Vikram Kumar asked:


 

If you are planning on purchasing real estate in Costa Rica, now is the perfect time as long as you use a real estate law firm in Costa Rica.  Real estate laws differ in all parts of the world, so before you make a purchase, you should look for a firm that is well versed in the real estate law of this country.  They can even help you with off shore banking. 

 

If you have never before been to Costa Rica, now is the perfect time to go.  You may decide to do business in this country or even decide to purchase property.  Any time you enter into a formal contract that is legally binding, you need to have an attorney that knows the law and can help protect you.   If you are purchasing real estate in Costa Rica for business or pleasure, be sure to get the advice of a real estate law firm in Costa Rica. 

 

Off shore banking can be a tax incentive for you if you are planning on doing business in Costa Rica or have a place in the area.  You can get off shore banking advice from a Costa Rican attorney who will be able to explain to you the tax laws as well as how much you can save by opening up such an account.  Costa Rica offers off shore banking to citizens of the United States as well as others.  If you are unsure about how to open an account or what the tax advantages are, then you should consult with an attorney who understands tax laws in Costa Rica. 

 

A real estate law firm in Costa Rica can facilitate the closing of your property in this part of the world.  You can purchase property for business use, such as a bed and breakfast, vacant property that can be developed into luxury condos or even property for your own use.  You will find that there are many excellent deals in Costa Rica that you can take advantage of, but you do need to seek the advice of a real estate law firm in Costa Rica before you embark on purchasing property. 

 

The real estate law firm in Costa Rica will be able to help you with all of your real estate purchasing needs when you are looking for property in Costa Rica.  If you are seeking beachfront property in which to build a villa, or even a commercial complex, you can find it in Costa Rica.  Rarely in the world is there such beauty.  Costa Rica has both mountains and seaside views.  If you are seeking the ultimate in luxury, you can find some palatial beach front estates.  Your real estate law firm in Costa Rica can help you find what you are looking for and also help you with an off shore banking account.  Many commercial investors are looking to Costa Rica for undeveloped land for retirement and luxury condos as well as commercial space.  An attorney who understands Costa Rica real estate law can help anyone who is seeking to purchase property in this country.



easternshore news

Brian Garvin asked:


After lots of research, here are the cities we found in the State Of Virginia that offer great deals on Virginia Real Estate. We also give you a detailed reason why regarding our decision.

Lynchburg, VA. Real Estate - Our research indicates this is one of the hottest, fastest emerging Real Property Markets. Lynchburg is known for having a fabulous health care system as well as having plenty of manufacturing, restaurants and entertainment to choose from in this area. It is also rated by Money Magazine as being one of the 50 top places to raise your family. You can still get a decent home in this area for under $100,000 which makes this area a great deal.

Gretna, VA. Real Estate - The cool thing about Gretna, VA. is that you can purchase a real fancy Rustic like home in this area for just over $100,000. You can go way up of course if you are looking for a Top of The Line, Stylish Rural home. There is a lot of history behind Gretna. This area is very close to places like Danville, Washington DC, Richmond, Roanoke and some others. The cost of living in Gretna isn’t as high as it is in many other parts of the State, but the cost of the homes are slightly higher. Gretna is near the Blue Ridge Mountains and people are constantly fishing, boating, skiing and snow boarding during the winter months. Gretna is a great place to retire.

Amherst, VA. Real Estate - Amherst, VA. is a large town with a small population, which means no banging heads in this area. Amherst is located inland near the coast and is right next to Lynchburg and Madison Heights. The Amherst Real Estate Market is one of the best in this country right now. Many of the homes in this area will be refurbished houses. The price range of homes in Amherst is about $120,000 to $300,000. Most of the residents in this city have families and children. Some, but by all means not all of the homes in this area will be under the towns preservation society which means if you want to live there you’ll have to follow certain simple rules. Amherst has a great school system with low crime.

Buckingham, VA. Real Estate - This area is also one of the best in the nation when it comes to pure value to money. The average price of a home in Buckingham is $176,000. What makes this such a great deal is that Buckingham is one of the best places in Virginia to live. The average family income for this area is $36,000. They have a great school system and the average Student to Faculty ratio is only 13:1, which means your child will be assured a solid education. Buckingham gets about 18 inches of snow each year and the summer weather is tolerable at only 87 degrees.

