Bill Leahy

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025 By Bill Leahy

Plenty of fireworks are on tap for this weekend! See below for times and locations!

AVALON’S BEACH PROJECT has been completed, and all of Avalon’s beaches are in great shape as the peak summer season arrives! Stone Harbor’s beaches are in great shape, too! Bring a chair or blanket and stake out your spot in the sand!

JUNE, IT WAS A PLEASURE! June brought us beautiful sunshine and gentle sea breezes, followed by a blast of hazy, hot, humid weather to usher in the month of July. Ocean water temperatures also warmed up nicely, and are about 74 degrees right now! For the holiday weekend we’re expecting mostly sunny skies and daytime temperatures in the low 80s!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! Celebrate our freedoms this weekend by participating in the many July 4^th activities in the area! Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Sea Isle City each have a line up of July 4^th festivities!

OTHER EVENTS:

Fireworks Cruise aboard Cape May Whale Watcher. July 3^rd and July 4th. Details and tickets here: https://capemaywhalewatcher.com/cruise/fireworks-cruise/

Weekly Events:

Every Sunday: Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 8am to 12pm at the Water Tower Parking Lot.
Every Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series. Water Tower Plaza, 95th Street 7pm. Begins July 8th (no show on August 5th.)
Every Thursday: Thursdays on the Lawn, free concert. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue, 7pm. Begins July 10th.

New Listings:

7800 Dune Drive, 307, Avalon, $403,333, ACTIVE MLS#: 251908

700 First Avenue, The Avalon Condominiums, Avalon, $1,099,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251841

630 21st Street, 2nd Floor, Avalon, $1,125,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251883

301 109th Street, East, Stone Harbor, $1,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251842

9 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,095,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251851

585 7th Street, Avalon, $3,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251864

188 34th Street, Avalon, $4,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251914

215 60th Street, Avalon, $6,295,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251868

Under Contract:

7929 Dune Drive, #310, Avalon, $599,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251754

2778 Dune Drive, Unit D, Avalon, $1,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250789

223 24th Street, 223, Avalon, $2,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250486

128 30th Street, Avalon, $3,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251787

135 112th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250809

125 112th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250808

1005 Dune Drive, Avalon, $4,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251531

146 22nd Street, Avalon, $4,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251728

187 104th Street, Stone Harbor, $5,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251778

66 S Pelican Drive, Avalon, $7,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 243354

Properties Sold:

468 21st Street, Avalon, $2,425,000, SOLD MLS#: 250741

46 W 31st Street, Avalon, $3,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 251268

9 E 11th Street, Avalon, $4,200,000, SOLD MLS#: 242387

1889 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $4,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 250305

4765 Fourth Avenue, Avalon, $4,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 250201

168 19th Street, Avalon, $4,875,000, SOLD MLS#: 251565

10039 Corinthian Drive, Stone Harbor, $5,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 250524

8700 1st Avenue, Stone Harbor, $5,995,000, SOLD MLS#: 251514

155 112th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 250357

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update June 26, 2025

June 29, 2025 By Bill Leahy

You don’t have to be a photographer to appreciate a good sunrise! Catch them daily from any beach!

SUMMER’S HERE, AND IT’S HOT! Daytime temperatures early in the week were well into the 90s, with little relief from the sea breeze. By the weekend, temperatures are expected to ease a bit, with highs expected in the upper 70s and low 80s. Ocean water temperatures have been very comfortable, and are now in the low 70s.

DESPITE THE RECENT HEAT, New Jersey drought conditions have eased, thanks to significant spring rainfall. The month of May brought above-normal precipitation to much of the state, which lead to all counties being removed from “drought” status. A large area including Atlantic County and parts of Burlington and Ocean counties remains in “abnormally dry” status. Even though conditions have eased, careful water usage is still encouraged!

GOTTA DO IT: “SECRET SPOTS!” There are a handful of spots on and around the island that are usually not crowded and so special, that they almost seem like “secrets!” Here are a few that are always worth a visit:

Avalon’s 8^th Street Jetty: Located at, well, 8^th Street, the jetty juts out into the ocean, providing views of the inlet and ocean that are unmatched. Adjacent to the jetty is the 8^th Street beach, and great place to relax while sunbathing or fishing.

Stone Harbor Point: Located at the southernmost tip of Stone Harbor, you can walk the beach south toward Hereford Inlet, or walk the path through the dunes and visit the observation deck, which provides an all-around view the area and associated wildlife.

