2014: | Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
MARKET STATS: Sales through June 15th
show that 2014 is shaping up to be a very solid year in the Avalon/Stone
Harbor real estate market. So far this year 132 sales have occurred (+2.3%
versus the same period last year); the average contract price was $1,297,707
(+17.9%) and the median sale price was $980,750 (+15.3%). The dollar volume
of all properties sold through June 15th was just over $171 million, up 21%
over the same period last year. An additional 52 properties are currently
under contract in the local market, meaning the solid market continues!
READY TO TAKE THE PLUNGE? Imagine the
excitement those 52 families mentioned above are feeling, as they anticipate
their new shore property! Ready to bring the same excitement to your family?
Call me at (800) 967-7796, or visit
Property Listings to get
started on your search!
FISH ALLEY in Sea Isle City has a long history
of commercial fishing. Today you'll find waterfront restaurants such as the
Lobster Loft, Carmen's, Marie's and Mike's Seafood, which offer dockside
dining. You'll still find commercial fishing vessels, but today they're
outnumbered by pleasure boats in the area. Stop by Fish Alley for a great
bayside meal, or pick up something to take home!
Fish Alley in Sea Isle City is host to commercial
fishing vessels, restaurants, and pleasure craft.
FEELS LIKE SUMMER: Signs of summer are
all around! Warm sunny days and cool afternoon sea breezes; busy
restaurants; people relaxing and swimming along the beach; good fishing
reports from all over. The upcoming July 4th weekend will bring even more
activities including music, concerts, fireworks, and more. C'mon down!
CATCH THE JITNEY: Park your car and
catch the Jitney to make your way around the Island through Labor Day
Weekend. The Jitney runs each evening beginning at 6pm, and connects the
business districts of both Avalon and Stone Harbor by making a continuous
loop along Dune Drive (Second Avenue) and Ocean Drive (Third Avenue) between
20th Street and 96th Street. Fares are $2 from 6pm to 11pm, and $4 from 11pm
to 2am.
CAPE MAY COUNTY'S future growth is predicted
to be strong, according to a recent study for the US Conference of Mayors.
With a projected 3.1% annual growth rate, Cape May County was among the top
40. Wealthy retirees are expected to drive the trend, bolstering both real
estate values and the local economy.
Read an article by the Atlantic City Press
NEED A VACATION? There are still great
Avalon/Stone Harbor vacation options available, especially if you are
flexible with your vacation dates. Please check our
Vacation Rentals or call
me or MaryAnn with your requirements! Don't miss out on your vacation at the
shore!
RENTAL PROPERTIES-GET 'EM READY: Last chance
to get your rental property ready before the crush of the summer season.
Make sure your air conditioning, appliances, and ceiling fans are all in
good working order, your wi-fi connection is ready, and that your pool is
open, running, and fully serviced!
HOT FISHING: from flounder to sharks,
fishermen all over the area are reporting good catches. If you don't have
your own boat, consider renting one at a local bait & tackle shop such as
Smuggler's Cove in Stone Harbor, or consider boarding the Miss Avalon, which
sails twice daily during the summer months. Visit
www.facebook.com/smugglerscovenj or
www.MissAvalon.com
for info.
PAINT NIGHT: Let your creativity flow as you
create your own art at Paint Night, offered every Monday by Island Studio in
Stone Harbor, located at 261 96th Street Suite 118. From 6pm to 9:30pm,
enjoy working on an artist's canvas using supplies provided by Island
Studio. Appetizers and a beverage are included too. Cost is $45 per
person-great for date night or girls night out! Reservations are required;
call Island Studio at 609-368-6500 or visit
www.IslandStudio.org.
GRAB
AN AVALON/STONE HARBOR street map, courtesy of Long & Foster Real
Estate, on your next visit to the Island. In addition to a map of the entire
Island you'll find a schedule of summer events, a list of protected/rafting
beaches, and information on dozens of our sale listings! You'll find the
maps around town, or stop in our office to pick one up.
FUTURE AVALON DREDGING PLANS will be discussed
at a public meeting Saturday, June 21st at 11am at the Avalon Elementary
School Gym. Mayor Martin Pagliughi will make a presentation, as will
Municipal Engineer Thomas Thornton from Hatch Mott MacDonald. The scope and
timeline of the dredging operation will be discussed, along with options for
waterfront property owners regarding the dredging of private slips in the
project area.
"THURSDAYS ON DUNE" kicks off June 26th at 7pm
as the 7 Mile Singers will perform a live concert at Veteran's Plaza. A
series of different performances is planned over the summer, designed to
attract families to Avalon's popular business district.