There are many other great areas like this in Virginia, such as the Bedford, VA. Real Estate Market for example. Out in Bedford you can still buy a decent home in the $100,000 range. They also have the National D-Day Memorial and right now have about 6,300 people living in Bedford.



ANDRES

Virginia Wherland asked:


Need a new summer home or home for your in-laws? A Katrina Cottage might be just the thing. Developed in response to one of the worst natural disasters this country has ever seen, these sturdy little go-anywhere homes are now available at the retail level and are providing a range of unexpected alternative housing solutions as far from the Gulf Coast as Minnesota. The good design of these adaptable cottages make them attractive to people looking to develop vacant land, build a modest home or add value to an existing property. Uses include:

- lake front house or mountain home

- place to shack up while building a larger residence or building on undeveloped land

- income generating guest house or rental

- practical in-law house or house for returning children

- student housing

- they also make fabulous green homes for people looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

The concept of buying your home in box isn’t new. In 1908, you could buy a house kit out of the Sears cataloged for as little as $107. It’s estimated that 100,000 DIY homes were picked out of the cataloged, delivered by train and assembled by eager families between 1908 and 1940 all across America.

All the plans and materials for a Katrina cottage can be had for as little as $30K, but the house requires its own foundation and in most cases - a professional builder. Still, the average cottage can be up in less than two months and some can be up in less than a week. Though some of the award winning designs take up a scant 400 square feet, they’re designed for expansion. Over time, the small homes can be added on to.

HEY LITTLE HOUSE - HOW COME YOU LOOK SO GOOD?

Created in response to the need for emergency housing after hurricane Katrina hit the southern United States and the gulf coast, the cottages were meant to supplant the ugly and impermanent FEMA trailers that filled ravaged cities and outlying areas after the storm. More than 200,000 homes suffered major damage and 50,000 homes were obliterated by the storm. Because the devastation was so widespread and the need for housing so great - proponents of the Katrina Cottage movement realized that if speed in rebuilding were the main priority, “revitalizing” the devastated historic communities of the south would leave behind a landscape that lacked style to say the least.

Sparked by discussions at the Mississippi Renewal Forum in 2005, designers quickly got to work on the problem: designing a house that:

- could be built for as little as it costs to provide a FEMA trailer

- could be built quickly

- could stand up to hurricane force winds, earthquakes and other natural disasters

- met all international building codes

- could be delivered as a manufactured house, modular house, kit house, panelized house or as a site built house

- and above all - it had to look good.

The first designs emerged just months after the storm in 2005. In sync with the architectural traditions of Louisiana and Mississippi - the classic details, nine foot ceilings and quaint front porches elevate these mini-homes far above the tin-can ambiance of the FEMA trailers. They can be produced, transported and erected in a timely manner. Easy and cheap to heat, steel framed and concrete lined, they can also withstand almost anything you can throw at them including 140 mph winds and a ton of snow. Combine these qualities with their recent availability online through Lowes stores in the US, and we may be seeing a lot more of these mini-homes in years to come.



ELLIOTT

Richard Love asked:


The undiscovered gem of the Eastern Algarve

When people ask me about Tavira I can honestly say that I sometimes don’t really know what to say.

Do I tell them about the stunning miles of empty beaches, the fact that the town has its own island just off shore, the memorable seafood meals I have had there, the seemingly endless rounds of festivals when the whole town parties, the unbelievably low price of a beer or a coffee……

Or do I just say “Oh it’s alright there I suppose, I am not sure you would like it though.”

Why the dilemma?

On the one hand I have a business that involves recommending Tavira to people looking to buy a property in Portugal or more specifically a property in Tavira. On the other hand I don’t want my beautiful town and area being over run by mass development.

Fortunately the local authorities have got it just right. There is no doubt that the town of Tavira and also the villages around are expanding. But the new building is sympathetic to the environment and surroundings. You will not find huge ugly tower blocks here.

No, the new property in Tavira is either low rise apartments, usually set in beautiful gardens with a generously sized communal pool, or detached villas with their own grounds and private pool.

Occasionally, a traditional town house near the centre of town comes on the market and these are usually snapped up very quickly.

People love the fact that the older properties in the narrow cobblestone streets are naturally cool in the summer yet warm in the winter. The proximity to the bars and restaurants of town is another added bonus.