Townsend’s Inlet Waterfront Park: Located at the very southern tip of Sea Isle City, there’s parking for your car and a path to the inlet beach, which wraps around the tip of the island from beach to bay, allowing you to walk beneath the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge. Sit of the beach, fish, or watch a sunset!

BOOK THAT VACATION if you haven’t already done so! Visit www.lfvacations.com to browse options and then call or email me! Give yourself a well deserved week at the beach with your family!

ONE BEDROOM CONDOS FROM $400,000…Two-bedroom condos from $729,500, three-bedroom condos from $1,075,000, four bedrooms townhomes from $1,390,000, and single family homes from $1,799,000. Yes, there really is something for every budget in Avalon, Stone Harbor, Avalon Manor, and Stone Harbor Manor! We’ve got lots of great options to investigate. Interested? Please call or email me!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays at Surfside: Concert by StevieMac. Surfside Park, Thursday, June 26th, 7pm.
Fridays at Surfside Park: Frozen Fever! Surfside Park, Friday, June 27th, 6:30pm.
Hoagie Sale at Stone Harbor Fire House. Saturday, June 28th, 8am to 11am. Go early, they sell out!
Memorial Ceremony Honoring Firefighter Thomas A. Thompson, who gave his life in the line of duty at the Avalon Ice House Fire on June 29th, 1956. Avalon Memorial, 30th & Dune Drive, Sunday, June 29th, 11am.
July 4th in Avalon:
- 3pm: Boat Parade. Parade starts at the Avalon Yacht Club (boats arrive at 2:45pm for line up.)
- 7pm-8:30pm: Music by American Sole at Surfside Park
- Dusk: Fireworks! Watch from the beach!
July 4th in Stone Harbor:
- 9am: Field Day at the Stone Harbor Recreation Athletic Field, 81st Street.
- 7:30pm: Music by BLT Band at the 81st Street Recreation Field
- Dusk: Fireworks! Launched from the 81st Street beach—watch from any beach!
Shore Shot Basketball Camp. Stone Harbor Recreation Center, July 8th to 11th. Visit www.ShoreShot.net for info and registration.

Weekly Events:

Every Sunday: Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 8am to 12pm at the Water Tower Parking Lot.
Every Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series. Water Tower Plaza, 95th Street 7pm. Begins July 8th (no show on August 5th.)
Every Thursday: Thursdays on the Lawn, free concert. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue, 7pm. Begins July 10th.

New Listings:

599 22nd Street, 599, Avalon, $1,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251825

261 45th Street, Avalon, $3,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251797

174 23rd Street, Avalon, $4,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251801

74 E 26th Street, Avalon, $6,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251796

74 38th Street, Avalon, $12,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251791

Under Contract:

364 41st Street, East, Avalon, $1,949,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251748

468 21st Street, Avalon, $2,650,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250741

7789 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,800,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242965

11605 Paradise Drive, Stone Harbor, $11,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250259

Properties Sold:

177 80th Street, 104, Avalon, $865,000, SOLD MLS#: 251529

1708 Ocean Drive, Unit 6, Avalon, $1,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 242334

225 7th Street, Avalon, $4,725,000, SOLD MLS#: 242332

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025 By Bill Leahy

Prices and inventory were up just slightly during May 2025. See the Long & Foster Market Minute report below for more.

MARKET STATS: The median sale price increased slightly during the month of May 2025, and so did the number of active listings. The average “days on market” figure held steady. For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report here: https://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.htm

BEACH REPLENISHMENT FUNDING ZEROED OUT. The Cape May County Herald reported on June 12th that the current administration has “zeroed out all beach nourishment funding in the FY25 federal budget, meaning no New Jersey beach nourishment projects will be completed this upcoming winter despite scheduled nourishments for both Ocean City and Stone Harbor/Avalon.” Cape May City also has a scheduled project that would have been eligible for replenishment funding. The Herald went on to report “Beach replenishment projects are typically funded with 65% federal dollars, while the remaining 35% comes from state and local sources – three-quarters of which are paid by the state.

Avalon Administrator Scott Wahl informed the Borough Council at its June 11 meeting that state policy does not permit a state contribution in the absence of a federal share. Without federal dollars, shore resort communities could be faced with the total cost of a hydraulic beach fill, which is generally out of reach for municipal budgets.

In Stone Harbor and Avalon, the Army Corps’ most recent beach replenishment project was in 2023. The most recent Cape Island nourishment took place in November and December 2023. Ocean City, north of 34th Street, was last nourished between October 2022 and February 2023.”

