Living the Dream: A 23-Year-Old's Life on Martha's Vineyard

In the idyllic setting of Martha's Vineyard, where summer romances and beach bonfires are as common as the changing tides, Tyla Packish, a 23-year-old, has carved out a life that many would envy. Packish, who grew up on the island and now works remotely in advertising and social media, earns $85,000 a year. Her life, however, is a study in contrasts, oscillating between the vibrant summer season and the quiet, often desolate winter months.



The island, a vacation paradise for many, is home to about 20,600 year-round residents. During the summer, this number swells to over 94,000, transforming the tranquil island into a bustling hub of activity. Packish, who has lived on the island all her life, describes it as "living in this movie life." Yet, the reality is far more complex. The cost of living on Martha's Vineyard is significantly higher than on the mainland, with basic goods and services commanding a premium. Gas, for instance, is regularly $2 to $3 more per gallon, a stark reminder of the island's isolation.

Packish's financial decisions are deeply influenced by these seasonal fluctuations and the higher cost of living. She spends $153 on transportation, which includes gas, rideshares, and ferry tickets. Her recent trip to the eye doctor was a five-hour ordeal involving a ferry trip, rideshares, and a lot of waiting around, highlighting the inconvenience and cost associated with accessing certain services. Despite these challenges, Packish has adapted her lifestyle to include living rent-free in a one-bedroom apartment owned by her father during the offseason. This allows her to focus on super-charging her retirement savings, contributing $1,583 toward a Roth 401(k) and a Roth IRA in February 2025 alone.

Packish's strategies to manage her finances effectively are a testament to her resilience and adaptability. She has a side hustle doing social media management and consulting for businesses on the island, bringing in about $18,000 last year. This additional income helps her manage the higher cost of living on the island. She also plans her trips off the island carefully, considering the ferry schedule and the time it takes to get to the airport. This careful planning helps her minimize transportation costs, which can be significant given the island's remote location.

The island's economy, heavily reliant on tourism, experiences significant seasonal fluctuations. Many shops and restaurants close up after the season, and basic goods tend to cost more. Packish's lifestyle choices reflect this reality. She spends time with friends and family, all of whom she's known since childhood, and enjoys the island's natural beauty. Yet, she is also acutely aware of the challenges of living on Martha's Vineyard year-round.

Packish's story is a microcosm of the broader economic and social dynamics at play on Martha's Vineyard. The island's high cost of living and seasonal fluctuations present unique challenges, but they also offer opportunities for those willing to adapt. Packish's ability to navigate these challenges and make the most of her circumstances is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Her story serves as a reminder that living the dream often requires a willingness to adapt and make sacrifices.