Jersey Shore rentals

martinsgirls

So, I have never really been a Jersey shore kind of girl. Normally, I just go to my mom's house on Long Island to stay for free for a few days in the summer to get my fill of the beach and then head back to PA. We usually try to take a vacation to the Caribbean in the fall but think it will be too much to take a one year old but he really loves the beach/water. We were thinking of taking our vacation money and renting a shore house for a few weeks instead this year but I don't even know where to start looking. Is there a specific place you have rented from in the past or a Realtor you would suggest? I am not even sure which town to start looking into. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

erbur78

We've always rented down the shore (OCNJ) and my parents always would look for rentals by owner. With some agencies, the same properties are rented over and over (and show it).  By going through the owner, you are likely to find a better rate, and can sometimes get in there earlier than the usual 3pm check-in. 

SJU1982

The shore points are all so differerent.  What do you have in mind?

Personally, I avoid Wildwood.  It's probably the largest boardwalk, but it is way too congested. And the crowd can be a little rough.  OCNJ has a nice boardwalk too, and is very family friendly.  It's a dry town, so you may want to stock up before heading down. You'll have the best chance of finding a condo with pool access at either of these two beaches.

Personally, I prefer SIC or Cape May, neither of which have a boardwalk although Cape May has an an adorable promenade with shopping & restaurants. Cape May has some hotels and a lot of B&Bs. I'm sure there is house rentals, but I'm not familiar with them. SIC has a lot of bars, and there is even one kinda on the beach. It's definitely more of a party place, with a lot of college kids down for the summer.  There's only like one or two motels - it's basically all shore houses.

 

 

cutiepie75

Like SJU said, they are all so different.  Let us know what you are looking for, and we can give you better feedback.

My husband and I own in Margate, I was never familiar with it until we bought there. My parents own in OC, and that is a great family town.  In OC (maybe others too), you can have your house listed with a realtor, but also have it listed on your own.  You will/should get a better deal directly with the homeowner.

It's not cheap to rent at the Jersey shore.  If you aren't super selective, you may get a better deal right before the season?!?!!?

cutiepie75

Side note, in SIC......if you go to the higher number streets, you will find it to be quieter.  The bars are on and around 40th.

OnceInLoveWithAmy

I've always like Ocean City, and my parents have gone to LBI since they were children. There's no boardwalk in LBI, the closest thing is Bay Village, with shops and a couple little take out spots.  There are a couple bars scattered throughout the towns, but with a one year old, I don't imagine you'd be going out too much  

Each town is different too-- the high priced homes are on the north end of the island: Loveladies, Barnegat Light, North Beach, Harvey Cedars.  Surf City and Ship Bottom are right as you come over the causeway, and are a little more quiet.  If you are looking for more activities (shops, restaurants) then Beach Haven is probably more what you'd want.