Stone Harbor Mayor Tim Carney has called on Congress to prioritize federal beach funding to keep our beaches safe and available for everyone to enjoy.

SAY NO to a higher “mansion tax” proposed by NJ Governor Phil Murphy. Murphy has proposed increasing the “transfer fee”—currently 1% on properties over $1 million, in order to raise revenue. Murphy’s proposal includes doubling the fee to 2% on properties from $1 million to $2 million, and tripling the fee to 3% on properties over $2 million, meaning the minimum fee would jump from $20,000 to $60,000. This new fee is NOT in effect, but let’s make sure it stays that way. Visit https://didyouknownj.com/ for more on the proposal—and ways to make your opinion know among your New Jersey legislators.

GOTTA DO IT: SAILING! Back by popular demand, my “Gotta Do It” list is back! This week: Sailing! There’s no better way to enjoy the water than to be propelled across it by wind power alone! If you’ve never sailed before, a two-hour lesson is a great way to get started. Visit https://pointsailingschool.com/ (located in Beesley’s Point) or http://www.ocnjsailingfoundation.org/home.html (located in Ocean City) for lessons or week-long kids’ camps. If a more laid-back approach what you want, the AJ Meerwald, New Jersey’s official tall ship, is back at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal offering public day sails on Delaware Bay through July 6th. Sit back and relax, or pitch in, grab hold of a line, and help the crew set sail! Visit https://www.bayshorecenter.org/ for info and tickets.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES are ramping up! See my events list below for ideas on what to enjoy while you’re on the island!

STAY FOR A WEEK, OR MAKE IT PERMANENT? If you haven’t scheduled your summer vacation yet, now’s the time! Don’t wait until the last minute to ensure a week of fun and family memories. Of course, if you’d like to make it permanent and purchase your very own shore property, let’s talk! Call or email me today!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays at Surfside: Sensational Soul Cruisers concert. Surfside Park, Thursday, June 19th, 7pm.
Avalon Historical Society Olde House Tour. Friday, June 20th, 1-4pm. For info and tickets visit https://www.avalonfreelibrary.org/ahc
Sand Sculpture Reveal. Watch as artist Brendan Schaffer sculpts sand into a beautiful work of art. Sculpting begins early, and will be revealed around 10am. 30th Street beach, Saturday, June 21st, 10am.
Summer Solstice Festival. Food vendors, beer & wine sales, balloon artists, face painters, plus music by Jimmy and the Parrots. Surfside Park, Saturday, June 21st, 5pm to 9pm.
Harbor Hustle 5k run 1M run, 1M walk. Sunday, June 22nd, 7:30am. For info and registration visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/StoneHarbor/SHPOAHarborHustle
Comeback Story for the Ages—The Osprey in New Jersey. This presentation will discuss the story of the Osprey, what caused their demise and comeback, and the challenges they still face today Surfside Park, Wednesday, June 25th, 6pm.
Hoagie Sale at Stone Harbor Fire House. Saturday, June 28th, 8am to 11am. Go early, they sell out!
Memorial Ceremony Honoring Firefighter Thomas A. Thompson, who gave his life in the line of duty at the Avalon Ice House Fire on June 29th, 1956. Avalon Memorial, 30th & Dune Drive, Sunday, June 29th, 11am.

New Listings:

66 E 20th Street, 108, Avalon, $1,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251750

364 41st Street, East, Avalon, $1,949,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251748

138 8th Street, Avalon, $2,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251736

146 22nd Street, Avalon, $4,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251728

10019 Sunrise Drive, Stone Harbor, $5,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251746

4202 5th Avenue, Avalon, $6,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251749

1 108th Street, Stone Harbor, $13,499,999, ACTIVE MLS#: 251753

Under Contract:

700 First Avenue, 305, Avalon, $959,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251106

158 38th Street, Avalon, $6,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251464

Properties Sold:

235 96th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,050,000, SOLD MLS#: 250763

280 28th Street, East, Avalon, $1,450,000, SOLD MLS#: 250668

1100 Ocean Drive, Unit 208, Avalon, $1,950,000, SOLD MLS#: 250661

267 35th Street, West, Avalon, $1,950,000, SOLD MLS#: 250517

585 7th Street, Avalon, $2,800,000, SOLD MLS#: 242112

176 24th Street, Avalon, $3,575,000, SOLD MLS#: 250596

115 117th Street, Stone Harbor, $5,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 241813

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025 By Bill Leahy

Wetlands Institute Research Scientist Brian Williamson and Coastal Conservation Research Program help Stone Harbor Kindergartners release diamondback terrapins into the marsh. The terrapin release program at The Wetlands Institute has worked with the Stone Harbor Kindergarten since 1991. Photos provided by Devin Griffiths of The Wetlands Institute.

