Strong northwest winds again this morning.Â
Forced to choose between facing the cold wind by the water’s edge, or walking in the soft sand near the dunes.Â
It was definitely warmer by the dunes, and hey…it’s better exercise as I “climb” over the mounds of sand by each beach entrance. Glad I already transitioned to my winter hiking shoes 😉
In the last 30 days, 25 properties in Avalon and Stone Harbor SOLD (settlement); with an additional 36 sale pending and due to settle in the near future.
The overall median selling price was $995,000. The low was a 1st floor duplex/condo in Avalon for $425,000; the high was a custom bay front home on 42nd Street in Avalon for $4,200,000.Â
There were 8 condo/townhouse units sold- with a median selling price of $625,000. The median selling price of the 16 single family homes was $1,637,500. And 1 duplex sold for $710,000.
Currently in Avalon and Stone Harbor, there are 619 properties total on the active sale market (some duplication if a property fits in more than 1 category). 341 are single family homes; 187 are condo/townhouse units, 29are multi-unit properties; and 25 vacant lots (a common classification for a “tear down”- property may not actually be an empty lot). The remaining 37 are commercial properties.
Remember that great summer breeze? After Labor Day it officially converts to “wind”.Â
How strong is the wind at the shore? Under that pile of sand is a bench at the edge of a beach path. It’s only November and just the top few slats are visible!  Hope someone remembers to dig it out by May 😉
Glad my commute to work does not involve a major highway.Â
 Sunday morning on Dune Drive allows me to drive and change the clock in the car at the same time!
New Sale Listing:Â 295 65th Street, Avalon, NJ
 
Spacious 3 level townhouse style unit with 5 bedrooms, plus a bonus 3rd floor loft. 3.5 elegant baths. Gas heat and central air. Private sun deck. Walk just 2 blocks to a wide beach.  Totally renovated interior. $839,000.
For more info and pictures: http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/245Â or e-mail questions to ann@anndelaney.com
Yes, I will join in and whine when it’s dark at 5pm tomorrow. But will also appreciate the time change for my morning walk.Â
The warm sun reflecting off the ocean provides motivation to bundle up get outside!
You don’t have to be a serious “birder” to appreciate Stone Harbor Point.
Follow the clam shell driveway from the 123rd Street parking lot to the sand pathways. The large body of (tidal) water is a popular gathering spot for various marsh wildlife.
Be sure to catch a colorful fall sunset from one of the look out platforms. Bonus: with the cooler weather…no bugs!
Do dolphins follow the trend of many local residents and head south for the winter?Â
It’s late in the season to see so many as I walked the beach this morning. Because the dolphins were heading south…I thought they might be migrating to warmer waters for the winter.
A very pleasant distraction 🙂
Avalon and Stone Harbor Police Departments have reported recent thefts of flat screen televisions from several unoccupied homes on the island. Â
This is disappointing news for our community.  Unfortunately, we aren’t completely immune from the real world.
The police have asked residents to be aware of suspicious activity on the quiet blocks in town. And seasonal residents should carefully secure their home in the off season. It may also be helpful to hire a “winter watch” service for peace of mind.
Island Life
The ocean reached the edge of most beach paths.Â
And, the bay covered the parking lot of the 53rd to 55th Street Bay Park in Avalon at mid-day.
A good salt water rinse 😉