Recently, a few family members were talking about how many times they moved.  While counting off my moves, I also thought about the actual distance covered.

So, with some stats from Google Maps…

When I was 2 years old, my parents moved to Avalon, NJ.  We lived in a simple rancher on 51st Street.  As my sisters and I grew, the demand for space (and bathrooms) became apparent, and a new family home was built on 56th Street. A tramatic 5 blocks south– yet we were excited for more room.

My next move was to 68th Street in Sea Isle City- my aunt owned a duplex, and allowed “the newlyweds”  to stay for the winter.

Then, our first “real” home…all the way on the other side of Cape May County: Reeds Beach Road (don’t worry, I had never heard of it either!)   We rented the cottage for one year, and then purchased.  So proud to be official home owners at such a young age…even IF we were now (gasp) 12 miles from Avalon.

Although we were near the water (the Delaware Bay), Reeds Beach was not our dream location.  The biggest issue? Bugs.  The Mosquito Commission building was around the corner, and I swear they were breeding new varieties in our neighborhood!

The next house was located 3.4 miles east (yes, the right direction).  Another modest home, with more neighbors and fewer bugs; and on a quiet cul-de-sac.  Ideal for our 2 young sons.

Years later, we built a new home close by- heading east by another mile.  More space, and amenities (including an outside shower – a unique feature for a house OFF the island).

And, in 2004, we closed the circle (literally) and moved 6.9 miles- and back on the island 🙂