This past Sunday was the 9th annual Ocean Drive Marathon that started in Cape May and ended in Sea Isle City. Although the weather was cold, damp, windy, and cloudy, hundreds of participants entered this marathon. If twenty six miles was too long, you could run a 10 mile, 5k, or 1.5 mile walk/run on the Promenade.
The event was a huge success and the monies raised go to local charities. Our applause goes out to the Ocean Drive and all of their efforts.
Owning a second home or future retirement home at the Shore is a GREAT long term investment. Historically, properties have appreciated by an average of 15% per year over the past 25 years.The downturn is over. It’s “OK” to buy again. In fact, savvy investors will make a purchase within the next 12 months.Interest rates are still at historic lows. Prices have come down, and there are good buys to be had. Sea Isle City not only has some of the nicest, widest and cleanest beaches at the Jersey Shore; it is situated within 30 minutes of Atlantic City, historic Cape May, both the Ocean City and Wildwood boardwalks, and more than a dozen top flight golf courses, not to mention the myriad of dining and nightlife opportunities. It is the perfect location to access all of what the Jersey Shore has to offer, while residing or vacationing in a clean, quaint, affordable seashore community.
Owning a second home or future retirement home at the Shore is a GREAT long term investment. Historically, properties have appreciated by an average of 15% per year over the past 25 years. The downturn is over. It’s “OK” to buy again. In fact, savvy investors will make a purchase within the next 12 months. Interest rates are still at historic lows. Prices have come down, and there are good buys to be had.
Sea Isle City not only has some of the nicest, widest and cleanest beaches at the Jersey Shore; it is situated within 30 minutes of Atlantic City, historic Cape May, both the Ocean City and Wildwood boardwalks, and more than a dozen top flight golf courses, not to mention the myriad of dining and nightlife opportunities. It is the perfect location to access all of what the Jersey Shore has to offer, while residing or vacationing in a clean, quaint, affordable seashore community.
First Floor BedroomThis four bedroom, 3 bathroom beachblock beauty allows you the opportunity to be only a few short steps from the beach, while watching your million dollar views from your decks.
The 9th annual running of the Ocean Drive Marathon is happening in South Jersey on March 25, 2007. This annual marathon starts in Cape May and Ends in Sea Isle City. If you are not up for a full marathon, you can also participate in a 10 mile run or a 5K run. There is also a 1.5-mile Promenade event where kids of all ages are invited to run, jog, or walk the Promenade in Sea Isle City just for the fun of it.
All Marathon finisher will receive a Finisher’s Medal and certificate, while trophies are awarded to the top 3 finishers in all competitive events.
Come to Cape May County the end of March and enjoy the Marathon and the quiet before the summer.
Come to Sea Isle City for the annual Saint Patricks Day parade. This annual event takes place on Saturday March 10th at 3:30PM.
The parade route starts at 93rd and Landis and comes north to end at 63rd and Landis. Afterwards, Kix McNutley’s host an Irish Party with food and drink from the heritage of old Ireland. O’Donnells Pour House and Irish Pub also has an St Patricks party with food and entertainment for all. Come to Sea Isle City and enjoy the weekend. EVERYBODY is IRISH in Sea Isle this weekend!!!
Polar Bear Plunge: Sea Isle City
February 17, 2007
The temperature at the Jersey Shore and all areas in the Tri State Region has been well below average for the past month. Frigid weather and snow and ice storms have brought almost everything to a halt. That is, except for the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City, NJ.
With the temperature reaching almost thirty, (about 10-20 degrees above what it has been), and a moderate wind, it is still very, very cold outside to take a plunge in the frigid water. Several hundred die hard fans signed up for this plunge and will run into the water, splash for a few seconds, and come running back out as fast as they can. The Tourism Development Commission said that more than 700 people paid the $25.00 fee and registered for this event.
Seven to ten thousand spectators, including myself, stood and watched as plungers, many with their decorated costumes came walking on the beach, took off their outer lining that was keeping them warm, and ran into the ocean with its frigid temperatures. I saw Santa Claus, Polar Bears, Shrek, Cowgirls, Smurf, and many other unique participants take the plunge. There was a costume contest in which the best of the best would be awarded.
The celebrity of the plunge, as she has been for many years was 82 year old Irene Jameson who arrived in her two piece bikini, covered by her white fur and tiara, while sitting on her ice, (Yes I said ICE), throne. Irene, a Sea Isle icon, was involved in starting the Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle thirteen years ago with her son Robert Jameson. Robert escorted his mother in the water who swears that this will definitely be her last year. She told reporters the same thing last year, but her popularity has made it difficult to end her reign as the “Ice Queen”.
The Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City has become a weekend event that brings in owners and tourist out for a fun filled weekend in the dead of the winter. The Tourist Commission reports that between pledges and registration fees, this event should raise about $13,00.00 for free “Family-Oriented” tourism events in the City this year.
The annual Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City, which will be held on Presidents weekend will be exiting and exhilerating for all that participate. Whether you take the plunge, or are one of the hundreds of cheering spectators, this year could be the one of the warmest in recent history. If the weather continues as it has, you will see many more than usual dive into the salty water at JFK Boulevard and the beach.
If you are trying to locate accomadations for this weekend, I recommend trying the Colonnade Inn located at Landis Ave. and 46th Street. You can rent a studio unit or up to a three bedroom condo to fill your needs. The great thing is that you can rent a minimum of one or two nights depending on the demand for the weekend.
The Colonnade’s phone number is 609-263-8868 or you can visit their web site at www.thecolonnadeinn.com.
The Sea Isle City NJ Rentals for 2007 is well on its way to be a bannar year. Inquiries have been strong since Thanksgiving. The warm weather has had an effect on renters coming down to Sea Isle. Many come down in the off-season to rent their property, and enjoy the rest of the day at the Jersey shore.
Whether you are renting on line, or taking a weekend drive to the unusually warmer winter weather to choose your property, you may want to book your dream vacation home soon. The inventory is limited and every day some are taken off the market.
Overall, 2006 was a very slow year with property values coming down and leveling off. Most buyers waited to see what was going to happen and how low the prices would come down.
We had a huge inventory of new construction because purchases and permits for the new construction occurred in the fall of 2005 before the slow down started. This lead to a large number of new construction properties being completed in the spring and summer of 2006, and not too many buyers. Owners waited, and eventually lowered the prices until they started to sell. November and December of 2006 started showing an increase of interest in these properties. Our office had a good December compared to the rest of the year. It seems that buyers are starting to purchase again.
My advise to anyone who is still interested in owning a property at the Jersey shore is to start looking now. We are only one week into January and the calls for properties are starting to come in. The news media is suggesting that the 18-month market correction that followed the four-year housing boom has just about run its course. Interest rates are still very reasonable, (about 6%), which makes the conditions very good to buy a property at the shore. I am personally looking for another investment property because I believe this is the right time to do so, before everything starts taking off again. 2007 looks to be a good year for Real Estate at the Jersey Shore.