Living on Shelter Island year round: ferries and services

Shelter Island is a town, not a hamlet: one government, one school and a population of 3,355 by the Census, with 57% of homes seasonal and a median age of 50. It is reached by ferry from Greenport, about eight minutes, or from North Haven, about five. If you want to live on it, see Shelter Island rentals on Hamptons Key.

Renting here

The Census counts 73 renter households and publishes no median rent. The median home value is $1,104,300. Town Hall is at 34 N. Menantic Road, 631-749-1090. Ask the Town about rental registration for the property you are considering; the permits guide explains what to ask.

Schools

The Shelter Island Union Free School District runs one PreK to grade 12 school with 183 students for the whole town, with registration by appointment at 631-749-0302, extension 111. See the district page.

Healthcare and services

Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport describes itself as accessible by land, sea and air, with a heliport and an emergency dock; see healthcare. The Shelter Island Public Library gives Full Access cards at no cost to residents with proof of a local address and to renters with proof of lease, as well as their children aged three and over.

Trash uses Town bags. The Town’s Recycling & Transfer Station runs a hazardous-waste drop-off on the first Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Town’s code sets fines of $50 to $1,000 for violations; see the transfer station guide.

Heat, power and internet

Oil heats 78% of Shelter Island homes, the second-highest share on this site, and propane 11%; there is no utility gas in the Census sample, at 0%. For an island home, test the connection before you sign: internet on the East End. Work-from-home is 30% of workers.

Winter

The Bridgehampton normals are the closest long record: a January low of 23° and 8.6 inches of snow in February. Ferry schedules and winter travel belong to Hamptons Commute.

Elsewhere in the network

Where to eat, with winter hours: Shelter Island on Eat Hamptons.
Getting here and getting around: Shelter Island on Hamptons Commute.
Beach permits and parking rules: Shelter Island on Hamptons Beach Pass.

Questions people ask

How do you get to Shelter Island?

By ferry, from Greenport (about eight minutes) or from North Haven (about five), according to Wikipedia. For schedules see Hamptons Commute.

Can renters get a library card?

Yes. The Shelter Island Public Library says residents with proof of a local address and renters with proof of lease, and their children aged three and over, are eligible for Full Access cards at no cost.

When is hazardous-waste drop-off?

The first Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., unless otherwise advertised, at the Recycling & Transfer Station.