TURTLE CROSSINGS have increased on local roadways! Please be sure to keep an eye out for diamondback terrapins seeking higher ground to lay eggs. Avoiding road kills is important to the future turtle population, and goes hand in hand with The Wetlands Institute’s efforts to save and release diamondback terrapins into the marsh, as shown above. If you’re inclined to help a turtle cross the road, please take all necessary precautions to ensure your own safety in traffic, and then cross the turtle in the direction it was originally headed.

ANNUAL VISITOR GUIDES for Avalon and Stone Harbor are now available! Listing everything from shops and restaurants to events and activities, they can be a useful resource while planning your stay! Check them out!

Avalon Visitor Guide: https://view.publitas.com/seven-mile-publishing/seven-mile-beach-vacation-guide-2025/page/100

Stone Harbor Visitor Guide: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/8ed5b590-d33d-467f-b81e-f4b65059a75e/2025_Stone_Harbor_book.pdf

STONE HARBOR RESTAURANT WEEK runs through June 15th! More than a dozen restaurants are participating, each with their own menu and specials. Check out the list of participating restaurants here: https://stoneharborchamber.com/restaurant-week

STILL NEED BEACH TAGS? If you’re in need of seasonal beach tags, you can purchase them at the beach tag offices in town, from beach tag inspectors on the beach, or, plan ahead and order them online, for delivery to your door! Jersey Cape Tags manufactures tags for local beach towns, and also makes them available online.

For Avalon tags, click here: https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/products/avalon-2025-seasonal-beach-tag

For Stone Harbor tags, click here: https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/products/stone-harbor-2025-seasonal-beach-tag

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Local Thursday at the Wine Bar. Rotating bar plate specials, 2-for-1 oysters, and 25% off wines by the bottle. The Washington Inn, Thursday, June 12th, 4pm to 8pm. (Last one until fall!)
Stone Harbor Restaurant Week, through June 15th. Check out the list of participating restaurants here: https://stoneharborchamber.com/restaurant-week
Avalon Historical Society Historic Marker Dedication: Avalon Swing Bridge. Celebrate Avalon’s transportation history with the unveiling of a historic marker at the site of the Avalon Swing Bridge. Foot of the 800 Block of 21st Street, Avalon, Saturday, June 14th, 12pm.
Stone Harbor Fit Expo. Stone Harbor Recreation Building and Athletic Fields, Saturday, June 14th.
Thursdays at Surfside: Sensational Soul Cruisers concert. Surfside Park, Thursday, June 19th, 7pm.
Summer Solstice Festival. Food vendors, beer & wine sales, balloon artists, face painters, plus music by Jimmy and the Parrots. Surfside Park, Saturday, June 21st, 5pm to 9pm.
Harbor Hustle 5k run 1M run, 1M walk. Sunday, June 22nd, 7:30am. For info and registration visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/StoneHarbor/SHPOAHarborHustle
Hoagie Sale at Stone Harbor Fire House. Saturday, June 28th, 8am to 11am. Go early, they sell out!
Memorial Ceremony Honoring Firefighter Thomas A. Thompson, who gave his life in the line of duty at the Avalon Ice House Fire on June 29th, 1956. Avalon Memorial, 30th & Dune Drive, Sunday, June 29th, 11am.

New Listings:

252 89th Street, North, Stone Harbor, $2,095,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251660

286 24th Street, 286, Avalon, $2,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251657

264 41st Street, Avalon, $3,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251622

5765 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $4,650,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251636

Under Contract:

2513 Dune Drive, Avalon, $769,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241142

108 27th Street, Avalon, $3,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251378

270 19th Street, Avalon, $3,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251169

9 E 11th Street, Avalon, $4,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242387

1088 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $5,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250784

8700 1st Avenue, Stone Harbor, $5,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251514

Properties Sold:

273 52nd Street, Avalon, $4,975,000, SOLD MLS#: 250541

102 116th Street, Stone Harbor, $8,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 241985

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025 By Bill Leahy

Beaches were busy, boats were plying local waters, visitors filled stores and restaurants, and Memorial Day parades and ceremonies were held!

