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How to enjoy Manahawkin, NJ this summer

Posts Tagged ‘ LBI ’



How to enjoy Manahawkin, NJ this summer

Posted on: May 10th, 2023 by admin

We’re all hoping to escape from confinement this summer and enjoy summer at the Shore. There are some big question marks, of course, but hopefully better days are ahead!

After all, the Jersey Shore is a great place to spend a week or a long weekend, especially the area around Barnegat (where our offices are located) and Manahawkin. The beaches are gorgeous, the shopping is great, the sun and surf are always welcome. It’s amazing how such great attractions can be so close to home!

With that in mind, here are a few things to take in this summer – with proper social distancing, of course!

Sunbathing

This is what most people want to do when they visit the shore! 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 onto the beach, relax, soak up the sun, jump in the ocean if you need to cool off. There is a reason why we love having our dentist office near Manahawkin.

Fishing

The Southern Ocean County region has a great fishing community that goes back centuries. Because of that, our fishing tradition is strong and proud, and the doctors here at our Barnegat dentists office take full advantage of that. There is plenty of fishing to go around, too. The area has many public fishing spots and great piers and docks for fishing, plus 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, so if you’re in the area and you love to fish, you’re in luck.

Paddleboarding

One of the fastest growing water sports is paddleboarding. 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. As long as you can stand, you can do it!

Local History

The Manahawkin region is rich with history, from the beloved Barnegat Lighthouse to fantastic local museums that show off the region’s ties to the sea. There are historic buildings to see, parks to visit, and great local historical societies that regularly hold special events. With our dental office near Manahawkin, we enjoy visiting these places. We urge you to pay them a visit, too!

Restaurants

You don’t have to travel far to find some fantastic places to eat in Southern Ocean County. It should go without saying that seafood is popular around here, with fresh catches daily. We also have a wealth of Italian places, great delis, classic diners, a large array of ethnic food, steakhouses, and more. If you can’t find something to eat in our area, you’re not trying!

Cocktails

There is nothing quite like a cocktail near the beach, and 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! Just be sure to visit your dentist near Manahawkin afterward, because some cocktails are not great for your teeth.

As you can see, there is plenty to do in the Southern Ocean County area, 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!

Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Oral Health

Posted on: April 26th, 2023 by admin

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and anxious at the mere thought of having to visit a dentist? You’re not alone! Fear of the dentist is very common, with statistics showing that up to 15% of Americans avoid seeing a dentist because of it. But it doesn’t have to be like this – taking control of your oral health, and overcoming your fear of the dentist can be an empowering experience. Here’s your guide on how to do just that!

1. Understand your fear

Before you can start taking steps to overcome your fear of the dentist, it is important to understand why you feel the way you do. Are there certain experiences that have caused this fear? What kind of thoughts and feelings come up when thinking about going to a dental appointment? Identifying these triggers will help you in taking the right steps towards addressing them.

2. Find a supportive dentist

Visiting a dental practice that specializes in helping those with dental anxiety or phobia can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel. Do research and look for practices with staff who are patient, understanding, and willing to offer sedation options if necessary. This can also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and build trust with your dentist.

3. Create a plan

Write out a step-by-step plan of what you need to do in order to get through your appointment. This can include things like scheduling an appointment at a certain time, taking deep breaths throughout the procedure, or bringing something to help distract yourself during the visit. Having a plan ready will help reduce some of the stress and anxiety leading up to your dental appointment.

4. Take it slow

Don’t be too hard on yourself if certain steps don’t work right away – it may take multiple appointments before you start feeling comfortable enough for more complex procedures. Allow yourself to slowly progress at your own pace, and remember that even small steps towards taking control of your oral health are still important.

5. Reward yourself

When it comes to facing our fears, positive reinforcement can be a great motivator! After each successful dental visit, reward yourself with something that makes you feel good – whether it’s treating yourself to your favorite food or buying a special gift for yourself.

