Best of the Shore
Ventnor
Ventnor is the last of the quieter, more residential Shore spots, with its back set squarely to Atlantic City. Residents talk about what a great job the city has done addressing the “density issue” and turning the tide against apartment and condo units that were starting, a few years ago, to lead to crowding. Rentals are not very prevalent, and inns are limited, so most come here to buy. Though the newly revived beach is this summer’s big news, the main attraction is still the Boardwalk—a popular stretch on which to jog in the morning, bike in the evening, or walk directly into Atlantic City for a night in the casinos.
Best of Ventnor
Italian: Rosauri’s. If you’re in the company of good friends and a bottle of wine, it’s hard to beat a summer evening lingering over the alla carlo (rose sauce with shrimp and crabmeat served over homemade pasta) with Rosemary Clooney piped in overhead (5012 Wellington Avenue; 609-822-9522).
Water ice: Mento’s. A popular post-dinner gathering place, open until midnight. When it’s offered, locals don’t pass up the black cherry (5304 Ventnor Avenue; 609-487-7560).
Bed & Beach
Average 2004 home price: $268,512
AVERAGE 1999 HOME PRICE: $137,976
Recent Listing: A five-bedroom, 2.5-bath single with ocean view, enclosed outside shower and large porch, $599,900.
Cost to rent a three-bedroom beach-block house: About $12,000 a season for a condo.
Where to stay: The Carisbrooke Inn. Plush digs and a homemade breakfast (105 South Little Rock Avenue; 609-822-6392).
On the beach: Rebuilt last year as part of a $24 million Shore protection project, it now features less erosion and plenty of clean sand. Beach tags are required, but what’s good in Margate is good in Ventnor ($10 for the season).
All 2004 house prices come from the New Jersey Division of Taxation, with the exception of Strathmere prices, which came from the Cape May County Association of Realtors.
