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Asbury Park, NJ: A Perfectly Gay Getaway

Who doesn’t love a resort town along the shore? Asbury Park is one of the best vacation towns that is claimed to have been quite the bore until the gays took over. Whether the legend is tall-tale or truth, there’s no denying how vibrant and wonderful this beach city is today. Read this article for everything you need to know before moving to Asbury Park, New Jersey.

History

Asbury Park (named by Francis Asbury, first American bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church) was incorporated as a city in March 1897. Prior to that, it was a borough of Ocean Township New Jersey. Originally it was a “dry town” thanks to the Methodist roots. The Boardwalk and its southern pier were all installed in the early days of the city. From. The 1950s to the early 2000s, Asbury lacked in luster to attract residents and suffered tremendously.

Facts and Stats

Asbury Park is located on the eastern shore of New Jersey and is roughly one square mile. Other major cities are also near Asbury Park which is 34 miles from New York City, 37 miles from Newark, NJ, 64 miles east of Philadelphia and 184 miles from Washington, DC.  In 2017. Asbury Park had a population of 15,830.

Weather

With major influence from the coast, Asbury Park has cool breeze summers and chilly winters. The city averages in the 30 degrees range during the winter, 50 degrees range in spring and fall, and 70 degrees range in summer.  It receives around 47 inches of precipitation a year.

Real Estate

Home to mostly middle-class residents, the median home value in Asbury Park is $335,500. Average rent is $1,160.00. 80% of Asbury Park residents rent. Here is a closer look at Asbury Park, NJ:

Neighborhood

With such a small land mass, Asbury is one united city. Asbury Park School District is the main district of public schools with Ocean Township School District also servicing the area.

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Community

Asbury Park has a prominent gay community and the establishments to boot. Project R.E.A.L is a safe haven for LGBTQ young adults located in Asbury Park.

 

Events

Asbury Park Music + Film Festival (Spring)

This unique take on a festival celebrates the role of music in film. Not only will you enjoy the sounds of performing artists but proceeds for the festival benefit underserved children in the area. Win, win.

Oyster Fest (September)

This three-day event is sure to have filling up on “shellicacies” as traditional festival food and an abundance of seafood are available from tons of vendors. Add music and other entertainment for a wonderfully good time.

Asbury Park Zombie Walk (October)

The world’s largest gathering of zombies is a sight to see. Enjoy the event through the day and nightcap of a fireworks show that is bloody good.

 

Arts and Entertainment

Besides the obvious beach scene, music is alive and well in Asbury Park and has roots in some popular names like Bruce Springsteen, Fast Eddie “Doc Holiday” Wohanka, Clarence Clemons, and Jon Bon Jovi. The New Jersey Music Hall of Fame was founded in Asbury Park in 2005.  With music as the backdrop of the culture, live shows and art are prevalent in the beach city, but it also has museums and other attractions. Here are some places to visit:

Silverball Museum

If you thought pinball machines were the best thing pre-videogame consoles, then you will love this museum that displays for than 200 pinball machines.

Asbury Park Boardwalk

Mentioned earlier, this attraction is a staple of Asbury Park. Take a stride along the boardwalk and enjoy restaurants, entertainment, and shopping.

 

Beaches

When a town is located on the shore, you have to go the beaches. Asbury Park has you covered for a nice dip in the ocean, unless, that is, you prefer your dips uncovered. In that case, Asbury Park has Gunnison Beach (New Jersey’s Only clothing optional beach) for those that are truly uninhibited.

In addition to these attractions, there are over 60 restaurants, bars, live venues, and facilities to enjoy in Asbury Park, not to mention surfing and other outdoor activities.

 

Settling In

Before moving to Asbury, NJ, you definitely want to swing by the official website  to see information about its neighborhoods, libraries, communities, and how families can connect or engage in this big city. There, you can also find resources for health, public safety, business, development, government, and environmental needs.

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