The restaurant and bar scene in Tavira is lively and great fun. The locals love to party but all, young and old alike seem to enjoy themselves by having noisy conversations with their friends and family. It’s rare to see a local in a drunken state and you certainly do no get any of the mindless chanting so common in the UK on a weekend night.

Restaurants are open late and are always happy to provide either a snack or a full 3 course meal. The local seafood is fantastic and you will not believe the prices.

The other great thing about Tavira is its proximity from the UK; just 2 hours by plane into Faro from Gatwick and then a half hour or less drive. If everything goes to plan and you are brave with your timing to get to the airport in the UK it’s possible to do it in just a fraction over 4 hours from London. Don’t cut it too fine though and miss your plane, (as I have done).

Tavira is certainly a jewel in the crown of the Algarve, but it is not a gaudy, flashy diamond, but, rather, it is a quiet and beautiful, understated sapphire.

Please come and have a look at the great property in Tavira…….but, just not all of you.



BUCK

Christian Jacobsen asked:


“The Most Powerful Canadian in Hollywood”, Pamela Anderson, is embarking on an exciting residential waterfront development in her hometown of Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The project has been at least a year in the making, but the initial development plans have now been laid for the Ladysmith waterfront property. So far the scope of the development involves 72 condominiums in three separate buildings, and 11 townhouses in three other buildings. There are also plans for moorage and a marina that’ll house up to 18 boats owned by development residents. Originally the design was zoned for commercial use, but plans have since changed and the complex is set to be purely residential.

Pamela has teamed up with developer and ex-hockey player Geoff Courtnell to develop the project on what used to be Anderson’s grandparents’ property in Ladysmith. The project aims to lead as an example for smart development in the small town of Ladysmith, in terms of planning and green building standards. Environmentally friendly features will include geothermal heat exchange, pavement that is water-permeable and a re-circulating pond and stream to prevent heavy runoff. There is also a green roof plan and a storm-water management plan in place. Other environmental considerations include the planning team’s concerted effort to minimize the building’s footprint on the area. The density proposed for the site will be much less than what is currently permitted under the town’s zoning. Anderson plans to save many of the established fir and arbutus trees on the site, creating a green buffer from any potential highway noise. The focus will be on clearing only the trees that obstruct the incredible ocean views.

The particular property that is scheduled to be developed is a five acre chuck of land that was a holiday cottage business, run by Anderson’s grandparents. It overlooks the ocean and is close to a well-established neighborhood built up above an estuary. The units will change in size from 1,200 to 1,500 square feet and prices for the units have yet to be determined.

Ladysmith is a Vancouver Island town with an ever-growing population of 7,000 + residents. Named by Harrowsmith magazine as “one of the prettiest towns in Canada”, Ladysmith has a unique geographic location, perched up on a hill side, overlooking the spectacular eastern shores of beautiful Vancouver Island. The town is ideal for exploring the awesome beauty and charm of the near-by Gulf Islands by boat or kayak. Other great activities that are easily accessible include, hiking in the rugged backcountry, swimming, biking, or visiting the Cowichan Valley’s excellent restaurants and bourgeoning wineries.

Ladysmith is on the cutting edge of environmental programming and boasts an award-winning recycling program. Famous for it’s annual Festival of Lights, Paddlefest and Arts on the Avenue, Ladysmith BC is a spirited community that won’t be a best kept secret for much longer–. especially now that superstar Pamela Anderson is raising its profile with this enticing, new, waterfront development. Keep you’re eye on on this one, good things come in small packages - and from small, beautiful and undiscovered places.



ARNOLD

Robert Lipply asked:


Once part of the barrier island town, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores’ history began in 1949 when the south shore of the island broke off to become a town of its own. It carried the name Indian Rocks Beach South Shore Beach until 1973, when the town council voted to shorten the name to Indian Shores. With a population of less than 2,000 year round residents, Indian Shore offers a relaxed atmosphere, scenic shorelines and wonderful weather to anyone looking for a new home - or a home away from home.

As small as it is, Indian Shores is home to some of the best area restaurants with cuisine ranging from surf and turf specials to upscale Scandinavian and Italian restaurants. The town is a haven for adults, with children under 18 in less than 10% of the town’s households. The wide stretches of beach and proximity to nearby cities, though, offer an enormous range of fun activities for any resident or visitor.