By following these steps, you can take control of your oral health and make the dentist office a place where you can receive the care you need without feeling anxious or overwhelmed. With time and effort, you too can overcome your fear of the dentist and start looking forward to appointments instead! Good luck!

7 Oral Health Issues You Need to Know About

Posted on: April 12th, 2023 by admin

Keeping your mouth healthy is essential for overall wellbeing – yet, many of us don’t know enough about oral health issues and how to keep our smiles in top condition, even if we regularly see our dentist in Ocean County. If you’re looking to brush up on your own knowledge, then this post exploring the 7 most common oral health issues is a great place to start. From what causes them to how to prevent them, we cover all the information you need to understand and take care of your teeth.

1. Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque is the sticky film that builds up on your teeth due to bacteria, while tartar is a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed with professional cleaning. If not addressed, this buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. To prevent it from occurring in the first place, good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing are key.

2. Tooth Decay

Also known as cavities, tooth decay occurs when bacteria erode away at enamel – the hard shell protecting your teeth’s inner layers – which can result in pain, infection, or even complete destruction of the affected tooth if left untreated. Brushing regularly and avoiding sugary foods are key to avoiding decay.

3. Gingivitis

An inflammation of the gums, gingivitis is a mild and reversible form of gum disease that’s caused by bacteria accumulating along the gum line. This can lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing teeth, but with regular dental visits and good oral hygiene habits (brushing, flossing) it can be prevented.

4. Periodontal Disease

Also known as periodontitis or gum disease, this occurs when bacteria in plaque causes an infection in the gums which results in deep pockets of infection around the roots of the teeth. If left untreated, advanced periodontal disease can cause tooth loss – so regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for prevention.

5. Dry Mouth

A condition in which the mouth does not produce enough saliva, dry mouth can cause an increase in cavities and gum disease due to lack of lubrication to rinse away bacteria. Common causes include dehydration, certain medications, or even salivary gland issues – so if you have a dry mouth, speak to your doctor or dentist about possible treatments.

6. Tooth Sensitivity

This is when the teeth become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures due to worn enamel or exposed dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). To reduce symptoms of tooth sensitivity, avoiding acidic foods/beverages and using special toothpastes/mouthwashes may be helpful – and see your dentist if needed.

7. Bad Breath

Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be caused by a number of factors – from poor oral hygiene to certain medical conditions. The best way to prevent it is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once, plus using an antibacterial mouthwash. If you still have persistent bad breath, see your dentist for further evaluation.

By understanding these 7 common oral health issues, you can take steps to ensure that you keep your smile healthy for years to come! So make sure to practice good oral hygiene habits (brushing and flossing!) regularly, and don’t forget to schedule regular dental visits in Ocean County for thorough checkups and cleanings. Doing so will help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for life!

9 Fun Facts About Long Beach Island, NJ aka LBI

Posted on: April 5th, 2023 by admin

Anyone who has been to LBI knows it’s a beautiful, cozy community that thrives during the summer months. Whether you own a home there or you just take day trips to the beach, you probably love to visit.

So if you love to visit Long Beach Island, you might enjoy knowing a little more about it. With that in mind, we have some interesting facts for you. Take a look:

