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10 Cool Facts About the Beach Haven West

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10 Cool Facts About the Beach Haven West

Posted on: February 12th, 2020 by admin

Beach Haven West is one of Southern Ocean County’s most desirable waterfront communities. A sleepy unincorporated community that is part of Stafford Township, it is home to both summer residents and all year residents.

It’s no surprise why. This waterfront community offers easy access to fishing and boating, with the entire Barnegat Bay just seconds away by boat.

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For many, Beach Haven West itself is a dream come true. Constructed on over 100 lagoons and located right off Route 72 and just across the bay from Long Beach Island, it’s one of the Jersey Shore’s true hidden gems.

Here are 10 facts you might not know about this hidden gem of a community:

  1. Beach Haven West was first developed in the 1950s. Herbert and Jerome Shapiro created the 130 lagoons that make up this part of town.
  1. Beach Haven West began with a series of Cape Cod style homes being built.
  1. The earliest waterfront homes there cost about $7,000 circa the 1950s.
  1. The first phase of Beach Haven West opened in 1957 and makes up the area between Morris Boulevard and Jennifer Lane.
  1. The community’s phase two was finished in the early 1960s and spans the area between Jonathan Drive and Walter Boulevard.
  1. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Beach Haven West Civic Association was a focal point of the community. They ran a community center and pool off Jonathan Drive. The clubhouse was demolished in the 1980s.
  1. Beach Haven West was still being built-out as late as 1986, when Colony Lakes was completed.
  1. The construction of Beach Haven West, as well as Ocean Acres, coincided with the construction of the Garden State Parkway, which finally gave people in North Jersey easier access to the Jersey Shore.
  1. Today, Beach Haven West’s population is about 4,000 residents.
  1. One of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, Teresa Giudice, once had a summer home in Beach Haven West.

These days, you can ask anyone looking to stay in the Southern Ocean County area and they will all agree: there are few communities that have become as desirable to live in as this one.

Even more important? They get access to a priceless lifestyle of relaxation, boating, fishing, great dentists in Southern Ocean County, and more. And that’s not something you can find just anywhere.

How to House Hunt at the Jersey Shore

Posted on: December 18th, 2019 by admin

If you would like a nice house by the shore, you are not alone. The New Jersey coast is a desirable place to live for many reasons, so it’s no surprise that homes in towns like Manahawkin and Forked River are in high demand. That’s why hunting for that prime shore real estate can be a bigger task than you might be ready for.   Have no fear. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of house hunting tips.

Start Saving Now – The best time to start saving your money is BEFORE you begin your hunt, because what you save is going to impact your budget, and your budget is going to impact the houses you’ll end up viewing.

Know Your Needs – Single, childless couple, family. Work from home, commuter, retired. All of these things will play a major role in the kind of house that will best suit you. Know your needs and you’ll know what features to look for.

Figure Your Max Mortgage Payment – Create a highly detailed household budget factoring in everything you can think of other than a mortgage – car payment, utilities, student loans, etc – then add a little extra to account for unexpected expenses and so on. Subtract that from your income to determine your max mortgage payment. That will help narrow down the real state you should view.

Barnegat Lighthouse New Jersey

Know Your Credit Score – If your score is below 620, you may want to postpone your hunt, because getting approved in today’s real estate climate may be difficult.

Focus On What You Can’t Change – Things like the bathroom tiles or kitchen flooring or landscaping can be changed. Instead, focus on the floor layout, sight lines and views, and available rooms. In other words, the things you won’t be able to change.

Get Pre-Approved – A pre-approval will put you in a position to know exactly how much you can spend, which in turn will let you know which home is right for you and which isn’t.

Visit Your Short List Homes Twice – Don’t just visit once. That first visit you’ll be too excited to be viewing a nice new piece of property. You will be harder to impress the second time around and more likely to spot issues that you’ll have missed on your first visit.

View The Neighborhood, Too – It’s not enough to just view your desired house. Take a drive out to Manahawkin or Forked River or wherever you’re looking, get to see the neighborhood, see what shops are nearby, see what amenities are available to you – because unless you’re a commuter who works long hours, you’re not just buying into a home, you’re buying into a community.