Located on the southern shore of one of the Gulf Coast’s barrier islands, Indian Shores is just under three miles long, and has beaches facing either the Gulf Coast or the Intercoastal Waterway. The small town boasts more than twenty beach accesses, and has benefited from a recent beach nourishment project that added tons of fine white sand to the already beautiful beaches. Originally developed as a playground for the wealthy in the 1920s, Indian Shores remains a popular beach destination with beachfront cottages, condominiums, and second homes in abundance.

Real estate prices in Pinellas County where Indian Shores is located, enjoyed a recent spike that combined with historically low mortgage rates to spark new home development and speculative investors. In the past year, however, housing prices have stabilized and started to drop slightly, making this an ideal time to buy a home in Indian Shores. Projections by Wachovia Financial’s economic unit predict that housing prices will stabilize and begin to rise again at more normal rates, and that the strong economy and low unemployment rates will keep the area prosperous.

In short, with interest rates and housing prices poised to rise over the next several months to a year, there’s no better time to be buying a home - either as a primary residence or as a second home or vacation rental - in this beautiful, quiet community on the Florida Gulf Coast known as Indian Shores.



CAMERON

Art Gib asked:


If you are thinking of moving to the garden state, the following article reviews some of the benefits and drawbacks of living in New Jersey.

Situated on the East Coast with close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey geographically rests in an ideal commercial crossroads location. As a result, the economy is very strong and diverse. For example, rather than capitalizing on one industry like many other states, New Jersey is home to printing, electronic, health care, retail, service, food processing, fishing, shipping, and agricultural industries. The state economy produces more than $400 billion every year. The average per capita income is also well above the national average.

Unfortunately, the cost of living in New Jersey probably requires a good portion of those larger salaries. For example, New Jersey carries one of the heaviest tax burdens of any state in the nation. NJ real estate is also very expensive since the average price from a single family home is $400,000 or more; a figure that is double the national average. In some areas, like Morris or Bergen, $800,000 is more of the median home price.

Part of the reason why real estate is so expensive is because of the scarceness of land. Three hundred years of settling and development coupled with an effort to preserve the state’s natural beauty leave very little room for new growth. In addition to limiting development land, the untouched reserves also add to the state’s appeal though which makes and the real estate value climb even higher.

If you are looking for the most “affordable” part of New Jersey, the southern region of the state, which is also known as the Pine Barrens, is one of the least expensive and least populated areas. The northwest region probably isn’t far behind the Pine Barrens because of its mountainous and wooded terrain. A lot of people are drawn to the metropolitan areas of New York City and Philadelphia or the coastal communities along the eastern shore though. If you work in one of the larger cities, affordable housing will probably be hard to come by.

In spite of the high cost of living, New Jersey is a beautiful and industrious place to settle down. It also boasts one of the strongest education systems in the country. That’s why New Jersey students consistently earn the highest average scores on Advanced Placement tests in the nation.



DUSTIN

Kathy Sandler asked:


The northern Italian region of Lombardy is home to one sixth of the entire population of the country and its de facto sartorial capital, Milan, home to the designer clothes and shoe factories that form the basis of stylish Italian elegance. However, Lombardy isn’t just about haute couture, it is also home Italy’s beautiful northern lakes, and the luxurious villas that overlook them.

The Italian lakes are one of the most popular holiday and property regions of Italy, up there with the Chiantishire favourites of Tuscany and Umbria, as well as the Riviera of Liguria. The most famous of the lakes is Como, shaped like an upside down Y with villages and towns dotted along the extensive shoreline against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps. The lake’s namesake town of Como lies at the southern end of one of its forks, and is just 45 minutes north of Milan. From here the selection of lakeside towns spreads along the western and eastern shores of the lake, taking in George Clooney’s adoptive village of Laglio, the pretty town of Tremezzo, and Bellagio, which sits at the centre of the lake’s southern shore. Lake Como’s popularity as a holiday destination dates from the Roman era; property prices reflect the history, beauty and fame of the region, as well as the finite supply of lakeside houses.

Rupert Fawcett of Knight Frank says that across the lakes prices have stabilised after strong growth, but that prices “will continue to rise for those very important and unique properties (especially waterfront and especially on Lake Como), which are for sale in a very limited supply, and often through private ‘off-market sales’.” On the market, though, is a converted period house with two apartments for sale in Faggeto, about 15 minutes from Como. The two-bedroom apartments cost €525,000 (£415,000) and €598,000 (£472,000, through Knight Frank, and are just five minutes’ walk to the beach, marina and pier. For something a little bigger, the company has a five-bedroom modern villa for sale in Mezzegra, where Benito Mussolini and his lover Claretta Petacci met their end at the hands of the Italian resistance. The villa has views across the Bellagio peninsula and a 3,500-square-metre garden and is on sale for €2,200,000 (£1.7 million).

