Tax Rates by Town
When comparing Martha's Vineyard towns, tax rates vary widely. Lower tax rate towns often have higher property values, while higher tax rate towns may offer more year-round infrastructure, ferry access, and services.
| Town | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
Aquinnah | $6.87 |
Chilmark | $2.28 |
Edgartown | $2.48 |
Oak Bluffs | $4.99 |
Vineyard Haven | $7.42 |
West Tisbury | $5.21 |
What This Means For Buyers
- Lowest tax rates: Chilmark, Edgartown
- Highest tax rates: Vineyard Haven, Aquinnah
- Year-round living: Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs
- Rural/privacy focus: Chilmark, Aquinnah
- Balanced: West Tisbury
Getting to Your Vineyard Property
Most homeowners, renters, and contractors rely on the Steamship Authority ferry between Woods Hole and Vineyard Haven, with seasonal routes to Oak Bluffs.
Car reservations, freight transport, and summer scheduling can influence how often you use your property and how easily projects get done.
View the current Steamship Authority ferry schedule
During peak summer months, vehicle reservations often book weeks in advance, and rates are higher than in the off-season. Buyers who expect frequent travel to and from the mainland may want to factor in ferry timing into their town search.
Planning Beyond Taxes
When evaluating Martha's Vineyard real estate, buyers typically consider:
- Ferry access and travel frequency
- Contractor and delivery logistics
- Rental income potential
- Year-round vs. seasonal use
- Distance from ferry ports
- Town services and infrastructure
A lower tax rate town may have higher purchase price, while a higher tax rate town may offer easier year-round access.