Use An Agent – While you can do a lot of house hunting on your own, an agent can be a huge help, especially in a competitive market with unique obstacles, such as searching for shore houses. An agent is a worthwhile investment.

Make A Long List – View a LOT of real estate online in catalogs, through your agent, and more, and make a long list of the properties in towns like Lacey / Forked River, Long Beach Island, and Manahawkin that catch your eye.

Make A Short List – Narrow down that list to a few select homes based on rigorous criteria you set (including some of the advice above).

6 Ideas To Help You Get The Perfect Jersey Shore Home Next Summer

Posted on: November 27th, 2019 by admin

There is a reason why real estate is in demand in our area: Because the Jersey Shore is a fantastic place to live!

From easy access to some of the best beaches on the East Coast to New York City and Philadelphia being a short drive away and much more, people are eager to live in towns like Long Beach Island, Manahawkin, and Forked River.

But house hunting can be a chore. It doesn’t need to be if you follow these simple house hunting tips, though. With these in mind, you’ll have your perfect home in Southern Ocean County in no time.

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Location, Location, Location – It’s not a cliché, it’s a fact of life! When it comes to real estate, location is everything, so be sure to look at more than the house. Check out the neighborhood, its access to local shopping and highways, and the school system.

Get Pre-approved – It’s rarely a bad idea to go to the bank BEFORE you start shopping for homes. A preapproval will not only give you peace of mind during the often stressful process of home shopping, it will also give you a clear idea of your budget limitations. Being equipped with this information will make the entire process smoother for you.

 

Create A Checklist – When you’re touring multiple homes during your survey of real estate, it can be easy to get a little overwhelmed. The best way to keep things straight is to create a simple checklist of features you want (or want to avoid). As you tour each home, mark off the checklist. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it will be there to jog your memory when you’re trying to remember which home had what.

Know What You Want – It’s surprising how many home buyers don’t really know what they want when they go out looking. This can only make the entire process harder for you. Before you start shopping for homes, make a list of what you want from your purchase. This will make it much easier to zero in on the perfect home for you.

Do Your Research – The days of letting your real estate agent do all the work are long over. These days, it is incumbent upon the buyer to do their research as well. The Internet is a big place full of tools that can help you get the background you need on potential houses and neighborhoods to make a decision you won’t regret.

Be Ready To Make An Offer – When the moment finally comes to claim the Jersey Shore home they’ve been after, a surprising number of people find themselves paralyzed. It’s not altogether surprising. Buying a home is a major investment, after all. But if you’re out there shopping for a new home, you have to be prepared to make an offer the moment you know this is the home for you, otherwise you risk someone else sweeping the home out from under you. It happens!

7 Simple Reasons To Live Near the New Jersey Coast

Posted on: November 13th, 2019 by admin

Ever thought about living near coast of New Jersey, especially in towns like Manahawkin, Forked River and Barnegat? If you haven’t before, you sure will after reading these seven reasons why it’s AWESOME:

barnegat lighthouse1) Easy Access To Recreation

If you want recreation, there are few better places to be than the beach, especially in Southern Ocean County and Long Beach Island. Surfing, boating, fishing, swimming, sun bathing, games, music, paddle boarding, night clubs, nature preserves, food festivals, and so much more we can barely list it all. If you can’t find something to do at the shore it’s because you refuse to leave the house!

2) It’s Relaxing

Think about the sound of the surf, the smell of the water, the laid back way people go about their lives, and then think about yourself in the middle of it all right here in Ocean County. Yes, that is what living at the shore can be like – and it can be like that every single day of the year! Doesn’t matter if you live in a small bungalow or have a huge beachfront house, being near the the ocean can lift your spirits and help you do something few people can manage: relax!

