If you're looking for an island retreat, you could be in luck. Several homes are for sale on Nova Scotia's Tancook Island, which residents hope will bring new families to the area.

Tancook Island is a small community that lies off the coast of Nova Scotia. It's only a one-hour ferry ride away, and it boasts a strong connection to the sea.

People come and go every year on the island, but this year there are more houses for sale than ever. In many areas, that would be a cause for concern, but not on Tancook Island.

"It seems to go that way," says area resident Scott Webber. "Sometimes there's nothing for sale and then it peaks, and then there's a lot for sale. I can't explain it; it just happens that way sometimes. I'm sure other communities are the same."

More than a dozen houses are on the market in the area, ranging in price from $55,000 to $300,000. Locals say there is no common thread among the sellers; some are seasonal while others have died, and another is moving just down the lane.

"I see it as more of an opportunity for people to have selection, and that hasn't been around in the past," says area resident Angela Connolly.

In the summer, the population swells to more than 200, but only 110 people live on Tancook Island year-round. Residents say they hope more families will put roots down on the island, now that many homes are for sale.

Hillary Dionne has been calling Tancook Island home for 33 years. She spent a brief stint in Halifax then returned home to the island to raise her children. Dionne says the pristine environment and one-room schoolhouse make it ideal for families.

"When you have children, you think about where's the best place to raise your children, and on Tancook, there's really not a lot to worry about," says Dionne.

This is also why residents aren't fazed by the rise in real estate. They say the island is a perfect fit for buyers looking for a natural setting.

"It's quiet, peaceful, fun," says Webber. "There's never a dull moment. It's always interesting."

However, they admit the area wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea.

"If you're a city person and you don't like silence, and nature spooks you, you might only want to come for a visit," laughs Connolly.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Jill Matthews