Pros and Cons of Living in Block Island

Block Island's core trade-off pairs a genuinely distinctive island lifestyle and low property tax rate against a real, dramatically expensive housing market and structural access limitations.

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Pro: a genuinely distinctive island community

Block Island's real, defining natural landmarks (Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, Mohegan Bluffs) and genuine year-round island lifestyle offer an experience unlike any mainland Rhode Island town.

Pro: New Shoreham's real, lowest-in-Rhode-Island property tax rate

New Shoreham's 2026 rate ($4.26 per $1,000, approximately 0.426%) is cited as the lowest of any Rhode Island municipality -- a real, disclosed advantage.

Con: a real, dramatically expensive housing market

Block Island's $2,445,000 median sale price runs far above even Rhode Island's own elevated statewide figures -- a real, disclosed barrier to entry this record does not soften.

Con: real, structural ferry- or small-aircraft-only access

No mainland road connection exists, and the island's real, dramatic seasonal population swing (up to 14,000-20,000 daily summer presence) materially reshapes daily life for part of the year.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-28. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.