MANHATTAN BUYER CHOOSES PIER VILLAGE AND THE JERSEY SHORE OVER THE HAMPTONS AND FIRE ISLAND

New Condo at 55 Melrose is a Vacation Retreat Today and Primary Residence in the Future 

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Like so many of his Manhattan counterparts, Charles Levine’s summers often meant escaping the stifling heat and chaos of the City for the promise of relaxing beach getaways at a rental share in Fire Island and The Hamptons.  But when Mr. Levine decided earlier this year to purchase a vacation retreat of his own, the Midtown West resident chose to cross the Hudson River instead of the East River and head for the Jersey Shore.

“The traffic to Fire Island and The Hamptons is a horror,” said Charles.  “Even when you finally get out there, you’re dealing with traffic just getting to the beach.  The hassle outweighs the benefits for me.”

Giving up on the New York scene, Charles instead set his search on the Jersey Shore and discovered Pier Village, a dynamic oceanfront community in Long Branch featuring more than 100,000 square feet of boutique shops and restaurants, outdoor dining and entertainment, an expansive beach and a new collection of luxury condominium residences. 

“I looked at the website and the community seemed very carefree and convenient,” said Charles.  “I went in January to take a look and found it to be everything I wanted.”

A stress-free, 1 ½--hour train ride from Manhattan to the Long Branch station which is within walking distance of Pier Village was an immediate selling point for Mr. Levine.  There’s also a nearby ferry with service to lower Manhattan. What was also appealing was the convenience of condominium living where everything is taken care of for you.  “I owned a single-family home at the beach before and got tired of dealing with the upkeep,” he said.   

Though clearly a vibrant summer destination, Mr. Levine also appreciated the fact that Pier Village is a year-round community with its full complement of restaurants, shops and seasonal events active all year long.

“It’s this quaint, self-contained setting with a real village atmosphere where you can easily walk to all of the restaurants and stores,” Charles pointed out.  “I also like the idea that we can enjoy the lifestyle any time throughout the year.  That’s something that you can’t get in Fire Island.”

Sold on Pier Village, Mr. Levine purchased a spacious three-bedroom residence with an outdoor terrace at 55 Melrose.  The third bedroom may serve as a home office, hobby room or as a traditional bedroom for guests to visit, including his son who lives in Philadelphia. 

Looking forward to his first summer season at Pier Village, Mr. Levine also considers the long-term outlook on his new purchase.

“Manhattan will continue to be my primary residence, but eventually it will become the weekend getaway and Pier Village will be home,” he said.

Situated within Pier Village and just steps from the community’s thriving retail landscape and welcoming beach, 55 Melrose features a limited collection of just 44 modern condominium residences in a contemporary four-story building –75% of which is already sold.  The homes range from 1,144 to 1,649 square feet of living space and include two-bedroom residences priced from $439,000 and three-bedroom homes with a den priced from $698,000.  Immediate occupancy is available.

The residences offer spacious floor plans and include such designer features and appointments as new oak hardwood flooring in the living areas, plush Berber carpeting in the bedrooms, and gourmet kitchens with custom wood white shaker cabinets, Caesarstone countertops, modern stain glass backsplashes and state-of-the-art stainless steel Frigidaire Gallery appliances.  Spa-like baths are adorned with Silestone countertops, custom wood white shaker cabinets and wood framed mirrors, ceramic tile floors and contemporary Kohler undermounted sinks and faucets. All residences also include individual washer and dryer and desirable outdoor living space.

In addition to on-site parking and access to the Pier Village outdoor pool and resident’s lounge with billiards and plasma TV, buyers at 55 Melrose will receive a complimentary two-year gym membership to the Pier Village Gold’s Gym, and a complimentary two-year membership to Le Club, Pier Village’s members-only, European-inspired beach club. Le Club features a full-service beach experience including a private beach area adorned with Palm trees and lined with spacious cabanas, provision of lounge chairs, day beds and plush towels; food and beverage service on the beach provided by gourmet braserie, Avenue; and a rooftop pool and sun deck boasting panoramic vistas of the ocean.

Pier Village also offers more than 100,000 square feet of boutique shops and restaurants, a boardwalk and expansive beach, oceanfront dining and an outdoor festival plaza that hosts year-round events.

“For those who are fond of the Jersey Shore, 55 Melrose offers modern residences, direct access to extraordinary lifestyle amenities and an unbeatable location in the heart of a thriving, family-oriented oceanfront community,” notes Jacqueline Urgo, President of The Marketing Directors, the building’s Marketing and Exclusive Sales Agent.  “With prices starting in the $400,000s, 55 Melrose also represents unparalleled value considering our prime location and beautifully designed product.”

For more information on 55 Melrose, visit www.ownpiervillage.com, or call

732-222-2155. The Sales Office, located at 55 Melrose Terrace, is open Monday – Friday from 10am – 6pm, and Saturday – Sunday from 11am – 5pm.

For more information on Pier Village, visit www.piervillage.com.

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