To Beach, or not To Beach…. Is that really a question?
Well, for starters, it’s been a mild winter. I believe only one other year on record holds a lower snow total for the Philadelphia region than this year. But, let’s be honest… it’s been a long February – in fact, it’s been the longest February in the last 4 years. It’s dark, windy, and cold. Heck, I would appreciate some snow just to break up the monotony of this dismal and dreary time of year.
So, imagine if you will… the coconutty scent of Coppertone being slathered across your body, waves breaking in the distance, and a cooling salt air breeze drying the sweat off your brow. Can you hear the “PSSSHHH” of a cap popping off of a cold Coro… errr… make that a Bud Light Lime (trying to keep this positive)… your toes in the sand, maybe a book… maybe a nap…. That’s right, there we are, welcome back to the Jersey Shore!
You’ve been thinking about it long enough. You’ve been packing up for weekend runs to “The Shore” for over a decade now. Every mile you get closer the fog lifts, slightly, on those college days of unruly escapades in Sea Isle at La Costa… or the Ocean Drive. Maybe you’ve grown a bit, and become more sophisticated and you like the artsy feel of Cape May, along with the Victorian Architecture, horse carriage rides, and haunted mansion tours. Maybe you’re all about the boardwalk insanity that we call The Wildwoods? No matter what your flavor for the beach, it’s that time where we’re easily drifting into a daydream thinking about all it has offered us in the past, and the new adventures ahead.
Speaking of new adventures – have you ever thought about how much money you spend on a trip to the beach? And, multiply that by the number of years you’ve been taking your family down…. Maybe now is the time for your own beach property?
Beach properties vary about as much as the different shades of sunburn you’ll see on Saturday night after your check in for the week. You can find something cozy for a couple – or something massive for your extended family. Maybe you want to rent it out, run a Bed & Breakfast, or just keep it as your exclusive getaway.
South Jersey has something for everyone. Here’s my take on the shore towns of Southern New Jersey.
Ocean City has always been the marquis go-to for family vacations. I remember it as a dry town – Circle Liquors was the first stop on the way in. It offers a nice boardwalk for strolling the coast. There’s no shortage on family activities. What it does lack for me is adult nightlife. It’s very possible that has changed. I know there are some areas close by – such as Somer’s Point – that offer those indulgences. You can also get surfing lessons from Matt Ellison in the summer – or go catch his Reggae band on a deck somewhere.
Next stop down for me is Sea Isle City. I have some very vague college memories from this place. It holds the distinguished title of the only place I ever received an open container ticket. But, it was always a great time. Sea Isle City hosts many families, college kids, etc. It’s a melting pot of sorts. Sea Isle is long and thin – so, most everything is walkable to the beach. It’s also a quick Uber ride to Ocean City if you need the boardwalk experience, but don’t want the boardwalk life.
After Sea Isle, prices increase dramatically for Stone Harbor and Avalon. While this is a popular resort area for many, it’s actually a little too slow paced for me. Stone Harbor and Avalon are best suited for those that want to eat in most nights. This is for the hard core sunrise-to-sunset beach goer. Many of the homes are newer down here. Probably, in my opinion, the smallest “bang for your buck.” However, it’s also one of the more “liquid” locations at the beach – by that, I mean these two communities almost always sell.
Next stop, The Wildwoods. The name itself provides a lot of insight to the area – but, The Wildwoods has undergone a transformation in recent years. North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest flank downtown Wildwood. These two locations offer your traditional Shore experience. Like Sea Isle, they’re close enough to the boardwalk, without being on the boardwalk. Consider these two locations “Suburban Wildwood.” Downtown Wildwood brings everything you imagine into play. The smell of kettle corn, ferris wheel turning, arcades, mini golf, pizza and boardwalk fries… all within a stones throw of where you are. Wildwood is one of the most affordable beach locations – with 2-3 bedroom condominiums going for the low $200’s. These are very rentable and can be a great place for an investment property.
Lastly, what I consider the crown jewel of the Jersey Shore. Exit 0. Cape May. Cape May is the southernmost tip of New Jersey. A town that is as colorful as any location you’ve seen. Among the 150+ year old Victorian architecture, you’ll see landsaped lawns, vibrant flower beds, and a rarity for beach towns – Trees! In fact, Cape May has something called “The Shade Commission.” You’re not permitted to trim or remove a tree without permission. Sounds ridiculous at first, but, go for a run down some of the nice tree-lined streets and enjoy the shade in the middle of August, and you’ll be singing their praises.
Cape May’s beaches frequently show up on the “Top 10 Best US Beaches” lists – many times bringing home the top spot. The sand is manicured – and by manicured, I mean, you’ll see and hear the large machines combing the beach – essentially sifting the sand – on a regular basis.
Something you didn’t know about Cape May – it’s one of the best places for fireworks. You can enjoy the local fireworks – along with the fireworks down in Lewes, Delaware and Rehobeth. Sometimes, on a crystal clear night – you may catch Ocean City, MD displays as well.
Buying a beach house now offers immediate gratification – MAYBE. You should be aware of any current leases on the property, as they will transfer with ownership. But, if not rented, you’ll be toes in the sand by Memorial Day. You may have to pay for it as well. The better buy is in mid-late fall. If the seller wants to unload the property, they don’t want to carry it over the winter….
Check out these beach properties I’ve sold (either buyer or seller side) in the past year….