3) You’ll Enjoy A Longer Life

It might sound like nonsense, but it’s true. Studies show that people who do not take annual vacations are 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack. So what better way to extend your life then by building a perpetual vacation into your life? That’s exactly what living at the beach is like. At any moment you choose, you can flip the switch from normal life to relaxing. Take a walk to the sand, go look out over the way, enjoy some water sports, go fishing, walk your dog, go people watching – the whole area here near Long Beach Island a tremendous place to unwind!

4) Visits From Friends And Family Will Be Great

If you enjoy making people feel welcome, you’ll have an easy time if you live near the shore. People love to visit the region for a reason, and they love it even more when they are visiting good friends and family. Give them something to see and something to do, often without much effort on your part. That’s exactly what living near the shore can do!

Southern-Ocean-County5) Get In Touch With Nature

It may appear that the shore region is built up to a major degree – and in some ways, it is – but there are not only plenty of parks and open areas, even the built-up communities allow access to mother nature you can’t get in the suburbs. When was the last time you watched dolphins and whales play in your McMansion community, or walked two blocks to do some ocean fishing, or fed ducks and gulls on the bay right in your backyard?

6) Salt Water Is Good For Your Health

Yet another mark in favor of shore living, salt water is not just calming to the soul, it can actually help heal little nicks and cuts. Add in the fact that beach sand can help exfoliate your skin, helping you to feel cleaner and fresher, and you have the makings for a healthier life.

7) It’s A Great Investment

When it comes down to it, this may be the biggest reason to own property at the shore. Waterfront property is always in demand. It never goes out of style. Your investment is all but guaranteed to increase for you. Add that to all the lifestyle bonuses mentioned above, and the reasons for living at the shore should be obvious.

And naturally, once you’re here and smiling about your choice, choose us as your Ocean County dentist and we’ll keep your smile bright!

 

6 New Jersey Shore Towns Worth Visiting Next Summer

Posted on: October 16th, 2019 by admin

Life at the Jersey Shore is pretty great. That much is clear if you ask the people who live there.

 

It’s even pretty great for visitors, provided you’re visiting the right communities. Have no fear, though, we have a list of six towns that you should add to your “must visit” list if you want to have a good time when the weather is good. Between the six you’ll find relaxation, fun, excitement, and more. Check them out:

Ocean Beach

This small subsection of Toms River was battered during Hurricane Sandy but is making a valiant comeback. The quaint bungalows that make up most of Ocean Beach make this a nice town for summer rentals or affordable retirements. The damage from Sandy is still apparent, but it’s getting better by the day.

Point Pleasant

This bustling shore community has everything from historic homes to a traditional downtown to a busy boardwalk with rides and games and nightclubs – and, of course, a lovely beach. There are few communities more fun to visit than Point Pleasant, which is why it’s known as one of the premier destinations in Ocean County.

Cape May

An historic town filled with charming inns, bed and breakfasts, and romantic getaways, Cape May is one of New Jersey’s most cherished shore communities. Many of these homes have been here since the 19th Century, giving the town a feel that now many others in the state can boast.

Wildwood

It’s right there in the name. If you like your weekends wild, Wildwood and the surrounding towns showcase the fun side of the Jersey Shore. The town boasts a lengthy boardwalk packed with games and rides and places to eat, and is also filled with things to do, eat, drink, see and enjoy. There is a reason why Wildwood is such a popular weekend getaway!

Asbury Park

Asbury Park fell into decline for many years, but it is back and in a big way. Thanks to great restaurants, shops, art galleries and more, this town is once again thriving. It’s a town ideal for hip young people. Not only is the bar scene is excellent, but the music scene is great, too, and there are good apartments and homes available. This is a return to form long in the making!

Lavallette

Located adjacent to Toms River, this tiny little beachfront community is on the barrier island separating the Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It enjoys a close proximity to hot shore towns like Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights, but Lavallette itself is a quiet town with plenty of local shops and neighbors who know one another. It was recently ranked one of the top places to live in New Jersey, too.

6 Things To Do During Next Summer’s Vacation Near Manahawkin

Posted on: October 4th, 2019 by admin

The Jersey Shore is a fantastic place to spend a vacation. The beaches are beautiful, the shopping is great, the sun and surf are excellent. Those of us who live and work here have to remind ourselves that it’s amazing how such great attractions can be so close to home!

