is certainly the opportunity to just walk up half an hour before departure and buy a ticket. However, we recommend you make your reservations in advance if you know you will be traveling. The first boats in the morning fill up, and Thursday and Friday afternoon sailings from Nantucket are usually booked. Sundays getting back to Nantucket from Hyannis are like Fridays.

This is a very helpful website for a consolidated schedule of ferry services.

How to get Nantucket News

The Inquirer and Mirror is our local newspaper and has an event calendar that has all sorts of things going on. I highly recommend checking them out.

There is also Yesterday's Island to view in the summer for additional programming.

Activities on Nantucket for Families

For kids, I would also check out the websites for:

Maria Mitchell Association - history and science-based programming; in the summer they have a small aquarium downtown and a small Natural Science Museum too
Nantucket Historical Association/Whaling Museum - they have programming for little ones that focuses on Nantucket's history
Nantucket Atheneum - programming for all, and there is the Weezie Library for kids!

Similarly, our Nantucket Community School also has a bunch of family programming.

There is also the Nantucket Family Resource Center. They are a great source for assistance programs - not just financial, but also for newcomer families. It is worth a visit when you get there, they have SO much to offer.

Family Activities

Activities on Nantucket for Families

For kids, I would also check out the websites for:

Maria Mitchell Association - history and science-based programming; in the summer they have a small aquarium downtown and a small Natural Science Museum too
Nantucket Historical Association/Whaling Museum - they have programming for little ones that focuses on Nantucket's history
Nantucket Atheneum - programming for all, and there is the Weezie Library for kids!

Similarly, our Nantucket Community School also has a bunch of family programming.

Town of Nantucket

Here is the link to the town's website, with information on everything from bike paths to beaches and general island info.

If you need to officially register as a resident of Nantucket, please contact the Town Clerk at 16 Broad Street. (This is also where you would go for an official letter from the Town Clerk proving your residency for the aforementioned Islander Excursion program at the Steamship Authority).

If you need to change your license to Nantucket, please make an appointment at what might be the fastest RMV in the country here.

Medical Resources

Hospitals and Other Resources

We are lucky to have the brand-new Nantucket Cottage Hospital, just completing major renovations this year. If you need pediatricians, you can call them.

866-211-6588 Mass General Brigham Patient Registration line (Nantucket Cottage Hospital parent organization)
- Ask for "Medical Record Number" when registration is complete
508-825-1000 Nantucket Cottage Hospital Patient Care line

Many of our families also use Briarpatch Pediatrics' Dr. Norenberg, who visits the island weekly.

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