  1. Long Beach Island has been battered by some major storms. In 1920, most of the island was destroyed by a devastating winter storm that even reopened a once closed inlet in Holgate. In 1923, another storm smashed the island and knocked out rail service for a full three years, and in 1935, a storm washed out the railroad bridge to the mainland.
  2. Perhaps the worst storm was the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962. That storm split the island into several pieces and causes the USS Monssen, a Navy destroyer, to run aground. The storm is considered one of the 10 worst storms of the 20th Century in the United States, and almost destroyed all of Long Beach Island.
  3. Long Beach Island was also battered by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The storm flooded the island and cause the bridge to the island to be closed for 13 days.
  4. The current causeway that connects Long Beach Island to the mainland was constructed in the late 1950s.
  5. Long Beach Island is known as a fairly well to do area of New Jersey. Even as far back as 1970, Philadelphia Magazine joked that “the haves turn right and the have mores turn left,” referring to the turns south and north people make after arriving on the island.
  6. The communities on the north of the island, including Loveladies and North Beach, feature sprawling Victorian homes that often spark rumors of celebrities vacationing there.
  7. Though Long Beach Island is a highly desirable resort and vacation area, it is not comparable to nearby Jersey Shore communities like Seaside Heights, Wildwood, and Belmar. Instead of a thriving night club scene and rides and boardwalks, it’s a family oriented vacation spot with more focus on restaurants, museums, and beaches.
  8. Long Beach Island is home to many fishing and charter boats, some of which get 100 or more miles off the coast.
  9. Long Beach Island is home to the famed Surflight Theater. Built in 1950 by Joseph P. Hayes, for decades the theater has offered a place for the local arts to be performed, including music, dance, theater, and comedy.

What do you know about the Long Beach Island community? How in touch with its history are you? If you know some interesting facts we didn’t mention, tell us about them in the comments!

Book Your Long Beach Island Summer House NOW!

Posted on: February 22nd, 2023 by admin

Summer will be here before you know it, so if you want a Jersey Shore vacation, the time to start planning is NOW!

On Fridays during the summer, the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike are often backed up with traffic. These aren’t people going home from work or on their way to the world’s largest pizza party. They are coming to the beautiful New Jersey Coast – and since our dentist office in Ocean County is right near the coast, we have a great fondness for the area!

No wonder Long Beach Island rentals, bungalows in Barnegat, apartments in Belmar, weekend homes in Point Pleasant and more are so popular each summer.

The New Jersey coast is not all created equal, however. Choosing one town over the other can be the difference between finding yourself in the middle of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” and relaxing in a quaint, historic community, so choose carefully!

If you plan to invest in a summer home at the Jersey Shore or to enjoy a vacation along the coast, these are a few of the communities you should be sure to consider when deciding to take a weekend, week, or even the rest of your life away with the family.

Point Pleasant Beach

This is a community that endeavors to straddle the line between a vibrant, active resort community and a quiet, peaceful ocean town. Indeed, this is a town that offers the architectural charm of yesteryear as well as the appeal of great dining and excellent shopping. The residential neighborhoods of Point Pleasant Beach are quiet, but the downtown is often bus with shoppers. Also busy is the boardwalk, which has the area’s only aquarium. There you will find rides, games, places to see bands playing music, and more.

Long Beach Island

The fact is, Long Beach Island (along with nearby communities like Manahawkin) is in high demand for a reason. This stretch of coastal barrier island remains one of the New Jersey coast’s most desirable places to both live and to vacation. Boasting plenty of bay and ocean facing property, it also has shopping, historic sites, and more. Even better, while there are plenty of things to do within a short walk or drive, the town itself is calm enough so that even retirees find this to be a small slice of heaven.

barnegat-lighthouse03

Barnegat

The small oceanfront and bay community of Barnegat, where our dentist office in Ocean County are located, is a popular place for families thanks to its lovely beaches, paths, and docks for fishing and crabbing – not to mention its historic lighthouse. There are more than a few small shops run by residents of the town, as well as waterfront property along both the ocean and the bay. Barnegat is on Long Beach Island, so when we say that Long Beach Island has been increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its quaint, small town feel we include this town in the observation.

Belmar

Not unlike Point Pleasant Beach, the Borough of Belmar offers quiet shore living as well as attractions that will appeal to more energetic visitors. Quaint neighborhoods with snug coastal homes are just a short walk away from some of the New Jersey coast’s most active and popular nightclubs. Set that alongside some of the best fishing on the East Coast, a historic boating community, and a downtown that is a throwback to communities of eras long gone and it’s easy to see why people flock to Belmar each year.

Any one of these communities could serve at the perfect place for your New Jersey vacation or retirement!

