Every year, a few well meaning parents and grandparents allow their high school or college graduates to stay at their beach house…with “just one or two friends”.
Ultimately, the friends multiply along with the noise level!
A small cottage near our home is maxed out with young people who stay up WAY past our bedtime 😉
Thankfully, they were respectful when we mentioned this concern and agreed to keep their music to a low roar.
Hopefully a mellow Saturday night ahead ðŸ˜
A simple guide to the local language:
1) “Off shore”- One of the communities just off “the island”, like Cape May Court House or Rio Grande. If you live “on the island”, it is a big event to “go off shore” for gas and groceries as needed.  Residents of Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, and the Wildwoods use the 2 phrases all the time. And each island is “the” island to those residents!
In addition to going off shore, the other destinations could be  “the mall” (it used to be the Shore Mall off exit 36, but now describes the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing); or Philadelphia (anywhere remotely near the Walt Whitman Bridge).
2) Friends who live north of Atlantic City, live in “North Jersey” (which they obviously dispute- but you can’t convince us otherwise!). New York City is like another country.  Our forefathers emigrated to “the shore” from Philadelphia, so our allegiance goes back for generations. Go Eagles!
3) How do you identify a local? They know the tide schedule, and check the flags for wind direction to plan their activities accordingly. They walk or ride their bike whenever possible.  They cringe when they see a “newbie” trying to put an umbrella in the sand- and eventually walk over to help.  They secure their deck furniture and trash cans when “weather” is predicted.  And they are smiling as they walk along the beach- of course!
Easy living at the beach!
225 34th Street, Avalon
Modern 3 level townhouse style located just south of the popular shops and restaurants of downtown Avalon NJ.
2 blocks to a wide beach (lifeguards at 35th Street).
5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 3 decks, 2 zone gas heat and central air. Â Updated and well maintained. Â Consistent summer vacation rental property with leases in place for summer 2018.
$989,000 furnished
To view the drone video: Â Click Here
To view the MLS fact sheet: Â Click Here
If you are walking the beach in the south end of Stone Harbor in the early morning hours, you are likely to pass a few of the lovely sisters on retreat at Villa Maria by the Sea.
My aunt was an IHM (order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary), so I’m a pro at spotting the nuns. Â This way I can be extra polite. Â You know…for my permanent record!
The clues: Â short hair, sensible sneakers, and often a “Nuns’ Beach” t-shirt or sweatshirt. Â Oh wait, I just described my beach walk look! Â That explains the friendly nods.
Also look for a plain Timex watch (seriously) and the occasional rosary.
The historic  building and grounds are beautiful- a grand Stone Harbor landmark since 1937.  AND the only beach block street lined with modest cars!
Lifeguard stands, trash/recycling receptacles, and concession stands in place along the beach.
Traffic lights and parking meters/restrictions active.
More police vehicles in circulation…with a few officers on bicycles!
AND, more cars parked on our block…including one in front of our house over the weekend…the nerve  😉
Yes, there is still time to find a vacation rental for a week (or more!) this summer.
Search availability on our web site:  Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty  and then contact me to discuss.
I am familiar with the inventory and locations, and happy to help you select the best home for your needs.
ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com
609-967-7950
Thank you for your interest!
Every spring, I pick up so many balloons washed up on the beach 🙁 Â The pictures below are from this morning’s walk.
If you are celebrating an event, purchase flowers rather than balloons. Â They look better at the water’s edge!