Target Immobiliare, which specialises in property on Lake Como, agrees that prices have stabilised at the lake despite the wider market recording a notable slowdown. “This is because the nature of the territory doesn’t allow extensive development of house building so the great demand for houses on the lake cannot be fulfilled. The area mainly consists of restructured or restored houses while the offer of new constructions is quite limited.” The company also says that properties with parking, either a garage or car access, increases the value of a house; Target is selling a semi-detached town house in Faggeto Lario, just north of Como, with spacious terraces and views of the lake as well as the all-important garage for €610,000 (£482,000).

The second-largest of Italy’s northern lakes is Lake Maggiore, which separates the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont and juts into the Swiss Alps at its northern tip. The most popular resorts, like the pretty town of Stresa, are on the western, Piedmont side of the lake, which is served by the main railway through the mountains to Lausanne and Geneva; but the eastern side, with its proximity to Milan, is still sought after.

Frances Petersson from Jackson Stops & Staff International says: “There seems to be a renewed interest on Maggiore, whether it is all the recent press or just that people are realising what a convenient place it is. Unlike Como, it has many more beaches and water sports clubs, some very prestigious golf clubs and in winter is close to several ski resorts as well as in commuting distance to Milan.” She adds that prices are also more reasonable than at Lake Como or Lake Garda, with lakeside homes still available for under €500,000 (£395,000) with very little work to do. Jackson Stops & Staff has an apartment on Isola Bella, one of the picturesque Borromean Islands in the middle of Lake Maggiore, for sale for €320,000 (£253,000). The spacious first-floor apartment in one of the traditional fisherman’s houses has two balconies from which to enjoy lakefront views.

On the Lombardy side of the lake, the town of Maccagno is the site of the new Golfo Gabella development, made up of 90 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in five buildings with communal swimming pool, gym, restaurant and on-site rental facilities. Properties start from £194,000 through Pure International and there is an option of a private mooring on the lake.

Pat McCreddie at Unicasa, which also markets properties at the Golf Gabella development, says an owner looking to rent their property can expect to receive around €250 (£197) per person per week. “Therefore, if you have a one-bedroom apartment, which can easily sleep four, the income would be €1,000 [£790] per week. This is an average figure throughout the year and of course some weeks would command higher rents than others.” (Summer rents can command up to €300 (£236) per person per week.)

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian lakes, located to the west of the region but still within an hour’s drive from Milan’s Bergamo airport or, depending on which side of the lake you are going, Brescia and Verona are also airport options. Like its northerly counterparts, Lake Garda also served as a luxury Roman holiday destination, and remains a bustle of lakeside resorts including Sirmione on the southern shores and Riva del Garda in the north. Along the south-western shores of the lake, Casa Travella is selling a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment overlooking the centre of Padenghe sul Garda for €330,000 (£260,000).

Although the northern lakes are close to the Alps and winter skiing, the high rental season is relatively short, running from May to September. But Linda Travella of Casa Travella says investors can realise rental for up to 40 weeks of the year, albeit with lower winter rates. For example, Travella says a three-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury apartment can go for £900 to £1,500 per week in high season but this drops to around £500 per week in the winter months. If you’re looking for a more regular income though, property in Milan can earn over five per cent rental returns for smaller properties and around four per cent for larger more expensive properties according to the Global Property Guide, an online residential property guide. But be aware that the Italian rental laws are very prescriptive and don’t always work in the best interests of the landlord.

The process of buying is relatively simple and includes a proposal offer, which, if accepted, is followed with a ten per cent deposit. The preliminary contract of sale usually takes about four to six weeks and the completion comes when the notary contract transfers ownership of the property. New-build properties attract VAT of four per cent for first homes while resale properties incur a registration tax of three per cent.



BRET

Betsy Old asked:


Whether you are considering a permanent move to the Jersey shore, renting for the summer, or just planning a short getaway, there is a perfect community for you and your family. Each of the following locations has a unique blend of history and modern flavor that attracts tourists and new residents alike.

