Sea Isle

Great coastal living doesn’t get much better than that found in the small community of
Sea Isle City. One of the more exclusive residential areas in not only New Jersey, but
America as well, the median home price in this small piece of paradise along the Jersey
Coast is $562,000. About 55 percent of the community’s homes date from the 1970s to
1999 with about 20 percent built since the year 2000. Townhomes and condominiums,
most in small low-­rise properties make up more than half of the town’s available housing.
The community is a popular retirement haven with about a third of its 2,100 year-­round
residents being 65 or older. The city is known for providing exceptional city services and
social activities for its senior citizens as well as its other residents. A favorite vacation
destination for families, the community offers a relaxed, laid back atmosphere that’s less
commercialized than much of the Jersey coast with plenty of simple pleasures like mini­
golf and ice cream cones. Kayak, paddleboat and boat rentals are available on the island
and surf lessons and other recreational classes are offered. To enhance tourism, the city
launched a $14 million effort in 2011 with a new boathouse for the town’s marina, new
playgrounds and basketball courts and a pavilion and band shell overlooking the Atlantic.
The city is one of only several in the state to have LED streetlights powered by solar and
wind energy.

For those who prefer the bright lights and crowds of the big city, Atlantic City is about a
half hour drive away with Philadelphia being about an 80­minute drive. Originally
incorporated in 1882, Sea Isle was founded by Charles K. Landis, who also founded
Vineland, NJ, the latter community originally envisioned as an alcohol­-free, progressive,
agricultural utopia. Homage to that heritage is still evident in the community’s historic
buildings such the Colonnade Inn, a Victorian hotel dating to 1883. Nearby Cape May is
also home to a number of historic sites and buildings. In general, the residents of Sea
Island are well educated with a significantly larger percentage of them holding college
degrees than the national average. Residents also enjoy a higher than average upper
middle income.