The truth is, Monmouth University is a presence in the communities of Long Branch, West Long Branch and Ocean Township. Students live on and off campus. as one of the largest employers, many employees also live and love the immediate area.

I grew up on the campus, dad having taught there for 40 years and of course, I graduated from there, met my wife there and own several rental properties in Oakhurst.

As far as the Brooklyn crowd, there sure is a great number who own homes in and around the campus as well. Some rent their homes out in the winter and return from around June 23 to the day after labor day. Usually, their homes are well maintained.

These two reasons are why the homes in the immediate area actually hold some value - more desireable to two (or 3) sets of people.

There are also several Houses of Worship in the area - whcih, if your home is in walking distance (<1 mile) - it's a bonus to that Brooklyn crowd.

Add in the ocean one mile down the road....

Thank you.

David Dorfman
Gilman Commercial Realty LLC

I'll throw in I normally sell commercial real estate, but i do have a listing for a nice home in the West Long branch.

Mickey, I live in the area and ALL our neighbors are families who live here year round. It is a wonderful community that is a short bike ride to the beach, West End and Pier Village. Monmouth University is nearby and the residents in the area can enjoy the new tennis courts they built on Beechwood Ave. We've never been inconvienced by student living or activities and enjoy walking the beautiful campus. I don't know what you are looking for but our home is situated on an oversized lot and has been totally upgraded. Check it out at http://www.trulia.com/property/3033354920-537-Cedar-Ave-West… and contact our agent John Natale if interested. 732-757-7251

Hi Mickey,

I live in the area and have represented real estate buyers and sellers throughout the Middletown, Long Branch, West Long Branch areas for several years. I spend a lot of time in the area you described and I am surprised by your question.

There is a student rental population, of course, because of the college.

The revitalization of Long Branch, particularly Pier Village, has had a substantial impact on the shore area there. Year round there is activity, but it certainly swells with day-trippers, and guests during the summer. While we do have summer rentals, this area of the shore doesn't compare to further south. There are a number of people who maintan second homes for the weekend, and they probably visit more often in the summer - and bring their friends!

I pulled some stats on West Long Branch...........

In 2008 there were
45 SF properties sold. Avg dom 103 List/Sale Price 93.72% and inventory levels were 14.66 months

In 2009 there were
45 SF properties sold Avg dom 69 List/Sale Price 93.56% inventory levels were at 15.46 months

I am not seeing a downward trend in activity - but downward trend in price, as the median price dropped from 395K to 350K

The stats do not show a strong uptick rentals, nor decrease in sales.

Deb