Demolitions, renovations, and/or new construction on almost every block. Â A great sign for our local economy.
Pictured: 122nd Street in Stone Harbor. Â There are two homes under construction, with the tractor positioned for a demolition to make it three!
Santa– the life size painted, cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.
Santa began his life of service in the early 1960’s at my parents’ first house in Avalon. He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs. Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire†.
In the 1970’s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace. The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.
In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go. Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach. In the 1980’s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!
When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990’s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home. Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shoreâ€.
Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.   Several years ago, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!
Now approaching 50 years old, Santa is showing some signs of wear (aren’t we all). I thought about asking an artist to do a “touch upâ€, but it just doesn’t seem right.  It’s good to remember that so much time has passed- it helps us to celebrate the journey.
Beautiful evening on the beach- just before sunset last night. Â Happy to count on longer days ahead 🙂
Recently, while walking through one of the Avalon beach paths, I spotted a side trail.
Instant flash back to my childhood…when the high dunes were our backyard play area.  Full disclosure: this was before it was considered trespassing!
My sisters and I had elaborate forts, and knew all of the hidden paths around the private homes.
When it snowed, we rode the hills on plastic sleds or rafts (sounds pathetic, but it was fun)- returning home covered in a gross mixture of sand and snow!
A happy, and unique memory from growing up on the island 🙂
Avalon, NJ- Exceptionally well maintained home- custom built for the current owner. Â Quality upgrades at the time of construction…plus a pool added in 2012! Â 5 spacious bedrooms and 5 full baths. Family room, huge great room, utility room, and an attached 1 car garage. Â Even a peek of the ocean!
Wonderful location- Between Avalon Avenue and First Avenue on 26th Street. Close to the beach and convenient to downtown shops and restaurants.
$2,049,000 fully furnished and ready for immediate use.
For a link to the detailed fact sheet, click HERE   or contact me 609-967-7950   ann@anndelaney.com
Sales (settlement) during the past 30 days:
19 single family homes, ranging from a cottage on Bower Court in Stone Harbor selling for $499,000; to a modern bay front home on Fourth Avenue in Avalon for $3,500,000. Â The median selling price for single family homes-Â $1,485,000.
8 condo/townhouse style units sold, with a median selling price of $712,500.
A total of 7 properties labeled as vacant land or multi-family sold (several had existing structures demolished shortly after closing), with a median land value selling price of $1,100,000.
In addition, there are 60 properties posted as Under Contract, with settlements scheduled for the near future.
If you have any questions regarding sale values in the Avalon, Stone Harbor area, please ask! Â Â ann@anndelaney.com
I’m on a mission with my beach walks…to spot the snowy owl.
Ironically, today the owl was trumped by an eagle!
From a distance, I saw a huge bird land on the beach near a few seagulls. Â Too big for an osprey or a hawk. Â As I approached, he took flight.
A local fisherman recently told me about a bald eagle nesting on Ocean Drive between Stone Harbor and North Wildwood. Â The fisherman was just leaving the beach this morning and saw the eagle, too.
The bird took off and landed twice near the water’s edge. Â The black dot in the middle of my picture REALLY is an eagle!
Conch shells, sea glass, and small plastic beach toys…beach treasures found after a storm!
Good Morning Winter
From inside my house, I watch the vibrant colors light up the sky just before sunrise. Â It’s the best motivation to bundle up and head down to the beach for a morning walk.