Coastal charm and natural beauty define Block Island
Block Island is a coastal escape about 12 miles from mainland Rhode Island. Known by many as the “Bermuda of the North,” public beaches, clear waters and a relaxed island atmosphere define the 10-square-mile outcropping. It’s home to just over 1,400 full-time residents, but the busiest summer days can bring as many as 20,000 people to the island. Even then it feels far enough away to truly unplug without being completely isolated from the mainland. That balance is what makes Block Island a natural fit for anyone looking for a laidback place to spend summers or settle into year-round living.
What it’s actually like to live on Block Island year-round
Life on Block Island moves at a slower pace. Year-round resident and local Realtor Rosemary Tobin describes it as a small New England town set in the middle of the ocean. “We don’t have any franchises or stoplights, so it’s kind of like going back in time … Even after 26 years here, every time I land on the ferry, I’m always excited to see it,” she says. But, of course, that rhythm changes with the seasons. “In the winter, it’s a town and it’s a community, but in the summer, it’s a tourist attraction,” Tobin explains. “Even though it’s busy, it’s such a unique place.”
While summer brings crowds to the island, you still have year-round ferry and air service, local businesses, essential medical care and reliable connectivity, even in a remote setting. No matter the season, though, Block Island stays rooted in nature. “We have hiking trails and beaches all around the island that are all different. Some are rocky, some are sandy, some are cliffs, but you can always find a spot to be alone,” Tobin says.
Shingle-style homes, seasonal living, and coastal prices
Block Island is known for its shingle-style homes. Some date back to the late 1800s, while others are newer builds that blend into the island’s natural landscape. Areas like Corn Neck Road tend to be quieter than Old Harbor or New Harbor, though homes across the island usually have at least an acre of land. Many are winterized to withstand high winds and coastal storms, but most are still only used seasonally. “We don’t have a lot of mainland people coming here to live year-round,” Tobin says. “And it’s generational. People like to buy homes because their kids keep coming out here, even into their 30s … The most special part of it is that you see generations of families coming every year.”
Luxury here looks different than it does in more built-up markets. “I think of luxury out here as being private and anonymous,” Tobin says. “You have the luxury of being with your family and you don’t have to dress up to go to dinner. You have all this conservancy land and all these beaches to yourself.” That plays a major role in pricing here, especially compared to other New England getaways. “Something that I would have listed for $7 million here would definitely go into the teens on the other islands,” Tobin says. The median sale price is about $1.4 million, which is lower than on Nantucket and Fishers Island. Prices typically range from $1.2 million to $3.2 million, though larger beachfront homes can exceed $6 million. Condos are less common and rarely come on the market. Buyers should also be aware that some coastal and low-lying homes can face erosion, flooding and higher insurance costs.
How to get on and off the island, plus essential services
There are only two ways to get on and off Block Island: by ferry or by air. Travel can shift with the weather, but for many residents, that’s just part of the island’s charm. “I find it to be very romantic. So every time I get on the ferry, I look out and watch the island get smaller,” Tobin says. Here’s what to know about getting around and accessing essential services on the island:
- The Block Island Ferry: year-round service and seasonal high-speed ferries
- Block Island State Airport: daily, year-round flights to Westerly, Rhode Island
- Block Island Health Center: on-island primary and emergency care
- Block Island School: serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade
While you can bring your car over on the ferry, you don’t need it day-to-day. “The island’s only 3 (miles at its widest point) by 7 (miles long), so you can walk around the whole thing in one day,” Tobin says. “People walk, people bike, people bring their cars.”
Local shopping and dining: from seasonal to year-round favorites
Most shops and restaurants are in Old Harbor, right where the ferry lands. Clothing boutiques and gift shops are largely seasonal, but Block Island Grocery is open year-round for the essentials. Locals and visitors gather at Persephone’s Kitchen for breakfast, The Beachead for New England classics and Poor People’s Pub for drinks. Over in New Harbor, Dead Eye Dick’s and The Oar are popular waterfront spots. Many restaurants operate seasonally, and those that stay open year-round typically keep limited winter hours, while summer brings higher prices and heavier crowds.
Things to do on Block Island: where nature shapes daily life
Many people are drawn to Block Island for its undeveloped, natural beauty. “We’re very attached to nature. We all watch the sunset, and we’re all out there when it’s a full moon. So are the kids,” Tobin says. Nearly half the island is protected from development and maintained by the Block Island Conservancy, so you can easily explore beaches, hiking trails and more. “There’s Rodman’s Hollow, which is one of our first conservancy efforts. In the spring, there’s a shad bloom, and it looks like clouds have landed. It’s just beautiful,” Tobin says. You could spend weeks exploring the island’s outdoor attractions, but a few places tend to stand out:
- Mohegan Bluffs: picture-worthy cliffs and a secluded, rocky beach
- Clay Head Nature Trail, coastal hiking, dog walking and birdwatching
- Fred Benson Town Beach: swimming, sunbathing and summer crowds
- Great Salt Pond: calm water for kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing
- Mansion Beach: quieter shoreline with bigger waves for body surfing
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Written By
Sally Stimpson
