This view made me smile as I walked along the beach last evening.  It was a bright spot after a few days of rainy weather.

The sun has returned today- with a comfortable, dry breeze. 

On tap for this weekend: Avalon Yard Sale (owners throughout the town will be participating), flower (and hoagie) sales to benefit both the Avalon Fire Department and Stone Harbor Garden Club. More restaurants and shops opening for the season this weekend, too.  Hey, did I mention Kohler’s Bakery will be open Saturday and Sunday??  Taking extra long walks in anticipation of a cream donut

This beautiful home was completed in September 2010, and features numerous upgrades.

Upside down style and an open floor plan ideal for entertaining at the shore.  Inlet views from the front deck, and a heated salt water pool in the private back yard.

$1,450,000 mostly furnished.

Additional information and pictures available on our web site.  Please contact me with any questions ann@anndelaney.com   I appreciate your interest.

$539,900 furnished, and with instant rental income.

Pictures and additional information available on our web site for 55 32nd Street, Unit 1, Avalon NJ.

Please contact me with any questions ann@anndelaney.com   I appreciate the opportunity to help.

Disclaimer: observations are based on my life experiences as both a resident, and a real estate agent. 

While it may seem obvious to focus on the high cost of housing, the job market is also a real factor. 

Think about the people you know living on the island year round:  they are most likely local business owners, real estate agents…or retired.  The need for other professions is limited.

When I attended Avalon Elementary in the late 1960s/early 1970s, our family was considered small with just 4 children.  It was not unusual to see 6 or more siblings in the school.  And, one family even contributed 10 kids to the cause! 

Those “kids” left the area for higher education, and moved to a location best suited for their career.  In recent years,  families (who stayed or moved here) have fewer children to attend the elementary schools.

As Jen concluded in the article, the barrier island schools and governments have no choice but to face the changing demographic.  Shared services is a realistic solution…especially for communities occupying the same island of “sand”.

Expecting a busy weekend- Stone Harbor is hosting the Coastal Living/Boat Show along 96th Street Saturday and Sunday.  There will be food vendors and music, too.

AND, have you read about Saturday’s “super moon”?  The best viewing spot will be on the beach.  On Friday night, the moonrise is 6:29pm (if there are clouds on the horizon, it can be another 20 minutes to view over the ocean); and on Saturday, the moonrise is 7:45pm.

In Stone Harbor, the meters in the business district are operational as of today.  The hours are 10am to 9pm in town; and 10am to 5pm for the 95th Street lot by the beach.

In Avalon, the day time parking in the business district along Dune Drive is limited to 2 hours starting May 15th (there are signs posted).

Also, watch for the blinking traffic lights to change over to regular traffic signals…and “No turn on red” in effect at the 96th Street intersections.

During a closing yesterday, we were discussing the subtle differences between the 2 communities that share a 7 mile island.

The buyers vacationed in Avalon for many years before purchasing a condo in Stone Harbor.

In Avalon: it’s Dune Drive and Ocean Drive, Avalon Freeze, The Fishing Pier Grill, Paper Peddler, and Avalon Coffee.

In Stone Harbor: it’s Second Avenue and Third Avenue, Springer’s, Bud’s Market, Fred’s Tavern, and Coffee Talk.

Thankfully, both towns have a Hoy’s and Uncle Bill’s to call their own

Before we traveled to Hawaii, I had a vision of “Hawaii” as a whole-  not understanding that the individual islands are so different and offer unique environments.

The same can be said for the “Jersey shore”.  Cross each bridge connecting the barrier islands,  and notice the differences in architecture, commercial development, green scape, and overall vibe.   Our personal preferences determine our favorite beach community.

And like the islands of Hawaii, there is certainly something for everyone along the New Jersey coast.  Of course, I am partial to Avalon and Stone Harbor

This particular tree was planted 19 years ago in memory of my dad.  I like the way it leans toward the dunes and ocean-  a true island resident!

Please contact me for additional information ann@anndelaney.com

Thanks for your interest!