$719,555Average Value$660Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
West Island offers a secluded lifestyle on Buzzards Bay
One might say that West Island feels a bit like Fantasy Island: over half of the 535-acre territory is devoted to state park land. Long nature walks, secluded beaches with sparkling clear waters, chances to observe a variety of birds – it’s all part of the lifestyle here. Residents even banded together in the 1980s with a Save West Island campaign, keeping development off the waterfront. This is a tight-knit community on Buzzards Bay, with a penchant for preservation.
Most homes are modest, beach-inspired and move-in ready
All residential streets are on the west side of the island, placed on long streets with rustic names like Balsam Street, Dogwood Street and Cottonwood Street. Modest midcentury home styles really lean into the beachy vibes of West Island, giving a sense of ease and calm. Cottages are in the low $500,000s with period details intact, allowing homebuyers to customize the look. For something more move-in ready, look for renovated ranches in the mid $600,000s. Not only will these have modern updates like quartz countertops and gleaming hardwood floors, but they may also offer spacious yards with lots over a quarter acre.
Fairhaven schools offer strong academics and unique programs
Residents have access to Fairhaven’s highly praised public schools. Leroy Wood Elementary enrolls over 450 students in grades K-5, and maintains a 13-to-one student-teacher ratio, helping it to earn an A-minus grade from Niche in the teachers category. Elizabeth Hastings Middle sits near a cluster of commercial amenities, making it part of a convenient loop for residents who want to drop off children and run errands. It enrolls a similar number of students as Leroy Wood Elementary, and has a variety of clubs for students to join, from the eco-conscious Green Team to the tech-savvy Genius Squad. Fairhaven High is a well-recognized local landmark. With Gothic brick and limestone features, including gargoyles, the school is sometimes referred to as "The Castle on the Hill.” In 2017, Architectural Digest Magazine voted it the most beautiful high school in Massachusetts.
West Island beach and trails offer year-round outdoor fun
There are plenty of outdoor amenities, but locals put West Island Town Beach as a top choice. Summer brings out the swimmers and snorkelers, and year-round people stroll the sandy stretches and fish. “Fairhaven started out as a fishing community, and you can see that culture is still very strong today,” says Ellie Wickes, a Realtor with Sotheby’s. The beach is connected to the West Island State Reservation, which contains two miles of trails winding through 300 acres of preserved land. With a mix of coastal forests and wetlands, visitors are bound to encounter birds, turtles and deer.
Marina dining and beach access highlight West Island recreation
Kayakers and canoers paddle up to the West Island Marina, where they’ll find Off the Hook Bar & Grill – the popular eatery plans to serve up tacos and smash burgers again when it reopens in May 2024. For groceries, it’s a short drive inland to Fairhaven, where Interstate 95 and Route 6 intersect. With large stores like Walmart and Stop & Shop, residents have access to all the groceries needed for home-cooking.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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West Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Island, Fairhaven sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in West Island, Fairhaven over the last 12 months is $625,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your own piece of paradise on West Island in Fairhaven! This mostly-furnished 2-3BR cottage is the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and the ideal place to call your own—whether you're seeking a tranquil part-time getaway, a second home or investment property for summer rental potential. Located close to several island beaches—just a block to the
Escape to coastal living in this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage, perfectly positioned just a short stroll from the beach. Enjoy stunning ocean views and breathtaking sunsets right from your front deck, living room window and kitchen while preparing meals. This cozy retreat combines classic charm with thoughtful features, offering a bright, airy interior and an open-concept
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
