Where Does Everyone Go? That's the question I asked when I spent my first winter here in Ocean City (NJ), and it is a question I often get from the buyers and rental tenants that I meet throughout the calendar year (other than winter). Interesting how most people associate warm weather with our barrier island at the southern end of New Jersey ... South Jersey, Cape May County, or Ocean City (NJ).
For several winters I worked down here alone while my wife finished her education career in Pennsylvania. And I would see people all day, but by around 5PM no one was around. Where did everyone go?
Well, I can now provide more answers after spending 18 years in real estate and 15 winter here at the shore. Point 1: I enjoy the winters in Ocean City ... no traffic, a reduced 15,000 with many spending part of the time in warmer locations, most streets only have a half dozen or less year round homes in use. Just a different fit and feel in Ocean City in the winter. I also like the fact that often we have great days with warmer temps and sunshine that makes it a different type of winter (but not so much this year). Finally, although we had way to much snow this year; mostly we don't get much snow.
So where does everyone go? After 5PM, many stay at home. But others go to the "early bird specials" at various locations in Somers Point and elsewhere. Some stop for a drink at the many bars outside of OC. Many attend sporting events at the high school ... or other types of programs. A lot of people go to the OC Library. Others stop for a work-out either in OC or around the area. As it stays lighter in the early evening, many go for a short walk before or after dinner. As one gets to know people, many who are here alone or as a couple, one invites or get invited for dinner at one another's home. It has been a friendly place in that so many people living here in OC are new, or were once new to the location. A lot of people rent, buy as a second home or investment property, and then move or retire to this location.
Yes, they still walk or bike the boardwalk all year long ... with the only problem being the wind. And when it rains, it can get damp and somewhat miserable here. But almost any weekend one can find a crowd on the boards ... and many shops are open all year round. Years ago, I used to walk the boards in the evening. I recall one night walking almost the entire length of the boardwalk and only seeing a police car pass me. Yes, one of the Mack& Manco pizza locations (the one between 9th and 10th Street is open all year ... you can even park in the parking lot for free and go in through the back door). dap
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