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 was my view yesterday morning. Perfect weather for the Easter sunrise service on 30th Street in Avalon.

And THIS was my view later in the day:  a baby seal hanging out on the beach in the south end of Stone Harbor.   He (or she) appeared healthy- just getting some sun and a nap! 

The police were on hand to keep onlookers at a safe distance.  The officer mentioned that this is the first seal he has seen all winter (it’s not unusual for seals to make a pit stop on our beach).

See related posts from my other “seal sightings”-

http://anndelaney.com/2011/03/19/last-weekend-of-winter/

http://anndelaney.com/2010/04/16/april-seal/

http://anndelaney.com/2010/02/03/its-a-beach-day/

The beaches along our seven mile island are in great shape for the fast approaching season.  In Stone Harbor (picture taken Tuesday after work- LOVE the late day shadows – 114th Street looking north ): newly planted dune grass and improved beach paths in many locations.   And, markers recently installed for the spaces leased for Hobie Cats south of 122nd Street.  Overall, good dune structure and wide beaches await.

In Avalon (picture taken yesterday- 21st Street looking south): beach fill project is complete; providing wide, groomed beaches in our northend.  The mid-island and southend beach are likewise in excellent condition.

If you need even more encouragment to come to the beach: yesterday I spotted at least 10 dolphins feeding near the 9th Street jetty in Avalon.  Always excited to see my kayaking buddies for the first time each year!

Definitely FEELS like spring: longer days and a chilly sea breeze!  When the weather report predicts 70 degrees, we know it’s likely to be at least 10 degrees cooler by the beach.

Speaking of the beach- Saturday is the 2nd annual Stone Harbor Shiver.  There will be a pre-plunge party on Friday night, and the crazy people will meet on the 96th Street beach at 12 noon on Saturday.  For more information: http://www.stoneharborbeach.com

This is also the weekend to spring clean the house and garage, and/or treasure hunt in Stone Harbor.  The first bulk trash pick up of the year is on Monday, March 12th.

In the past 30 days, a total of 19 properties sold and settled in Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ.

Condo/Townhouse Units:  9 sold, with a median selling price of $530,000.

Single Family Homes: 8 sold, with a median selling price of $1,625,000.

Commercial: 2 sold (the Avalon Anchorage Marina on 21st Street and the bay side building where Polly’s Place is located on 97th Street). A median selling price of $1,933,000.

In addition, there are 48 properties “Under Contract” with settlement scheduled to occur in the near future.  The median listing price for those sale pending is $844,500 (a mix of condos/townhomes and single family homes).

P.S. I revised the numbers after new postings on our MLS- 2 solds and 1 under contract! Current as of 5pm on 2/27/12.

If you are interested in a shore purchase, or selling your current island home, I appreciate the opportunity to help!   ann@anndelaney.com

I watched the crew yesterday: one man operated a  power tool to dig the holes, while others followed behind with stalks of grass. Very efficient system.

My own personal experience of planting dune grass is a bit different.  In the late 1960s,  a local man established a plan for regular dune grass plantings in Avalon.  Mr. Fenton Groff  lived near the beach in the south end, and understood the value of preserving the dunes.

The students at Avalon Elementary participated…with the lure of free hot dogs!  We worked for 3 or 4 hours on Saturday morning, and then returned to the school cafeteria (cold and very sandy) for lunch.  No fancy motorized tools way back then- we were armed with shovels and encouraged to aim for a straight line. 

Like so many events of my childhood, dune grass plantings are a fun memory- and definitely unique to life at the shore!