Cresswind at Lake Harris
Tavares, Florida
Cape May, New Jersey
What It Is Like to Retire in Cape may
Cape May, New Jersey is a popular retirement community for people who enjoy the beach, fishing, and a Victorian setting. This beach community (4,000 year round residents, 40,000 seasonal population) at the bottom of New Jersey has long been famous for its stock of Victorian homes. The town has capitalized on this fame with an intelligent redevelopment plan that has given it an attractive pedestrian shopping center that attracts tourists all year long. Its nickname is "The Nation's Oldest Seashore Resort".
One of the attractions for active adults 55+ is the ability to live in and/or restore an elegant Victorian home that is within a few steps of the world famous New Jersey beaches. Cape May became was considered one of the finest resorts in America by the 19th century. A fire in the late 1800's wiped out 30 acres of the town center, which were rebuilt almost exclusively in the Victorian Style. Today it has the second largest collection of Victorian-era homes in the nation after San Francisco. In 1976 the entire city was officially designated a National Historic Landmark city. Since the downtown is so nice, it is possible to avoid having to drive one’s car for days on end. On the outskirts of town there are some newer developments and active adult communities that cater to the newly retired. Photo of Beach Avenue, from the sea, courtesy of Wikipedia and Smallbones (public domain).
For a list of profiles on over 1300 cities and towns go to best reviews of retirement communities. Here are some helpful facts about retirement in New Jersey
Where to Retire in Cape may and Home Prices
The retirement community housing choices are somewhat limited in town, mostly in the form of private homes or mobile homes. Real estate is quite expensive. According to Zillow.com, the median home value was about $614,000 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Cape may
• Unique collection of Victorian homes • Interesting downtown • A livable small city • A top birding area • It is the only place where the entire city has been listed as the entire city of Cape May was officially designated a National Historic Landmark • Annual Cape May Literary Festival • The Travel Channel named it one of Top 10 Beaches in USA
What Is Not Special about Cape may
It is somewhat remote. Crowded in summer, lonely in winter.
Who Will Like Retirement in Cape may
Cape May attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a small city in the un-crowded and beautiful state of New Jersey. For help on nearby towns like Manahawkin and the charming college town of Princeton.
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is driven by tourism. It is the first stop over the New Jersey border and the gateway to the resorts in the area.
Climate and Physical Environment
Cape May New Jersey is at the very bottom of New Jersey on the Atlantic Ocean. It is on a coastal plain with many waterways and bays.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Annual Cape May Literary Festival. The town hosts the Cape May Jazz Festival, the Cape May Music Festival and the Cape May Film Festival. Cape May Stage, performs at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse. East Lynne Theater Company and the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts. Birding is an important activity in Cape May.
Crime
Crime rate is below the national average.
Medical facilities
Cape Regional Medical Center is 12 miles away.
Transportation
Atlantic City International Airport is the hub for Spirit and Songbird Airlines. Cape May is below average in walkability when compared to other towns.
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