Nantucket, Vineyard, or Truro? (Provincetown, Wellfleet: rentals, house, buying)

[sheilaterranova]

Hi,
I am a fifty something empty nester. Years ago I left "the Hamptons" because they became overrun with glitz and materialisim, almost just like Manhatten. I am not complaining as much as I am just about shot age wise, tired, and looking for something peaceful but still beautiful. I miss the house on the lake. I miss biking to a warm beach. Now I am in Maine, which is gorgeous, but a little too cold, too critical. Looking for a gentle town of fellow artists, more brains than cash is fine. My idea of heaven is lavender and roses, basil, swimming in the lake, lilacs, biking to the beach, gentle people to have conversations with from time to time. Sort of my image of the south of France, though I've never been there. Thank you for your help. I have zeroed in on Wellfleet (on a pond) Truro, Vineyard or Nantucket. Maybe I should look at Shelter Island? The pond would be for swimming, so no milfoil. Trees are important rather than just dunes. Spend too long in the desert out west to be treeless. Thank you!!!!

[RichCapeCod]

I live in Wellfleet. You’d be well advised to spend some time in any of the places you’re interested in before committing, particularly during the “off season.” Living on the islands requires a certain kind of mindset, so I’d urge you to first consider the outer Cape. Wellfleet, Truro and even Provincetown are unique places. The summers do get crazy with lots of people, which is a down side. Shoulder seasons are great. I think there are a fair number of rentals available in the off season at reasonable rates and that’s how I’d approach this matter.

Best of luck,

Rich

[thenewtexan]

Lots of cash and brains is the theme on the C & I. As the previous poster suggested, I would spend some time in the off season before buying anything. Truro is beautiful year round and known for its affluent writers, as is Wellfleet. Something about the environment there, particularly in the off season, brings out the creativity in people. The Islands are beautiful, too, but once you're there, you're there. You're at mercy to a ferry schedule if you want to leave the island. At least in the outer Cape, although somewhat isolated, you can get i n your car and go wherever. Personally, if I had the $$$, I'd go with Truro. Even in the summers, it's still so peaceful there.

[cwaggy]

Wellfleet and Truro - just spend some extended time there before you actually commit to it permanently. This is the best time of year there.

Enjoy!

[brightdoglover]

A matter of money, without question. I cannot think of any of the places mentioned that have more brains than cash. In fact, a lot of places draw rich brains! The Vineyard, I think, has a lively writing/art scene, but it's hardly low-income artists.
I concur with the idea that the OP should actually see these places (and look at prices, unless very rich) and see the off season.
The only major thing I can see is that Truro/Wellfleet are on the mainland (although a lousy drive up the road) but the islands are only accessible by ferry (or tiny airplanes).
No lilacs in the off seasons, that's for sure.

[sheilaterranova]

Thank you, everyone, very much for your kind responses. The internet can be amazing. I actually went for last weekend and am now madly in love. (With gull pond and coast guard beach.) I liked Provincetown because it seemed very gentle and artistic.....everyone seems to get along. If anyone would ever like to sell a house on Gull pond in Wellfleet....?

Gratefully, Sheila

[sheilaterranova]

ps

I notice no one said Nantucket would fit the bill?

[Beachcomber4]

Nantucket has been Hamptonized by the summer folk.