The Climate

The climate is subtropical in nature, with temperatures stabilized by the vast amounts of the surrounding water. Fall and spring are delightful, with warm days and pleasantly cool nights. Summers are quite warm, but comfortable due to constant ocean breezes. Winters are pleasant, with temperatures typically in the 70s during the day, and upper 60s at night. A light sweater or jacket is the extent of needed winter wear. For a graph of air and water temperatures by time of year.

 

The Residents

Many local residents are descendants of British Loyalists that left the southern US in Revolutionary War times, hence they are fiercely independent (even of their own government), and their accents still retain vestiges of their British ancestry. More recent residents were attracted by the lifestyle and natural beauty of the island. In general, local residents are sincere, unobtrusively friendly, and appreciative of visitors. They do not exhibit the surly attitude toward visitors typical in the more populous, resort-oriented areas.

 

Local Economy

The focus of the local economy is catering to second homeowners and visitors renting those homes. There are no big businesses or factories, no cruise ships, and no mega-resorts. With over 200 rental homes and a few small island "hotels", virtually every resident is involved, one way or another, in assuring that visitors have an enjoyable time while on the island.

 

Safety

Hope Town is one of the safest places in the Bahamas, and the local residents work hard to keep it that way. Crime is nearly non-existent. One can walk safely anywhere on the island at any time.

 

Medical Care

Hope Town has a small medical clinic and a Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for minor emergencies, with more involved care available in Marsh Harbour, about a 30-minute boat ride away. With numerous commercial flights and air charters available in Marsh Harbour, serious medical conditions are usually treated in Florida.