The beautiful island off the coast of Maine recruits new residents to increase its population of 92 people with homes offered below market rate.

A stunning Maine island with a population of just 90 attracts new residents to live there.

Isle au Haut is encouraging people to permanently settle on this remote 13-square-mile island that is only accessible by boat.

But for anyone looking to escape the rat race, the idyllic community could be the perfect place.

And with adorable log homes offered at below-market prices, there are bargains to be had.

“Many people daydream about moving to a remote island town like ours – for those readers who can answer ‘yes’ to the question above, that dream could become a reality,” the community states on its website.

“To maintain a vibrant year-round community, we welcome new residents year-round.”

Especially sought after are families with children who could attend the local school, as well as commercial fishermen.

‘Although it is not to everyone’s liking, it is ours. And who knows, it may be yours too,” says the Isle au Haut Community Development Corporation.

The median price of a typical home on Isle au Haut’s most affordable street is around $300,000, according to Realtor.

By comparison, an average home elsewhere in Maine sold for an average of $391,000 in April.

However, life on the island is not without its challenges, including having to take a ferry to the nearest medical center or hardware store.

While a U.S. census put the population at 92 people in 2020, locals say there are only 30 to 40 full-time residents.

In the summer months, this number rises to 300 as tourists flock to take advantage of the rugged natural beauty and cycling trails.

But Molly Siegel, an IDC volunteer, told Boston Globe that living a winter with its beach bonfires and book clubs is what really makes you an islander.

“When you come out on the other side of your first winter, you remember the time you spent with people,” he said.

‘Those are those essential, fundamental experiences that make you part of the community.

For full-time islanders, there is a post office staffed by a postmistress who works four hours a day, a church, a town hall, an island store, and several artisan businesses.

The local school offers grades K-8, and students have to travel to Deer Isle to go to the nearest high school.

However, high school students continue to receive support from the community.

“Whether a graduating student goes to a nearby public high school or a private boarding school, the city contributes to tuition costs,” the website states.

Dakota Waters is a newcomer to Isle au Haut and has lived on the island since April.

“Starting Friday I’m going to start working on a lobster boat,” Waters, who moved from Northborough, told the Boston Globe. “I’ve never fished for lobster, nor been on a boat a single day in my life.”

Once he posted about the news of his family’s relocation, the water flooded in with help from other islanders.

This included locals showing up at the ferry port with a truck to help him move in, as well as take his son to school for the first two weeks.

“You’re going to go for a walk in the woods, see if you can get some sea glass and some sea shells on the beach,” Waters said. “It’s everything a kid would see as a wonderland when he grew up.”

Isle au Haut is not for those who need to go out to eat every day or see the latest movie, Siegel says.

But there’s plenty to keep locals busy, and many dedicate their time to helping the community by joining the local fire brigade or taking on leadership roles.

More recently, a recruitment drive filled affordable housing options on the island, but there are still homes available, including an 800-square-foot one-bedroom property for $249,000.

“Island life requires a certain degree of self-sufficiency, creativity and practicality,” the IDC said.

“While life here is not always considered easy, it is certainly considered unique.”