CATCH 9 OPEN HOUSES in Avalon Manor this
Saturday from 11am to 2pm. Stop by our office for a list, or simply look for
Long & Foster Open House signs!
EVER WONDER what it's like to ride a stand-up
paddleboard while dolphins frolic around you? This two minute video will
have you longing for the calm waters just off the beach (you'll catch a
glimpse of Avalon's shoreline, including the Fishing Pier, too!)
"Fins Free" Video
'SALT MARSH STORIES' premiers at the Wetlands
Institute Thursday, June 12 at 7pm. The original film depicts the history of
the salt marshes around Stone Harbor, and the stars of the movie will be
present to discuss the film and answer questions. Tickets are $5; call (609)
368-1211 or email
cfaulk@wetlandsinstitute.org.
NEW 39TH STREET PARK: In the fall of this year
look for a new park at 39th Street & Dune Drive in Avalon. The new park is
expected to contain bocce courts, a picnic pavilion, children's play area,
and an area of open lawn.
AVALON, STONE HARBOR, AND MIRAMAR? Today we
know that Avalon and Stone Harbor occupy the Seven Mile Beach, but the
48-page prospectus of the South Jersey Realty Company promoted the future of
Stone Harbor and Miramar, "lying immediately southward." It seems the South
Jersey Realty Company intended to call the southernmost section of Seven
Mile Beach "Miramar," even referencing the lifesaving station which had
already been built there (it still stands at what is now 117th Street.) The
name "Miramar" was eventually dropped and the southern three miles of Seven
Mile Beach became a part of Stone Harbor. Does anyone know why (or when) the
name "Miramar" was dropped?
This circa 1907 brochure from the South Jersey
Realty Company promoted the development of Stone Harbor and Miramar, which
was to be the southernmost section of Seven Mile Beach.
HUMPBACK WHALE SIGHTED: Passengers on the Cape
May Lewes Ferry were delighted to sight a humpback whale aboard a recent
Ferry trip. Other recent sightings include a bald eagle and osprey, while
dolphins are regular visitors throughout the summer.
View a Brief Video of the Humpback Whale
THE 'YANKEE LADY' paid a visit to the Naval
Air Station Wildwood Museum this week. The World War II era B-17
bomber flew in to NASW for walk-through tours as well as paid rides. The
B-17 is owned by the Yankee Air Museum of Michigan, and is one of about a
dozen still flying. According to one fellow lucky enough to get a ride: "I
have a new-found respect for those who flew and fought in them!" Even if
you're not going flying, NASW is worth a visit; its historic hangar houses a
collection of vintage aircraft. On display you'll find everything from a
WWII era TBM Avenger to an F-14 Tomcat, plus interactive displays to
entertain and educate kids and adults alike!
AVALON MANOR OPEN HOUSE DAY: Stop by Avalon
Manor on Saturday, June 14th from 11am to 2pm to tour several fine homes
being offered for sale. This quiet bayside community lies alongside the
Intracoastal Waterway, and provides a tranquil setting and beautiful sunset
views. Nine homes will be available to see-check with me for a list, or look
for open house signs that day. If you've only seen Avalon Manor while
driving by on Avalon Boulevard, you're missing out-stop by and check it out!
TURTLE CROSSING! Diamondback Terrapin nesting
season is underway, so watch for them crossing local roadways on their way
to or from high ground, where they lay eggs. Turtle fencing has been placed
in many areas to prevent turtles from being struck by vehicles. If you
should come across a turtle and wish to assist it, help it cross in the
direction it was going. If you should find hatchling turtles, place them
under vegetation in the nearest marsh, but not in the water. Please-be aware
of your own safety on the road if attempting to help a turtle!
SEA ISLE CITY IS "HAPPY!" Pharrell Williams'
catchy tune has swept the nation, and has even made its way through Sea Isle
City. Clap along as Sea Isle City residents, business owners, and visitors
get "Happy" in this recently released video:
Sea
Isle City is Happy (youTube)
HEAVY STEEL BEAMS are being put in place at
the new Garden State Parkway overpass at Crest Haven Road. The huge project
to replace three traffic lights on the Parkway is on schedule, and is
expected to be completed in November 2015. Once completed the project will
greatly improve both safety and traffic flow.
A golden sunrise lights up the surf. Take a walk on
the beach at sunrise-it's good for the soul!
BALD EAGLE SIGHTING: Long & Foster friends
Jim & Patty Seif reported seeing a bald eagle along Stone Harbor Boulevard
recently. While you may not be that lucky, you're almost sure to see egrets,
gulls, and ospreys at various points on and off the Island. Set aside some
time, bring your binoculars or your camera, and check out the amazing
wildlife that lives on and around the Island!