 

LBI sign

Fishing – The Long Beach Island region has a thriving fishing scene that goes back centuries, with deep ties to fishing and trade that date back hundreds of years. Because of that, our fishing tradition is strong and proud. There is plenty of fishing to go around, too. The region has many public fishing spots and great piers and docks for fishing, and charter boats are plentiful. It’s as easy to spend a day out on the ocean as it is fishing in the surf or casting into the bay.

Sunbathing – Yes, this one is simple. It’s what most people want to do when they visit the shore, anyway! And it’s easy. When you’re staying in towns like Manahawkin  and Long Beach Island, the beach is just minutes away. Spread out a blanket, relax, soak up the sun, jump in the water if you need to cool off. There is a reason why our beaches are so popular!

Restaurants – You don’t have to travel far from your Manahawkin hotel to find some fantastic places to eat in the area. It should go without saying that seafood is a specialty around here, with fresh catches coming in multiple times a day, but we also have a wealth of Italian eateries, amazing delis, classic diners, a wide array of ethnic food, excellent steakhouses, and much more. If you can’t find something to eat in our area, you’re not trying!

Paddleboarding – One of the fastest growing water sports is stand-up paddleboarding, and for good reason. It’s a fun, relaxing, easy way to get in the water and enjoy the shore. Unlike surfing, paddleboarding doesn’t require years of practice and amazing agility. As long as you can stand, you can use a SUP, or Stand-up Paddleboard. You can rent paddleboards, so consider taking some time out on the water!

Local History – The Long Beach Island and Manahawkin region is rich with history, from the famed Barnegat Lighthouse to fantastic local museums that showcase the area’s rich ties to the sea. There are historic buildings to see, parks to visit, and great local historical societies that regularly hold special events. We urge you to pay them a visit!

Cocktails – There is nothing quite like a cocktail in the sun, and the Manahawkin and Long Beach Island region offers you plenty of opportunities to enjoy exactly that. Have a few cold ones, sip on a margarita, and just enjoy a little bit of the beach life before you return to the daily grind. You’ve earned it!

As you can see, there is plenty to do nearby, and we’ve only just scratched the surface. From watersports to hiking to nature to shopping and much more, you will love your time away at the Jersey Shore!

What You Should Know Before Moving to the Jersey Shore

Posted on: September 12th, 2019 by admin

Searching for your dream home can be stressful. There are so many choices to make it can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a unique region like the Jersey Shore. Thanks to amazing places like Long Beach Island, Manahawkin, Forked River / Lacey, Barnegat and others, this part of the country offers gorgeous  homes, waterfront views, plenty of  entertainment, and easy access to cities like New York and Philadelphia.

In other words, it’s a great place to live

When you are hunting for a house near the Shore, it is important to keep in mind the things that make this area unique.

Private Beaches

New Jersey beaches are not like others. In most other states, the beaches are free to access.

Not in New Jersey! The water line up to high tide is considered public property, but elsewhere in the state there are private beaches that are considered the private property of the homeowner. That means your lovely piece of Long Beach Island property could come with a stretch of sand that is your very own. That can be a major selling point.

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Beaches Aren’t Free

Even when it comes to public beaches, most are not free to access. In the Garden State, you pay to get onto the beach. In many towns, residents get special discounts on beach badges. That means you might not need waterfront property to have a semi-exclusive beach experience.

Lots of Tolls

Jersey traffic and roadways are not like those in other states. Tolls roads are the norm here. The Parkway, Turnpike, and Atlantic City Expressway are the three major roads almost everyone uses to access shore towns, and those roads cost money to use. If you’re searching for homes nears Forked River, Barnegat, Manahawkin and other communities, whether for vacation or permanent residency, be prepared to pay when you drive.

