Greenport is an interesting place to break down statistically. A seasonal village which thrives on tourism in the summer months, this vacation spot is still plagued with its financial troubles for local residents.

As of 2010, there are 2197 residents in the town, split nearly equally between men and women (50.2% to 49.8%, respectively). Population is heavily dominated with nearly 2/3 of residents (66.45%) being white. African Americans still hold a large part of the community, albeit their statistical representation of the population only bearing 10.4%. A trip here, and that 10% would confuse a first-time visitor because the village at times seems nearly split between white and black population. This is because a large majority of the black community resides in the heart of Greenport village, closer to places of work and in affordable rental housings. Other races–including Hispanics, Latinos, and people of mixed backgrounds–make up the rest of the population, although it is of interest to note that less than 1% of the population is Asian American. Given such large numbers of Asian immigration throughout the rest of New York City and State, and an increasing amount of Asian American tourists in the village, it will be curious to see if this number will dramatically rise over the next decade.

The most important number to note when scanning the facts of Greenport is its median household value. As of 2010, this number sits at a whopping $442,374, making market penetration for medium-income families increasingly difficult. In correspondence, median household income is at a comfortable $57,717 ,despite a 10% unemployment rate. The median household value rate is of particular interest to me because I have been tailing along with my mother (who sells real estate and has an undying passion for the village) over the past decade and I have witnessed the vast fluctuation of real estate prices. From the year 2000 to present day, the median home value has increased by nearly 200%, from $156,400 to the $442,374 that it is today. Due to the increase of tourism, many new houses of astronomical worth are being constructed, but largely this shift resemble the increase of an already established market. Homeowners of ten or twenty years are reaping the benefits as their houses double and triple in worth, while renters are suffering to afford the climbing rates. When looked at through the right eyes, these numbers can explain the shift that is bearing over Greenport. More and more wealth is moving in while the povertous are being pushed out due to a demanding, rapid increase in the village’s cost of living.

A town or city’s cost of living index is a complicated rate which is calculated by a large number of varying factors. As of this past March, Greenport’s index was 158. While not of immediate alarm when one is not familiar with the cost of living index, when Greenport’s 158 is paired next to the U.S. national average of 100, suddenly the picture is painted more clearly. This alarming cost of living is felt throughout a typical day, whether shopping in the local supermarket, filling a car with gasoline, or enjoying an evening out for dinner. Where many see this influx as troubling, others see it as opportunity.

The big moves taking place in this small village are overseen by Greenport’s mayor, David Nyce, and his five-member board team. Given Greenport’s respected status, Mayor Nyce has done an excellent job in enforcing the aesthetic maintenance of the village in order to cater to Manhattan elites and Hampton hoppers via the new direct ferry. A standard of safety, cleanliness, and natural beauty has been developed over the past few years and his intentions are only to continue improving in all aspects. Friendly policemen patrol the few bars and restaurants that thrive deep into the night, while increased receptacles and daily garbage pickup keep the streets clean for tomorrow. His creation and demand in preservation of the town’s glorified Mitchell Park has secured his positive image in the public eye, and if possible I am still hoping to secure an interview with him so that I can dissect the changes of this growing village from a higher, governmental level.