Ocean Pines - Good for Retirement? (Salisbury, Ocean City: for sale by owner, real estate market, HOA fees)

[sbcbill]

My husband and I are life-long northern NJ residents, who can't wait to get out of Jersey! (No, it's NOT the sixth borough of NYC, but you couldn't prove that to us!) We have been vacationing in the Ocean City area for many years, and love it there - Clean, friendly and affordable, though a bit crowded for our tastes. The past few years, we have rented homes in Ocean Pines, across the bay from OC, and we really like it there! We have been watching the real estate market there through Realtor.com for a couple of years, and like what we see.

Ocean Pines seems to be affordable, convenient (grocery, pharmacies, stores of all kinds), city water and sewer, police and fire protection, medical care (Berlin and Salisbury), and easy access to OC.

It almost seems too good to be true - - any thoughts from those in the area? Any "hidden" taxes or costs that we haven't discovered yet? Yes, the taxes in OP are higher than many surrounding towns, but it offers things that we like, and are willing to pay for them (and even at that, it's still less than half the cost of our NJ property taxes!)

Any comments you can supply - either pro or con - would be welcomed!

Thank you!!

[davesball]

The major costs are an HOA assessment of about $800 per year and County taxes which, for our $400k home are around $2,600. Amenities such as swimming, golf, tennis, marinas and beach parking have user fees that are thought by many to be a bargain compared to those of other areas. The cost of utilities such as water, propane gas, cable and electricity are high, but you should compare those to what you are paying now. There are many free activities such as clubs and concerts, as well as parks and lakes for you to enjoy. The police and fire protection is excellent and as you know the natural environment is beautiful. There are also abundant recreation facilities and programs for visiting grandchildren.

[icethin]

If you don't mind, what exactly are those things you like about the place? We're also looking for a place. Anywhere in Maryland, PA, and NY. Would like to know more about what Maryland could offer (typically those unavailable in other states).

[sbcbill]

The wife and I like the fact that it OP is a self contained gated community. It has its own police and fire department; municipal water and sewers and a great location. Even with taxes, HOA fees, and other local expenses the costs are still less than half of what we pay currently to live in NJ. It is convenient to local shopping and food stores. A hospital is only abut 10 minutes away by car in nearby Berlin. Ocean City is only a couple of miles away for those nights we feel like fresh seafood dinner. We also love walking the beach, but we do not want to live too close to the beach. In addition, no tax Delaware is only a short ride north on rt 113. Your interests may be different than ours, but these are the important things to us.
Bill

[palms]

Ocean Pines is very nice for retirement...however I am moving in the other direction and going to South Florida.

I have lived here since 1994. I grew up in the Metro D.C. area. and still have a ways to go for final retirement I am 44. Ocean Pines unforunately like Ocean City has grown since I have been here but will always be a seasonal resort town. I am looking for more for my kids future in way of continuing education, careers, technology etc.... I decided life is too short and time to go!!!

But you will love it here in Ocean Pines!!

I attempted to get my parents to move here so I could take care of them and so they could be close to their grandkids. They are stubborn Italian parents and wish to stay in the Metro D.C.area where they have been for 50 years.

As far as ammenities for retirees you can't wrong.....Just inside the South GAte of Ocean Pines there are some nice restaruants ,shops duck ponds, trails etc...and of course you have Ocean City. Theres also plenty of good health care, pharamacies, grocery stores, banks etc..

Summer months are getting a little tiring with all the added traffic and attractions, hot rod week, bike week, this week, that week etc....but if you remain in the Pines you will be away from it all.

There is a brand new slots Casino just outside of Ocean Pines which is getting great reviews.....I don't gamble but it's always packed.

And the Pines is very safe...one of the safest places in Maryland to live..Im in LE so I have a little to do with that.


HOAs are nothing from what your compared too, taxes are also cheap from what your use to alot cheaper maybe a fraction of what you pay..no worries on any of that stuff....and yes plenty of decent homes for sale.


Good luck, I am sure you will be very happy in the Pines, I would not live anywhere else on the shore...P.S. my waterfront home is for sale by owner ....