Allenhurst

The Allen family farm was purchased in 1895 and the .028 square mile land area of “Allenhurst” was formed. Allenhurst has become one of the wealthier towns on the New Jersey Shore. The large Victorian and Tudor-Style homes, as well as the small-town feel of the neighborhood today make Allenhurst a desirable place to live and to visit. The picturesque town has small shops, an award-winning bakery and fine restaurants while a nearby lake offers fishing and canoeing. A popular place in Allenhurst is The Beach Club. Situated at the end of Corlies Road, the beautiful club has pools and a restaurant open during the summer.

Asbury Park

Beginning as a vibrant New Jersey shore resort community in 1870, Asbury Park has set trends and produced cultural icons throughout the 20th century. Legendary Asbury Park has played a significant role in people’s memories of summer fun and the very best of what a tightly knit creative community can be. Because Asbury Park is historically charismatic and culturally appealing, the current renaissance is a logical continuation of a century of challenges, revival and growth. In Asbury Park’s downtown and new boardwalk, the pulse of activity is visible with many new restaurants, galleries and shops. Old buildings being reclaimed, renovated and restored are attracting homebuyers and investors from across the nation. Come to visit our beloved “City by the Sea”.

Avon-by-the-Sea

Incorporated as “Avon-by-the-Sea” on March 23, 1900, this lovely seaside town is a great place to swim & relax in the summer sun. Plenty of fine restaurants, shops, Victorian homes and a beautiful boardwalk and beach make Avon one of New Jersey’s most relaxing spots. Don’t miss the famous Macaroon Shop on Main Street.

Belmar

Originally named “Ocean Beach”, Belmar was founded in 1872. In 1889, the town was re-named Belmar, which is French for “Beautiful Sea”. Today Belmar is one of the most active towns on the Jersey Shore as it attracts many families and singles during the summer. Belmar’s large marina, great fishing and boating as well as fabulous restaurants make Belmar a desirable place to be. A mid-summer Professional Volleyball Tournament on July 8th through the 10th adds to the appeal of this summer destination spot.

Bradley Beach

Founded in 1893, Bradley Beach is an oceanside playground with many choices of recreational activities including: a boardwalk and lovely beach, miniature golf, summer concerts and dances. This small town has an unusually large number of diverse restaurants and clubs. In 1679, legend has it that Captain Kidd anchored his vessel off of what is now Sylvan Lake and buried his treasure between two trees on today’s Brinley Avenue. Today, the year-round population is 5,000 and soars to 30,000 during the summer months.

Brielle

Present day Brielle was founded in 1664 and in the late 1800s Brielle started to become a summer resort when cottages and hotels were built along the Manasquan River. In 1881 a group of investors formed the Brielle Land Association. Interestingly, the name Brielle derives from a town in Holland as the area reminded the founders of the coastal towns of Europe’s North Sea and English Channel. Having no oceanfront, Brielle is well known for many recreational opportunities including fishing, a nationally renowned golf course and its’ marinas which host many commercial and charter fishing boats.

Eatontown

Slightly under 6 square miles, with a population of about 14,000 people, Eatontown is one of the largest towns on the Jersey Shore. It’s long and intricate history began in 1670 when Thomas Eaton, a Quaker, came from Shrewsbury to develop this new land . In 1873 the New Jersey State Legislature made the name of Eatontown official. Because of its central location, Eatontown became a camp and communications center during the war. The camp was renamed after Alfred Vail in honor of the New Jersey inventor who helped develop the Morse telegraph. Many innovations were developed at what is now known as Fort Monmouth including aircraft radar detection and walkie talkies. Old Indian trails are a crossroads for modern travel and the Monmouth Mall, built in 1959 on a former farm, is the center of town. The war made it necessary to train large numbers of telegraphers and other communications personnel.

Interlaken

Founded in 1888, Interlaken was originally a 364-acre farm. In 1890, the Interlaken Land Development Company was created and plans for a residential community began. Throughout its history, Interlaken remains what it still is today - a quiet residential community of approximately 400 families. Many of the present homes were built in the early to mid 1900s by artists, painters, sculptors and writers who found the idyllic community, between the lakes, to be the perfect setting for their creative spirits. Surrounded by Deal Lake, within walking distance to the beaches, local shopping and transportation, Interlaken remains an idyllic residential community.