Plenty of Tourists

Be ready for tourism. Towns along the Jersey Shore are geared towards accommodating tourism. Enjoy yourself! If you are looking for permanent residency, though, be prepared for an influx of visitors every single summer. Areas like Long Beach Island can be quiet during the off season, then their population can double or triple during the summer. Most visitors are people like just you – normal families who want to enjoy the sights and sounds of summer – so don’t worry about being disturbed too much. Enjoy the summer, especially knowing that it will die down come autumn.

Keep these unique aspects of the Jersey Shore area in mind when looking for a vacation home or a new home to move into.

These Jersey Shore Towns Are Worth A Day Trip

Posted on: August 22nd, 2019 by admin

Don’t let the show “Jersey Shore” fool you. The coastal areas of New Jersey are a beautiful, relaxing place where people enjoy the beach lifestyle in friendly, down to Earth communities. As anyone who lives here will tell you, once you live at the shore you never want to live anywhere else!

Don’t believe us? Go visit these fantastic Jersey Shore communities for a taste of what life is like here:

Manahawkin / Stafford

Manahawkin is the gateway to Long Beach Island, a beautiful little community that is technically a part of Stafford Township. It’s a warm, pleasant place to live filled with great people and excellent access to local beaches and attractions such as Long Beach Island, Atlantic City, and Seaside Heights. That’s why we are proud to be a dentist serving Manahawkin!

Lavallette

Located just north of Toms River, this sleepy little beachfront community is nestled between the Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It enjoys a close proximity to shore hotspots like Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights, but is itself a quiet town with plenty of local shops and neighbors who know one another. It’s a beautiful place to relax.

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Ocean Beach

Technically part of Toms River, the quaint bungalows that make up most of Ocean Beach make this the perfect community for summer rentals or affordable retirements.

Beach Haven

This subdued community on Long Beach Island is as beautiful as it is quiet. It’s a small town in which everyone knows their neighbor. Longtime residents are common. It’s the ideal place to live if you like to have good friends nearby. Even better, it boasts easy access to the attractions in places like Barnegat and other nearby LBI communities.

Cape May

This historic town is filled with old inns, bed and breakfasts, and romantic getaways. Many of these home have been here since the 19th Century. This is a fantastic place to get away from it all, with great boat tours, secluded places to eat, and more.

Asbury Park

Asbury Park is back and in a big way. Once run down and decrepit, this town is now thriving with great restraints, shops, art galleries and more. It’s a town ideal for hip young people. The bar scene is excellent, the music scene even better, and there are good apartments available. If ever there was a welcome return to form at the shore, it’s the return of Asbury Park.

Wildwood

Sometimes called “The Wildwoods,” though that actually refers to several towns, Wildwood and the surrounding towns showcase the fun side of the Jersey Shore. With a lengthy boardwalk packed with games and rides and places to eat, and a town filled with things to do, eat, drink, see and enjoy, Wildwood is a weekender’s perfect getaway. No wonder it’s such a popular destination!

As you can see, the Jersey Shore is more than night clubs and boardwalks. It’s varied and interesting enough for almost anyone!

6 Awesome Things To Do at the Jersey Shore

Posted on: August 7th, 2019 by admin

The Jersey Shore is a beloved attraction that draws millions of people every year and generates billions of dollars in revenue for local businesses. People flock here in droves because there is a lot to do. Yes, you know about the beaches and night clubs and all the other things you see featured on MTV, but that’s not all the shore has to offer!

The reason so many turn out to the Shore? Because there is a LOT to do.

Here are things to do when you’re visiting the Jersey Shore:

Nature & Dolphin Sighting

The Jersey Shore is known for its wild clubs and active nightlife, so it’s no surprise that a lot of people don’t realize that you have easy access to some of the most pristine coastline on the East Coast in state parks like Island Beach State Park. There are also many dolphin sighting trips that are an easy drive from Manahawkin, Barnegat, and Forked River.

