Madaket

Madaket is the westernmost neighborhood on Nantucket, located at the tip of the island approximately six miles from Town. It is the only place on Nantucket where you can watch the sun set directly over the open ocean, and that single fact has defined its identity for generations. Buyers I work with who are drawn to Madaket are typically looking for a deliberate separation from the busier parts of the island - the drive down Madaket Road is part of the appeal, not a drawback. The neighborhood has a tight-knit, year-round community character that distinguishes it from more transient areas, and the combination of harbor access, ocean frontage, and a deep fishing heritage gives Madaket an identity that belongs to no other part of Nantucket. After more than 20 years selling real estate across the island, I consider Madaket one of the most emotionally resonant places to own a home on Nantucket.

Homes in Madaket generally range from approximately $2 million to above $9 million, with harbor-front and ocean-facing properties at the higher end. The housing stock includes a mix of classic beach cottages, renovated properties, and newer custom-built homes. Madaket Road is the main artery leading to the neighborhood, with properties along Starbuck Road, Tennessee Avenue, Columbus Avenue, Mississippi Avenue, and the streets branching toward the harbor and the ocean. The neighborhood’s street names - many named after states - give Madaket a character distinct from the rest of the island. Properties with direct harbor frontage or views to Tuckernuck Island are among the most sought after.

The lifestyle in Madaket revolves around the water, the light, and a handful of local institutions that define the community. Madaket Beach offers miles of unspoiled Atlantic coastline with consistent surf and wide sand. Madaket Harbor provides protected boating and fishing access - the harbor’s fishing heritage is one of the oldest traditions on the island. Hither Creek is a favorite for kayaking. Millie’s, the iconic seasonal restaurant near the beach, is one of the most beloved dining destinations on Nantucket. The Madaket Bike Path connects the neighborhood to Town, and the Wave shuttle runs the route during the summer. Madaket Beach is my favorite spot to catch a sunset on the island - I’ve written about it in my guide to things to do on Nantucket.

For buyers considering Madaket, the neighborhood rewards a specific temperament: you have to want the distance from Town, not just tolerate it. The six-mile drive is a feature for most Madaket owners, not a compromise. Properties here see steady demand from buyers who have often rented in Madaket first and decided to make it permanent. The harbor-front and ocean-facing positions are the most competitive, and many of the neighborhood’s most desirable properties change hands through established broker relationships. I’d recommend browsing my past sales across the island and reviewing my approach to buying luxury real estate on Nantucket for context on how these purchases typically unfold.

Madaket is a neighborhood with a soul - and understanding what makes it special requires time on the ground, not just a map. If you’re considering buying or selling in Madaket, I’d welcome the conversation.