10 Reasons Why the Jersey Shore is the Best Place to Live

Posted on: February 8th, 2023 by admin

10 Reasons Why the Jersey Shore is the Best Place to Live

If you’re looking for a great place to live, the Jersey Shore is definitely worth considering! There are plenty of reasons why this area is so popular, including its amazing beaches, friendly people, and relaxed lifestyle. In this article, we will discuss ten of the best reasons to make the Jersey Shore your home. So if you’re thinking about making a move, read on – you just might find what you’re looking for!

1. The Beaches

With miles of pristine beaches like Long Beach Island stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, the Jersey Shore offers unparalleled sand and surf. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or an adventure-filled weekend, you’ll find it here. Plus, the shore is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world!

2. Great Weather

From spring through fall, mild temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities like swimming and biking – making it a great place to get out and enjoy nature year round. Plus, visitors can experience all four seasons without having to suffer from extreme hot or cold temperatures.

3. Friendly People

People from all over come to visit and live at the Jersey Shore due to its friendly atmosphere. Locals are welcoming and open, always ready to show guests around or provide insider tips on the best places to go.

4. Historic Sites

From old waterfront homes to modern boardwalks, there’s so much history at the Jersey Shore. For those looking for a mix of old and new, this is definitely the place to be!

5. Natural Beauty

The area is absolutely stunning – with calm blue waters and breathtaking sand dunes everywhere you look. There are plenty of spots for outdoor activities like camping, hiking and fishing as well!

6. Endless Options for Entertainment

Whether you’re taking a stroll along the boardwalk or exploring one of the local amusement parks, there’s always something to do. You can also find great shopping options, restaurants and bars that are sure to please everyone in the family.

7. Great Schools

For families with children, local schools offer excellent education – from grade school through college.

8. Affordable Housing

With a range of houses available in all sizes and price ranges, it’s easy to find something perfect for your budget at the Jersey Shore. Plus, the area offers great real estate opportunities for investors looking for a steady return on their investment!

9. Fantastic Job Opportunities

The Job market here is booming with plenty of positions available both full-time and part-time in various industries ranging from hospitality to technology.

10. Close to Major Cities

While the Jersey Shore may be a calm and peaceful place, it’s still within easy reach of major cities like New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore. This makes it possible to enjoy both the relaxed atmosphere of the shore while also having access to all that these vibrant urban hubs have to offer.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why the Jersey Shore is an amazing place to live. From its incredible beaches and friendly people to its great job opportunities and affordable housing, this area has something for everyone! So if you’re looking for a new home or just a vacation getaway – look no further than the beautiful Jersey Shore!

Visit these Jersey Shore towns next summer!

Posted on: October 5th, 2022 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.

Manahawkin is amazing in the summer!

Posted on: May 25th, 2022 by admin

We’re all hoping to escape from confinement this summer and enjoy summer at the Shore. There are some big question marks, of course, but hopefully better days are ahead!

After all, the Jersey Shore is a great place to spend a week or a long weekend, especially the area around Barnegat (where our offices are located) and Manahawkin. The beaches are gorgeous, the shopping is great, the sun and surf are always welcome. It’s amazing how such great attractions can be so close to home!

With that in mind, here are a few things to take in this summer – with proper social distancing, of course!

Sunbathing

This is what most people want to do when they visit the shore! 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 onto the beach, relax, soak up the sun, jump in the ocean if you need to cool off. There is a reason why we love having our dentist office near Manahawkin.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/macro-photography-of-black-sunglasses-on-sand-1209610/

Fishing

The Southern Ocean County region has a great fishing community that goes back centuries. Because of that, our fishing tradition is strong and proud, and the doctors here at our Barnegat dentists office take full advantage of that. There is plenty of fishing to go around, too. The area has many public fishing spots and great piers and docks for fishing, plus 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, so if you’re in the area and you love to fish, you’re in luck.

