Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ

Life in Avon-by-the-Sea changes dramatically with the seasons. In the summer, the quiet residential streets fill with beachgoers, the boardwalk comes alive, and locals head down to the Shark River marina to launch kayaks or take out their boats. You will need a seasonal badge to hit the sand between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and street parking gets tight near Ocean Avenue. Come October, the visitors clear out, leaving behind a peaceful coastal town where residents catch up around Main Street and walk their dogs along the ocean. If you commute to New York City, you will catch the train in neighboring Bradley Beach or Belmar, both an easy bike ride or walk away.

ATTRFamartin / CC BY-SA 4.0

Measuring less than half a square mile, Avon is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Shark River, and Sylvan Lake. Because water surrounds the town on three sides, you can walk to the shoreline from almost any front porch. The neighborhood is mostly made up of classic Victorian houses, restored beach cottages, and a few small condo buildings. Commercial zoning is intentionally limited to keep the atmosphere calm. You will find several popular local restaurants, a bakery, and small shops on Main Street, while larger supermarkets and nightlife spots are right over the bridges in Belmar and Neptune. With its own historic elementary school and local library, the borough holds onto a tight-knit community feel throughout the entire year.

ATTRLhcollins / CC BY-SA 4.0

Buying a home here means paying close attention to coastal upkeep and local regulations. Since the entire borough sits near water, checking flood maps, reviewing elevation certificates, and getting insurance quotes should happen early in your search. Salt air and coastal storms can wear down siding, roofs, and exterior fixtures quickly, so plan for a thorough inspection of crawl spaces, foundations, and weatherproofing. Avon also maintains strict local ordinances for renovations and rentals. Major exterior projects require proper borough permits, and loud construction is barred on summer weekends to keep the neighborhood peaceful. If you plan to rent out your property seasonally or year-round, you will need to factor in the local inspection process to obtain a certificate of occupancy.