Is Lower Township the next beach front resort? As a lifelong resident of Cape May County, one is starting to believe so. It has all started with the economic growth and desire to own a piece of history in Cape May. Cape May boasts some of the states and countries best restaurants and beaches, nominated and placed on many lists for vacation and retirement. Now it is a growing trend among Lower Township businesses to market the well known Cape May name. If you take a look at Lower Township it is a sprawling area with waterfront properties and views that stretch from Shawcrest on the west side of Wildwood down along to a portion at the end of Wildwood Crest. Then one cannot forget about the marina district which is home to the Lobster House and Lucky Bones with some amazing homes that offer boat slips along the back waterways. Not to forget about all the beach front property from North Cape May, Cape May Beach, and Villas. Something that was once slightly overlooked is now being bought up in high demand, from million dollar homes that sit in the dunes to amazing steals around $150,000 beach bungalows for quick trips to the shore.
A quick run down of this year already in Lower Township there are currently 163 active listings with a high of 2.4 million and a low of $35,000. The average list price is $250,984 which puts a lot of these homes only blocks from the beach and in many homeowners budget. Since the beginning of the year there have been 116 transactions with the highest being $690,000 all the way down to $25,379. The average property sold is $175,654.
With all of this being said, one can easily see the transition that areas along the Delaware bay have seen. Homes have been purchased for a variety of reasons with one of the largest draws being proximity to the water. The little bay communities from the ferry all the way to the north end of Villas are being transformed into affordable summer getaways, retirement homes, and primary residences. I lived a block of the bay for a few years and still miss the enjoyment of the sunsets, and ability to walk a block to the beach with your family and enjoy what it has to offer. With Lower Townships plans to enhance the Bayfront along the North Cape May Portion to the Cape May – Lewes ferry with a promenade and parking it will only make the ability to enjoy easier.
So if your looking for a beach home don’t forget to give the many areas in Lower Township a look you might be surprised. Each one has a different feel, but they all offer access to what the area has to offer. Tai Menz is a New Jersey Licensed Real Estate Agent and member of the National Association of Realtors.
