I think you nailed it, Lis! And the links at the end of each section expand your comments so well.
The only thing I could think to add is that if you have a pet you’ll need a vet - and there are hardly any left, and none are taking new patients. Getting your sick pet to Falmouth (see the ferry part) is really not fun.
I consider myself extremely lucky to not have to deal with the “island shuffle” (commuting) or the “summer shuffle” when regular residents (teachers, etc) have to move out for the summer so the landlord can make more $.
Everyone’s entitled to make a profit on their investments, of course. But HOUSING is a huge problem that affects everyone on the island all year round. It’s a really difficult situation.
Pet care is definitely a runner-up issue I could have included here. I touched on it more in my “controversy” article. There is still a long way to go on that front, and the same goes for childcare. Here’s to progress on all fronts!
Superb! I would add that some aids exist to make dealing with Steamship ticketing easier (I’ve never not been able to get a ticket, especially for medical appts off-island, but it involves some tricks & hoop-jumping.) And of course there’s the joy of living in a very low-crime area with fabulous libraries, trails, and the like. But, yeah, there are some expensive challenges. Superb post, Lis—thank you!!
I love your optimism, there are definitely loads of redeeming qualities that could an inspire “my top 10 favorite parts of living on MV” as another post!!
Another issue is flights (cost, especially off-season) and cancellations for fog. On the plus side re beaches, gates to many private beach are open in the off-season.
Good point! We all dream of more cost-effective direct flight options. It takes a full day to get anywhere in the winter. A runner up should have been: “the off season has its perks too!”
another excellent post! It's hard to talk about this stuff, but it's the honest truth - and a great service to point out to your readers who may be considering traveling here or taking a job here!
I think you nailed it, Lis! And the links at the end of each section expand your comments so well.
The only thing I could think to add is that if you have a pet you’ll need a vet - and there are hardly any left, and none are taking new patients. Getting your sick pet to Falmouth (see the ferry part) is really not fun.
I consider myself extremely lucky to not have to deal with the “island shuffle” (commuting) or the “summer shuffle” when regular residents (teachers, etc) have to move out for the summer so the landlord can make more $.
Everyone’s entitled to make a profit on their investments, of course. But HOUSING is a huge problem that affects everyone on the island all year round. It’s a really difficult situation.
Pet care is definitely a runner-up issue I could have included here. I touched on it more in my “controversy” article. There is still a long way to go on that front, and the same goes for childcare. Here’s to progress on all fronts!
Yes! Finding care for babies and pets is challenging
Superb! I would add that some aids exist to make dealing with Steamship ticketing easier (I’ve never not been able to get a ticket, especially for medical appts off-island, but it involves some tricks & hoop-jumping.) And of course there’s the joy of living in a very low-crime area with fabulous libraries, trails, and the like. But, yeah, there are some expensive challenges. Superb post, Lis—thank you!!
I love your optimism, there are definitely loads of redeeming qualities that could an inspire “my top 10 favorite parts of living on MV” as another post!!
Another issue is flights (cost, especially off-season) and cancellations for fog. On the plus side re beaches, gates to many private beach are open in the off-season.
Good point! We all dream of more cost-effective direct flight options. It takes a full day to get anywhere in the winter. A runner up should have been: “the off season has its perks too!”
another excellent post! It's hard to talk about this stuff, but it's the honest truth - and a great service to point out to your readers who may be considering traveling here or taking a job here!
Great piece. Keeping it real.