Thinking about an Edgartown home but torn between Katama and Chappaquiddick? You are not alone. Both settings deliver classic Vineyard coastal living, yet the day‑to‑day experience feels very different. In this guide, you will learn how each area stacks up for beach access, ferry and transport, biking, privacy, and proximity to town, plus the key due diligence steps to take before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Quick take: two great choices
- Katama: Village‑adjacent beach living with quicker trips to Edgartown’s restaurants, galleries, and harbor.
- Chappaquiddick: Secluded, nature‑forward island vibe with conservation lands and remote beaches.
- Both: Stunning shoreline, potential flood considerations, and a seasonal rhythm that shapes daily life.
Location and vibe
Katama at a glance
Katama sits on the southwestern edge of Edgartown, wrapping Katama Bay and South Beach. You will find a mix of seasonal cottages, year‑round homes, and newer seaside builds. The feel is relaxed and beach‑centric with easier access to town conveniences.
Most homes are a short bike ride or quick drive, often under 10 minutes, to Edgartown’s center. Exact times vary by street, so check mapping for each address.
Chappaquiddick at a glance
Chappaquiddick, or “Chappy,” lies just across Edgartown Harbor. It is a small island with extensive open space, conservation land, and low‑density homes connected by narrow, sometimes unpaved roads. The lifestyle emphasizes solitude, dunes, wildlife, and big‑sky beach walks.
While the harbor crossing is short, the ferry and on‑island driving add steps to any trip for groceries, guests, or dinners in town. In rough weather or off‑season, the separation can feel significant.
Access and transport
Getting to town
Katama is road‑connected to the rest of Martha’s Vineyard, so movement is straightforward. Chappaquiddick relies on the Edgartown–Chappaquiddick ferry, which is managed by the town. Schedules, vehicle capacity, and fares can change by season or be affected by weather. For current details, contact the Town of Edgartown or the Edgartown Harbor Master.
If you are considering Chappy, confirm whether a property assumes passenger‑only ferry use or allows vehicle transport. The distinction matters for deliveries, contractors, and emergency access.
Driving and parking
In Katama, paved roads and short distances to Edgartown make summer errands easier, though beach traffic and parking rules at South Beach are common. On Chappy, allow time for the ferry and slower internal roads. Some beach areas, including Wasque, may require 4WD or have access restrictions. Check current guidance with The Trustees and town pages.
Biking and walking
Katama is highly bikeable. The Edgartown–Katama corridor and flats around the bay offer smooth routes for casual riders. The ride into town is direct and appealing for morning coffee or quick errands.
Chappaquiddick biking is more rustic. Expect dirt roads and longer stretches between trailheads and beach access points. It is ideal if you enjoy quiet rides in nature rather than quick trips to Main Street.
Beaches and open space
Katama beaches
South Beach, also called Katama Beach, is a long Atlantic strand known for swimming, sunbathing, and seasonal lifeguards. Katama Bay offers calmer water for paddling and kiteboarding in the right wind. The combination of surf and sheltered bay activities keeps days flexible without long drives.
Chappy conservation shores
Chappy’s signature beauty is its conservation landscape. Wasque and the Cape Poge area offer broad, undeveloped beaches, rolling dunes, birdlife, and seal watching. These properties are cared for by The Trustees of Reservations, along with state and federal partners in places. You will find fewer amenities and more peaceful shoreline.
Seasonality on the island
From late June through September, the Vineyard runs at full speed. Expect peak traffic, busy beaches, and crowds on the Chappy ferry. In the shoulder and off‑season, services scale back. Chappy ferry operations, beach facilities, and some town businesses can shift hours or reduce capacity. For townwide updates, start with the Town of Edgartown and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
Property and permitting
Zoning and conservation
Edgartown’s zoning districts set setbacks, lot coverage, and design considerations for both Katama and Chappaquiddick. Chappy parcels near dunes and wetlands can carry additional limits due to conservation overlays. Engage the building and planning departments early and review regional guidelines with the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. Town resources are centralized on the Town of Edgartown website.
