There are 2 distinct groups at the shore: beach people and bay people.  Similar to your religious or political affiliation- you are who you are. Â
Sure, a mixed marriage can work, but eventually one spouse will cave to the pressure and convert.
So you have the bay front owners fluent in bulkheads, floating docks, and fishing gear…and the other property owners who can’t understand why someone would want to live that far from the beach.
I am a beach person at heart, but also enjoy quietly snooping (…I mean kayaking) around the beautiful bay front neighborhoods. The boats and elaborate water toys are impressive-  sometimes in contrast to a modest cottage.   And the residents are a friendly bunch- everyone waves as I paddle by 🙂
 The vacant lot on the corner of 96th Street and Third Avenue will forever be known as the “Shelter Haven” property.  The overgrown bay side lot has been an eyesore for several years- waiting for the owner/developer to begin the new project. 
 The Memorial Day parades and ceremonies in Avalon and Stone Harbor were a coordinated effort with the local American Legion- Stephen C. Ludlum Post 331.
Caution- Animals of the Night
And not just the over served bar patrons arriving home at 2 am.  This is even more annoying: skunks wandering our neighborhoods.
 The skunks are adapting to people- no longer intimidated by those of us who dare to walk in the evening. One crossed the street right in front of me last night- and the odor lingered well after he disappeared behind a house.Â
Tip: avoid walking on the sidewalks adjacent to heavily landscaped yards- I often walk to the right of the bike lane, and appreciate the extra visibility from the street lights.