ShopRite is completely revamping one of its stores in central New Jersey, according to a new redevelopment plan proposed by officials.

Holmdel-based Saker ShopRites, which owns and operates 39 ShopRite stores in Central Jersey and along the Jersey Shore, initially proposed building a brand new ShopRite in the parking lot of an existing store in Freehold Township.

Where To Visit In New Jersey Before Summer Is Over

I hate to say it but yes summer is marching on and we are heading into August. Soon kids will be heading to college and then at the beginning of September the area grade schools will be back in session. So now is the time to take those end-of-summer day trips to get some great memories in before the summer is gone.

There are many great places to go here in New Jersey, Only in Your State has put together a list of nine places to visit and I wanted to share those with you. Maybe you will have a few ideas to share as well. What’s great about day trips is that they don’t require a lot of time off, they are close so travel isn’t difficult, and they are less expensive, which I think is a welcome idea for everyone in today’s economy. So let’s look at these nine picks you and your family may consider. Gas up the car, grab some drinks and snacks, and head out for adventure in New Jersey.

According to Only In Your State here are 9 summer day trip destinations to take before summer ends:

1. Cape May: “Explore the beautiful Victorian-style homes, go shopping for arts and antiques, or soak up the sun on the beach in this quaint town.”

2. Grounds for Sculpture – Hamilton Township: I have visited Grounds For Sculpture personally and it is a fantastic day trip. Nature and art coexist at this outdoor and indoor museum.

3. Six Flags Great Adventure – Jackson Township: “This one is a classic and perfect for thrill-seekers. The Jersey Devil, a record-breaking roller coaster, is completely wild!”

4. Island Beach State Park – Lanoka Harbor: “Sunbathe, swim, and explore the island in relative quiet. It’s one of the best places to spend the summer in New Jersey.”

5. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks – Wildwood: “Wildwood in general is a summer hotspot, but we love the water park here – children can splash around while you enjoy drifting down the lazy river.”

6. Keansburg Amusement Park and Runaway Rapids Waterpark – Keansburg: “This is a fun one. Located right by the beach, you can try out all sorts of rides or hang out in the water park.”

7. Kayaking in the Pinelands – Shamong: “Pinelands Adventures will suit you up for a solo or guided tour through New Jersey’s unique and massive nature preserve. There’s no better way to spend a summer day than on a kayak!”

8. Mount Tammany – Knowlton Township: A hiking and photographer heaven.

9. Highlands Natural Pool – Ringwood: “Located in Ringwood, this is such a unique and interesting place to cool off. This natural swimming pool is formed by streams and surrounded by trees.”

Five million dollars is certainly a lot of money. But if you’re looking to sink it into a Jersey Shore house, you probably won’t get everything on your wishlist.

You should be able to find a new construction home. It will probably have a pool. But you might be walking at least a block to get to the beach.

The prices of homes at the Jersey Shore have nearly doubled since the coronavirus pandemic. And the continued low inventory is pushing prices even higher.

“There’s still an extreme lack of inventory,” said Brendan Pierce with Keller Williams Shore Properties. “Sellers are really benefitting.”

Five million dollars is the mid-range of the market, nowadays, especially in places like Seven Mile Island, where home prices top out at more than $20 million.

Prices were expected to stabilize when interest rates rose but that isn’t happening.

“People have just become more tolerant of the higher rates and they have a greater belief the market isn’t going to be negatively impacted,” said Jack Binder, Jr. of Ferguson Dechert Real Estate, Inc. “They’re watching other people’s transactions … and those transactions are giving them confidence. When this round sells, the dirt is going to be even more expensive.”

The $4 million to $5 million price range is a very active segment of the market, said Shawn Clayton of Clayton & Clayton Realtors, who works primarily between Point Pleasant Beach and South Mantoloking.

“There are probably four to five listings that just went under contract in the past 60 days,” he said.

And the market is picking up steam as the summer wanes.

“People who were down for the summer start heading home and feel like they’re missing out,” Clayton said. “So they want to step it up and purchase something for next year.”

Here are some homes that were recently listed at the Jersey Shore for about $5 million:

This home was custom built in 2022 for the current owner. The six-bedroom, four full- and two half-bathroom residence has 75 feet of water frontage and is located in the Normandy Beach private enclave. It has an elevator, a salt water pool, a chef’s kitchen and ornate millwork.

The home was on the market for about 50 days, “then we received several full price offers within 48 hours of each other,” said Brendan Pierce with Keller Williams Shore Properties. It is currently under contract.

This oceanfront five-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 2004. It’s about 4,300 square feet and has lower and upper decks with ocean views, multiple balconies, a two-car garage, a fireplace in the living room and a custom kitchen.

“The house is on Beacon Lane, it’s a very unique, oceanfront street. Everything is very custom. The neighborhood is built by design. It really does stand out and is a desirable area,” said Shawn Clayton of Clayton & Clayton Realtors.

A six-bedroom, six full- and two half-bathroom home is brand new. It’s a couple of blocks from the center of town and 16 homes from the beach. It was listed in January for $5.195 million. The price was reduced in March to $4.995 million and at the end of June the price was changed again to $4.699 million.

“It was built by people who did not intend to sell it and therefore it is ammenitized in a way that is finished beyond your typical … home built for resale,” said Jack Binder Jr. of Ferguson Dechert Real Estate, Inc.

Are you an agent, buyer or seller who is active in this changing market? Do you have tips about New Jersey’s real estate market? Unusual listings? Let us know.

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Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com.

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