GREAT WEEKEND! By all accounts the Memorial Day Weekend was a great start to the 2025 season! Good weather brought good crowds to our beaches, shops, and restaurants. Memorial Day ceremonies and parades were held in both Avalon and Stone Harbor on Monday. The only downside was lots of traffic on the highways southbound on Friday and northbound on Monday.

NEED A CONTRACTOR to perform an emergency repair or take care of that last-minute item? Chances are I can recommend someone that can help. But, if at all possible, don’t wait. At this time of year everyone is busy every day, so fitting in last-minute jobs can be a real challenge. If you need a recommendation, let me know, and then call to schedule your repair job as soon as possible!

GREAT RENTALS remain available, especially if you are flexible with your vacation dates. From a getaway condo to huge homes to accommodate the whole family, we can probably find something for you! Want to browse? Visit https://www.lfvacations.com/vacation-rentals/results/?searchform=1&State=NJ&Destination=Avalon Questions? Email or call me!

AVOID THE TRAFFIC, BUY A SHORE HOUSE! One of the least talked about benefits of owning a shore property is avoiding shore traffic! Imaging driving to the island Thursday after work, beating the Friday rush. And the Sunday night return trip? Forget about it–many shore property owners leave early Monday morning instead, heading right to the office. Not only do you avoid the worst of the weekend shore traffic, but your weekend is longer, too!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Art & Authors on Dune. Explore fine art and connect with talented authors along Dune Drive. Saturday, May 31st, 9am to 3pm. https://www.visitavalonnj.com/artauthorsondune
Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children Open House. Saturday, May 31st, 11am to 2pm.
Cape May Restaurant Week, June 1st to June 8th. For details and participating restaurants, visit https://www.cmrestaurantweek.com/
Restaurant Week at The Washington Inn & Wine Bar. June 1st plus June 3rd to 8th. $59 pre-fixe menu. Details and reservations here: https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/cape-may-restaurant-week
Avalon Garden Club Flower Show, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 7th, 10am to 3pm.
Stone Harbor Restaurant Week, June 8th to 15th.
Kid’s Day at the Stone Harbor Museum. June 11th, 9am to 12pm.
Stone Harbor Fit Expo. Stone Harbor Recreation Building and Athletic Fields, Saturday, June 14th.
Hoagie Sale at Stone Harbor Fire House. Saturday, June 28th, 8am to 11am. Go early, they sell out!
Local Thursday at the Wine Bar. Rotating bar plate specials, 2-for-1 oysters, and 25% off wines by the bottle. The Washington Inn, Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, through mid-June.

New Listings:

7889 Sunset Drive, North, Avalon, $1,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251520

2977 Dune Drive, 6, Avalon, $1,799,990, ACTIVE MLS#: 251517

2026 6th Avenue, South, Avalon, $1,975,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251495

127 34th Street, Avalon, $3,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251527

2568 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,690,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251524

1005 Dune Drive, Avalon, $4,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251531

8700 1st Avenue, Stone Harbor, $5,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251514

73 E 25th Street, Avalon, $9,300,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251509

Under Contract:

177 80th Street, 104, Avalon, $865,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251529

11 Leonard’s Lane, Avalon Manor, $1,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251316

7423 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,199,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251414

Properties Sold:

7888 Dune Drive, #222, Avalon, $587,000, SOLD MLS#: 250886

597 22nd Street, 597, Avalon, $2,175,000, SOLD MLS#: 241524

10801 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,650,000, SOLD MLS#: 250037

10624 Corinthian Drive, BAY FRONT, Stone Harbor, $5,195,000, SOLD MLS#: 250685

135 77th Street, Avalon, $6,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 250311

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update May 22, 2025

May 20, 2025 By Bill Leahy

Everybody is getting ready for the summer season—even the US Coast Guard! Charged with maintenance of the aids to navigation in our coastal waterways, the US Coast Guard routinely inspects the condition and location of buoys, day markers, and lights on the water. Whether boating on a clear, sunny day, or navigating buoy to buoy during a storm at night, navigational markers are important to everyone out on the water.

SETTING THE STAGE! Our first big summer weekend is upon us! Memorial Day Weekend traditionally brings big crowds, eager to enjoy the beaches, activities, and restaurants on the island, kicking off the summer season. If the forecast holds, we should be enjoying temperatures near 70 and partly sunny skies most of the weekend!