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Go Out To Eat

When you’re done relaxing in the sun or enjoying the sights of the shore, you’re going to want to grab something to eat. The good news is, the Jersey Shore is packed with great restaurants. Seafood restaurants are the most popular, with Italian eateries a close second – every town is guaranteed to have at least one excellent pizzeria – but if you want Thai, Mexican, traditional American cuisine, German food, sushi, Indian, and more, you’ll be able to find it here. The Jersey Shore is more ethnically diverse than you realize, and so is its cuisine.

Surfing

Grabbing a board and surfing on the waves is a big deal on the New Jersey coast. You see it from time to time on Long Beach Island, people taking to the waves and riding them for all they’re worth. Many don’t realize that on the East Coast, New Jersey is among the best surfing areas around. No wonder people come here!

Play Boardwalk Games

At the Jersey Shore, there are dozens of great games you can play at the boardwalks that grace our shores. From tossing this into that to banging that onto this, the type of games are varied. More importantly, the prizes are varied, too. You can win stuffed animals and shirts and all that, but you can also win toys, games and more. Most important of all is, you can have FUN.

Crabbing

Going crabbing is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. Whether casting your traps from a dock or a rented boat, the crabbing is excellent here, letting you and your family have fun while you catch dinner for the weekend!

Historical Sites

Did you know that the Jersey Shore was once home to famous pirates? Or that it was the site of battles during the American Revolution? From Barnegat Lighthouse to historic ships and more, the Jersey Shore is home to wonderful glimpses into yesteryear.

As you can see, there is a lot to do here. If you want more suggestions, contact Bayside Dentistry at 609-698-1155. We’ll be glad to give you some tips!

5 Great Reasons to Live at the Jersey Shore

Posted on: July 17th, 2019 by admin

Don’t the show of the same name fool you. The Jersey Shore is a terrific place to live. This is especially true in Southern Ocean County around Barnegat, Manahawkin, and Forked River, where there are a wealth of benefits that will quickly have you living the good life.

Don’t believe us? Just take a look at these five great reasons to live at the shore:

Jersey Strong

1) Watersports

For those who like their life to be on the exciting side, the Jersey coast offers some of the best areas for jet skiing, water skiing, surfing, and much more.

Whether you already own equipment or just want to rent it, shops and rentals places are so numerous you’ll be tripping over them.

Even better, the waters here are made for activities like this. Our bays, waterways and oceans are perfect for waverunners, paddle boarding, and much more.

2) Boating and Fishing

New Jersey has some of the best boating and fishing on the East Coast (and anyone who follows our Facebook knows our doctors take full advantage of it!).

Whether you like relaxing on a bay and enjoying the sun with friends, or like to take a boat out on the Atlantic and engage in some serious fishing, the opportunities to both are endless here. The Garden State has a thriving fishing and boating community that dates back hundreds of years, with a wealth of fishing clubs, charter boats, yacht clubs, and much more available. If you live someplace like Renaissance on The Ocean, it’s easy to access this great aspect of the shore.

3) Beautiful Beaches

There is a reason why so many people come to the Jersey Shore each summer: because it’s beautiful! No matter the type of experience you want, New Jersey offers it. We have quaint, quiet communities with relaxing beaches, party towns with thriving nightclub scenes, towns that specialize in historic inns and bed and breakfasts, fishing towns, communities geared towards families, towns that focus on boardwalks and amusements, and much more. New Jersey beaches in Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island, and elsewhere are the place to be!

4) The Outdoors

In addition to watersports, beaches and more, the Jersey coast has something a lot of people don’t realize: some gorgeous state and federal parks featuring pristine coastland. These preserves boast great hiking trails, lush dunes, and abundant wildlife. You can see a side of New Jersey you never imagined!

5) Easy Access To NYC and Philly

Being at the Jersey Shore doesn’t mean you always have to STAY at the Jersey Shore. Thanks to 195 and the Parkway, access to New York City and Philadelphia is incredibly easy, making day trips into the city a breeze. Even Baltimore is an easy three-hour drive away, a perfect way to catch Phillies, Yankees and Mets games without having to deal with the home town crowds. It’s just one more thing that makes living at the shore so desirable!

With these things in mind, it’s hard to ignore how great the Jersey Shore can be!