Lake Como

First settled in 1693, the borough of Lake Como, just south of Belmar, was formally established in 1924. One of the first settlers was Jeremiah Newman who began his life as a farmer. When people started flocking to the seaside town Jeremiah began selling off parcels of his farm for $1 an acre. Today Lake Como has a thriving beachfront which offers a boardwalk, shops, boating and many restaurants.

Little Silver

It is said that Little Silver got its name after a village in Devonshire England. Settled in 1667, early residents were farmers, fishermen and merchants. Separating from Shrewsbury in 1923, Little Silver today is a residential community that features river boating, public tennis courts, beautiful parks and the Post Office Museum. A historic site is The Parker House which is over 350 years old.

Loch Arbour Village

Lined with majestic trees and beautiful Victorian homes, Loch Arbour is the only village, and smallest town, in Monmouth County. Spanning only two blocks wide and five blocks long, Thomas White purchased the land in 1820 from Jacob Corlies. Loch Arbour was incorporated in 1957 and was previously part of Ocean Township. Bordered by Deal Lake and Allenhurst, Loch Arbour’s name comes from “Loch” meaning “Lake” and “Arbour” meaning “Trees”. Within walking distance of the beach, shops and restaurants, Loch Arbour empitomizes a quaint seaside village

Long Branch

One of the largest cities on the Jersey Shore, Long Branch was very glamorous in its early days as it attracted many wealthy New Yorkers, as well as more notorious adventurers like Diamond Jim Brady and Lily Langtree. Presidents Grant, Hayes, Harrison, McKinley, Wilson and Garfield all summered in Long Branch. During the 1920s, Long Branch declined in its popularity due to gambling laws restricting this popular past time. Currently Long Branch is experiencing a revival which can be seen along the waterfront with many new buildings being constructed, many restaurants and an active nightlife.

Monmouth Beach

Dating back to 1668, Monmouth Beach was first purchased by Eliakim Wardell. In 1842, Wardell’s great grandson Henry sold one of the lots to the U.S. Life Saving Service and in 1865 sold the rest to Arthur V. Conover. Mr. Conover and other investors founded the Monmouth Beach Association in 1871. Oceanfront homes were built and the community began to thrive. Many of the original 19th century Victorian homes still exist alongside new contemporary properties making Monmouth Beach an idyllic seaside resort.

Neptune Township

Incorporated in October of 1881, Neptune was named after the Roman God of the Sea. During the last decade, Neptune has significantly grown residentially, commercially and in technological advances. A prestigious addition has been the Jersey Shore Medical Center which is an affiliate of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Township highlights include the Jumping Brook Golf Course, great restaurants, Shark River Park (in Shark River Hills) which features a walking trail, barbeque areas and picnic tables, and the historic town of Ocean Grove. The celebrities Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito spent their childhood years as friends in Neptune.

Ocean Grove

Incorporated in 1869, Ocean Grove is a National Historical District. Founded by Bishop Francis Asbury, Ocean Grove (a sister to Cape May) has the largest number of Victorian homes in the nation and today maintains Methodist traditions. The Great Auditorium was built in 1875 and still is host to Sunday worship services and many concerts during the summer. Tents were the first structures in Ocean Grove and today 114 tents still provide summer residence for families many of which descend from original Ocean Grove settlers. The beautiful beach, boardwalk, quaint village, many shops and restaurants make Ocean Grove a truly memorable place to live and to visit.

Ocean Township

From Waretown to Brookville, Ocean Township is a diverse mix of natural beauty, history, recreational opportunities and large variety of retail venues including the Seaview Square mall. With approximately 7,400 residents and covering 21 square miles Ocean Township is one of the largest municipalities in Monmouth County.

Oceanport

Located between Red Bank and West Longbranch, Oceanport has a population of approximately 6,000. Oceanport is a peaceful residential community most famous for the Monmouth Park Racetrack. Racing at Monmouth Park began in 1870 and was an immediate success. In 1893 it was forced to close down due to legislation preventing gambling in New Jersey. Amory Haskell from Red Bank was able to garner support in 1939 to legalize “wagering” in New Jersey once again and re-construction of the track began. Due to World War II, the track was not completed until 1946 and is still one of the most popular racetracks in the country.