Flood risk and insurance
Shoreline parcels in both areas often fall within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. AE and VE zones are common along exposed beaches, and risk varies block by block with elevation and base flood elevation. Review the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and consult local floodplain maps. For coastal science and planning context, explore the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management and MassGIS.
Properties in mapped flood zones typically require NFIP flood insurance and may need elevation certificates. Coastal erosion and sea‑level rise trends can influence premiums and mitigation strategies, so obtain quotes before you make an offer.
Septic, water, and utilities
Much of the island relies on on‑site septic systems under Massachusetts Title V. Some Katama locations connect to town water or sewer, but availability varies by street. Chappaquiddick homes are more likely to use private wells and septic.
Confirm service with the Town of Edgartown DPW, and review electric capacity with the Martha’s Vineyard Electric Cooperative. Broadband and cell coverage can vary, especially on Chappy, so confirm your options before committing.
Costs and transfer
Edgartown’s property tax rate applies to both Katama and Chappaquiddick, but assessed values vary widely by location and amenities. For transfer matters, review current programs and fees with the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank and town offices. The assessor and permitting contacts are listed through the Town of Edgartown.
Which setting fits your lifestyle
Choose Katama if you want a breezy beach life that stays connected to town. You will reach the harbor, dining, and galleries with minimal planning. Morning bike rides, afternoon surf, and quick dinner reservations come together easily.
Choose Chappaquiddick if you value privacy, nature, and quiet above all else. You will trade convenience for solitude and expansive shoreline. The ferry adds logistics, but the reward is a slower rhythm and a front‑row seat to conservation landscapes.
Buyer checklist
Use this list to focus your due diligence on either side of Edgartown:
- Confirm exact flood zone and base flood elevation using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and local floodplain maps.
- Verify zoning district, setbacks, and any design review with the Town of Edgartown and regional context at the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
- Identify utility status: sewer or septic, town water or well, electric capacity, and internet options; confirm with town DPW and Martha’s Vineyard Electric Cooperative.
- For Chappaquiddick: check current ferry schedule, capacity, vehicle permissions, and harbor parking rules via the Edgartown Harbor Master.
- Ask about access and operations during storms and in winter.
- Obtain homeowner’s, flood, and wind insurance quotes before you submit an offer.
- Review title for beach access rights, easements, and any conservation restrictions; consult the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank for nearby preserved parcels.
- Confirm contractor availability and costs for remodels or storm‑hardening, especially for remote sites.
Next steps
Both Katama and Chappaquiddick offer extraordinary Edgartown living. The best choice depends on how you want to move through a Vineyard day and how much planning you prefer around the ferry, roads, and utilities. If you value clear guidance and design‑minded strategy, our boutique team can help you weigh tradeoffs, vet parcels, and map a smart path from offer to stewardship.
Ready to explore properties on either shore? Connect with Studio Realty LLC to discuss your goals and the right Edgartown fit.
FAQs
Which area is closer to Edgartown dining and harbor?
- Katama. It is road‑connected and typically a short bike or drive, often under 10 minutes depending on the street.
How reliable is the Chappaquiddick ferry year‑round?
- Service is seasonal in cadence and weather‑dependent; confirm current operations with the Edgartown Harbor Master before you rely on it for vehicles or late‑day trips.
Where can I research flood zones for a specific parcel?
- Start with the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and the Town of Edgartown’s floodplain resources, then obtain an elevation certificate for insurance.
Are Chappaquiddick beaches staffed like South Beach?
- Chappy’s Wasque and Cape Poge areas are conservation shores with fewer amenities; see The Trustees of Reservations for current access and rules.
Will I have town water and sewer in Katama?
- Some streets do, others do not. Confirm service with the Town of Edgartown DPW, and plan for septic where sewer is not available.
Who oversees zoning and larger planning reviews on the island?
- Local permits run through the Town of Edgartown, and regional planning context is provided by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