3-5% TOURISM GROWTH EXPECTED: County Tourism Director Diane Wieland predicted tourisim growth of 3-5% for Cape May County (Cape May County Herald, May 19th). Wieland was speaking to members of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, and reported that 80% of Americans are planning vacations in 2025, up 7% from earlier. About 12 million are expected to visit the Jersey Cape this summer!

RENTAL PROPERTIES—GET ‘EM READY! For many rental property owners, the three-day weekend represents the last chance to make final preparations for the summer rental season. It’s a great time to make sure everything is ready: all utilities should be on; all appliances should be checked; pools should be open and running; summer landscaping service should be established; pest and weed control services should be scheduled. Most importantly: examine your rental property as if you’ve never seen it before…is it clean? Is there enough silverware? Does a room need to be painted? Is there anything that should be improved or updated? Now is the time! Often, spending just a little bit of money offers great return, resulting is happy, repeat tenants! Need help in evaluating your rental property? Call or email me and I can provide you with a list of recommendations specific to your property.

WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST? That’s right—it’s time to make your annual Summer Bucket List! How about a sunrise walk on the beach? Maybe have dinner with an old friend you haven’t seen in 30 years? Teach your grandchild how to fish? Whatever it is, put it on your list, and make time for it this summer!

PAUSING TO REMEMBER: Take time this weekend to remember and honor those who gave their lives, while protecting ours. Enjoy your time; remember those who can’t be with us.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Stone Harbor Beach Opening Ceremony & Color Fun Run. Saturday, May 24th, 10am. (Registration for Fun Run begins at 9am.)
Turtle Trot 5k sponsored by the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Sunday, May 25th, 8am-10am. Visit www.StoneHarborTurtleTrot.com for details.
Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market. Every Sunday from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.
Somm’s Table: Iconic Espana. Four wines paired with four canapes created by Executive Chef Vincent Celeste. Washington Inn & Wine Bar, Sunday, May 25th, 3pm to 4:30pm. For details or reservations visit https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/somms-table-espana-tk85t-tf96g
Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony—Avalon. Begins at 32nd & Dune Drive at 9am and proceeds north to Veterans Plaza at 21st Street. Ceremony to follow at Veterans Plaza. In the event of rain, the parade is cancelled and the ceremony occurs inside Avalon Community Hall at 9am.
Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony—Stone Harbor. SHFD Memorial ceremony at Freedom Park on 96th Street, adjacent to the firehouse at 10am. Parade begins at 11am on 96th Street and proceeds toward the beach. 11:30am ceremony at the Women’s Civic Club at the beach. 11:30am ceremony at American Legion Post 331 at 117th Street.
Art & Authors on Dune. Explore fine art and connect with talented authors along Dune Drive. Saturday, May 31st, 9am to 3pm. https://www.visitavalonnj.com/artauthorsondune
Cape May Restaurant Week, June 1st to June 8th. For details and participating restaurants, visit https://www.cmrestaurantweek.com/
Stone Harbor Restaurant Week, June 8th to 15th.
Kid’s Day at the Stone Harbor Museum. June 11th, 9am to 12pm.
Local Thursday at the Wine Bar. Rotating bar plate specials, 2-for-1 oysters, and 25% off wines by the bottle. The Washington Inn, Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, through mid-June.

New Listings:

351 96th Street, 209, Stone Harbor, $975,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251442

712 Sunrise Drive, Avalon, $2,450,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251427

367 21st Street, Avalon, $2,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251470

520 21st Street, Avalon, $3,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251439

158 38th Street, Avalon, $6,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251464

8331 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $7,945,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 251436

Under Contract:

280 28th Street, East, Avalon, $1,498,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250668

1708 Ocean Drive, Unit 6, Avalon, $1,599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242334

1100 Ocean Drive, 312, Avalon, $2,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 243535

407 20th Street, 407 20th, Avalon, $3,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 223248

176 24th Street, Avalon, $3,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250596

805 21st Street, 805, Avalon, $4,300,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241929

1889 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $4,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250305

159 19th Street, Avalon, $4,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250403

102 116th Street, Stone Harbor, $8,990,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241985

Properties Sold:

7888 Dune Drive, 213, Avalon, $465,000, SOLD MLS#: 250887

2754 First Avenue, Avalon, $2,825,000, SOLD MLS#: 243049

19 Heron Drive, Avalon, $7,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 250695

2 84th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 241639

Meet Bill