Point Pleasant

Like many Jersey Shore towns, Point Pleasant enjoys a rich history. Quaker settlers arrived in the 1700s and in the early 1800s farmers began to rent rooms to visitors. In the 1870s Sea Captain John Arnold purchased land and built a road to the ocean - still know today as Arnold Avenue. In 1886, the borough of Point Pleasant was established. In the late 1920s the boardwalk was enhanced by Orlo Jenkinson who built a swimming pool and amusement pavilion. Today, Jenkinson’s is still a hot spot for entertainment. Point Pleasant is a summer playland with shopping, amusements, live music and many restaurants.

Red Bank

In 1736 Red Bank was named when it was sold to Joseph French. It is said that in the deed the property was defined as “that which goes to the red bank”. Originally part of Shrewsbury, Red Bank became a commercial center in the mid 1800’s and a port for commuters to New York City. Today Red Bank is a hip city and vibrant town with great shops, galleries, numerous gourmet restaurants and clubs.

Sea Girt

Founded in 1875 and incorporated in 1917, Sea Girt has a population of approximately 2,148 and covers 1.05 square miles. Unlike many other Jersey Shore communities, Sea Girt’s residents are predominantly year round. Know for its elegant homes, Sea Girt features one of the oldest lighthouses in the nation. The Sea Girt Lighthouse tower’s peak is 60 feet above sea level and was completed in 1896. Don’t miss Rod’s Steakhouse for fun, drink & good eats!

Shrewsbury

Settled in 1667 by English settlers, and incorporated as a borough in 1926, Shrewsbury is a residential community covering approximately 2.3 square miles with a population of approximately 3,600. At one time, Shrewsbury was the largest township in New Jersey running from the Navesink River south to Little Egg Harbor. Many historic sites are in Shrewsbury including: Christ Episcopal Church, Friends Meetinghouse, Allen House, and Wardell House. The Grove, an exclusive shopping mall, brings people to Shrewsbury from all over Monmouth County. Shrewsbury is also the home of The Guild of Creative Art, which is an important and popular center for the arts in Monmouth County.

West Long Branch

In 1908, West Longbranch was formed by a group of residents choosing to secede from Shrewsbury. Consistently a residential town, West Longbranch has been home to several people of notoriety including Murry & Leonie Guggenheim who eventually donated their home to, which later became the library, for Monmouth University.



FOREST

Luke Bouman asked:


Holland is one of Michigan’s richest cities in terms of diversity, architecture and culture.  Situated near Lake Michigan, this city has its roots in Dutch culture.  It is world renowned for its abundant tulips and people come from everywhere to view them in the state parks and gardens.  Anyone looking to relocate to the area will find the best in housing opportunities and lifestyle.  For those looking to visit or live in Holland, there are many sites to see and things to do.  Whether a permanent resident or a vacationer, Holland, Michigan has an abundance of things to do and see from cultural events and recreational activities to fine dining and shopping. 

 

Anyone who is interested in the Dutch culture will find Holland, Michigan an ideal place to visit.  There are many attractions that center around Dutch culture.  You can see the only authentic Dutch windmill in the United States by visiting Windmill Island Gardens.  Settler’s House Museum, Holland Museum and Nelis’ Dutch Village offer visitors a unique experience in seeing authentic Dutch life and culture first hand.  At DeKlomp Wooden Shoe Factory you can watch local artisans make authentic Holland wooden shoes.  There are several festivals held throughout the year celebrating Dutch traditions and customs.  These events are fun for the entire family.

 

If arts and entertainment appeal to you, Holland, Michigan certainly has its share of venues to cater to just that.  There are several museums, libraries and theaters from which to choose with a variety of entertainment options.  If you have children, Holland offers many attractions designed to be kid friendly.  Parks, miniature golf, bowling, petting zoos and laser tag are among the many recreational opportunities for children.  Downtown Holland is a unique experience with plenty of shopping and dining venues as well as live street performers and beautiful architecture. 

 

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Holland is known for its beautiful beaches and waterfront activities.  There are numerous beaches from which to choose with a variety of amenities sure to please anyone looking for a waterfront experience.  Boating, swimming, fishing, camping and tours are available for some fun in the sun off the Holland beaches.

 

Never forget dining and shopping opportunities in Holland.  If you are looking for modern wares, there are numerous shopping centers and malls available to get the finest in clothing and house wares.  If antiques appeal to you, rustic shops and authentic atmospheres abound in the antique shops.  There are plenty of arts and crafts venues located throughout the shopping district also.  For dining, there is an abundance of various cuisines available in all price ranges whether you are looking to grab a quick snack or have an elegant formal dinner. 

 



GERRY