Paddleboarding

One of the fastest growing water sports is paddleboarding. 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. As long as you can stand, you can do it!

Local History

The Manahawkin region is rich with history, from the beloved Barnegat Lighthouse to fantastic local museums that show off the region’s ties to the sea. There are historic buildings to see, parks to visit, and great local historical societies that regularly hold special events. With our dental office near Manahawkin, we enjoy visiting these places. We urge you to pay them a visit, too!

Restaurants

You don’t have to travel far to find some fantastic places to eat in Southern Ocean County. It should go without saying that seafood is popular around here, with fresh catches daily. We also have a wealth of Italian places, great delis, classic diners, a large array of ethnic food, steakhouses, and more. If you can’t find something to eat in our area, you’re not trying!

Cocktails

There is nothing quite like a cocktail near the beach, and 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! Just be sure to visit your dentist near Manahawkin afterward, because some cocktails are not great for your teeth.

As you can see, there is plenty to do in the Southern Ocean County area, 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!

Where to Find Your Dream Jersey Shore Summer Rental This Year!

Posted on: February 10th, 2022 by admin

Summer will be here before you know it, so if you want a Jersey Shore vacation, the time to start planning is NOW!

On Fridays during the summer, the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike are often backed up with traffic. These aren’t people going home from work or on their way to the world’s largest pizza party. They are coming to the beautiful New Jersey Coast – and since our dentist office in Ocean County is right near the coast, we have a great fondness for the area!

No wonder Long Beach Island rentals, bungalows in Barnegat, apartments in Belmar, weekend homes in Point Pleasant and more are so popular each summer.

The New Jersey coast is not all created equal, however. Choosing one town over the other can be the difference between finding yourself in the middle of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” and relaxing in a quaint, historic community, so choose carefully!

If you plan to invest in a summer home at the Jersey Shore or to enjoy a vacation along the coast, these are a few of the communities you should be sure to consider when deciding to take a weekend, week, or even the rest of your life away with the family.

Point Pleasant Beach – This is a community that endeavors to straddle the line between a vibrant, active resort community and a quiet, peaceful ocean town. Indeed, this is a town that offers the architectural charm of yesteryear as well as the appeal of great dining and excellent shopping. The residential neighborhoods of Point Pleasant Beach are quiet, but the downtown is often bus with shoppers. Also busy is the boardwalk, which has the area’s only aquarium. There you will find rides, games, places to see bands playing music, and more.

Long Beach Island – The fact is, Long Beach Island (along with nearby communities like Manahawkin) is in high demand for a reason. This stretch of coastal barrier island remains one of the New Jersey coast’s most desirable places to both live and to vacation. Boasting plenty of bay and ocean facing property, it also has shopping, historic sites, and more. Even better, while there are plenty of things to do within a short walk or drive, the town itself is calm enough so that even retirees find this to be a small slice of heaven.

barnegat-lighthouse03

Barnegat – The small oceanfront and bay community of Barnegat, where our dentist office in Ocean County are located, is a popular place for families thanks to its lovely beaches, paths, and docks for fishing and crabbing – not to mention its historic lighthouse. There are more than a few small shops run by residents of the town, as well as waterfront property along both the ocean and the bay. Barnegat is on Long Beach Island, so when we say that Long Beach Island has been increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its quaint, small town feel we include this town in the observation.

Belmar – Not unlike Point Pleasant Beach, the Borough of Belmar offers quiet shore living as well as attractions that will appeal to more energetic visitors. Quaint neighborhoods with snug coastal homes are just a short walk away from some of the New Jersey coast’s most active and popular nightclubs. Set that alongside some of the best fishing on the East Coast, a historic boating community, and a downtown that is a throwback to communities of eras long gone and it’s easy to see why people flock to Belmar each year.

Any one of these communities could serve at the perfect place for your New Jersey vacation or retirement!

The inside scoop on Jersey Shore real estate shopping

Posted on: December 22nd, 2021 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).