I want to Move to the Jersey Shore
Moving is very exciting!
A big move from one state to another is a major life change. It opens the doors to new possibilities, and often the opportunity for a whole new lifestyle. That is why, when considering a move, it is important for people to start the process with self-reflection and research.
If you are thinking about moving to the Jersey Shore, it is important to reflect on the kind of lifestyle you are seeking for yourself. There are 54 individual municipalities in Monmouth County, NJ and 33 distinct municipalities in Ocean County, NJ, and each one of these communities has their own character and vibe. When considering a big move, think about the lifestyle factors that you want to ensure are present with your new home. Here are some questions to ask yourself, and it is even better if you take the time to write out the answers to these questions for yourself in some kind of journal.
How far do I want to be from my place of work if I still have to go to a location outside of my home?
What is my preferred method of getting to work? (Car, train, express bus, passenger ferry, etc)
How close do I want to be to my neighbors? Do I need space between houses, or do I want to live in a more densely populated neighborhood?
Do I need to be close to groceries stores and restaurants? How far am I willing to travel to go to a “big box” store such as Home Depot or Target?
Do I need to be near schools for my children? Is there a particular school district that I want to be in?
Do I need to be close to a medical facility?
What size house do I want? What is more important to me: house size or particular location?
Do I want to be near a body of water such as a river or the ocean? Or would I prefer a more farm-like community? Or do I want a woodland style location?
What items in my new home are most important to me within the range of my budget? For example, 3 or 4 bedrooms? 1 or 2 bathrooms? Big Yard? Pool? Completely updated or needs some cosmetic repairs? Do I need new construction? (I suggest ranking your “Must-Haves” in order of importance).
The more detailed you can be in the vision you create for your whole new lifestyle, the easier it will be to start the search for your new house. Remember, when moving long distance, you are not just buying a new home, you are buying into a new community and way of life.
Once you have your vision in place, the next step in a big move is to do your research. I would suggest starting with your financial status. What is your budget for a home purchase? Or, will you need to rent for a year prior to buying a home? What is your credit score, and how can you improve it? When you have a clear picture of what your budget is, and the type of lifestyle you are seeking, then you can begin to research which towns have what you want. There are great resources about Monmouth and Ocean Counties and local town municipalities in the links above. Local publications are also a great resource for researching home and lifestyle facts. I recommend some of the following media sources: NJ Monthly Magazine; The Asbury Park Press; the Coast Star and Ocean Star Newspapers. If you have friends or relatives that live on the Jersey Shore, it is a great idea to tap into that informal “insider” information. Just be careful that you take any personal biases with a grain of salt. Finally, an experienced local realtor is a great resource to help you research a new community and begin looking for the home of your dreams.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a NJ home, contact Dr. Carly York at Cyork@ResourcesRealEstate.com .
