SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - May 15, 2001. Everyone knows about popular vacation-home spots like Palm Springs, Phoenix and West Palm Beach. But what about those relatively undiscovered areas just bursting with potential for people seeking a different way to fulfill their vacation-home dreams? This is the idea behind EscapeHomes' "Diamond in the Rough" award, given today to Avalon, N.J. As Baby Boomers enter their retirement years, the "Diamond in the Rough" towns are poised to make a big impact in the vacation-home sector.
Avalon, an upscale resort located just 30 minutes south of Atlantic City, has seen a boom in the vacation-home market during the past few years. "The market has been hot here for three years and it's still very strong," said EscapeHomes Affiliate and Avalon Realtor Ralph Tiz. "The word that keeps coming up is family - Avalon is very family-oriented. It's the kind of place where people don't need to lock their cars or their houses."
According to Tiz, side-by-side townhouses and smaller single-family homes are currently the most popular buys on Avalon which, along with Stone Harbor, makes up Seven-Mile Island, just four blocks wide in most places and 122 blocks in length. At this time, the majority of sales are in the $450-$900K range, but $1-$5 million homes are selling rapidly as well.
Avalon is very much a recreational destination, with beautiful beaches, deep-sea fishing, surfing, boating, large playgrounds for the kids and six quality golf courses within minutes. "Our choice of Avalon as a Diamond in the Rough is certainly a reflection on current trends in the vacation-home sector," said Clark Thompson, EscapeHomes CEO and nationally recognized "Second-Home Expert". "People are seeking out the perfect union of sound investment with the active lifestyle. Avalon is a desirable place both to live and to vacation."
People interested in finding out more about vacation and retirement living can do so at at www.escapehomes.com. EscapeHomes offers visitors to its website a place they can go to dream about the best vacation home for them. Using the company's online network, consumers can search for information on over 250 popular vacation-home destinations. Within each community, consumers can choose from a number of local agents with current listings, each one including information such as price and amenities, as well as full-color photos and virtual tours.
About EscapeHomes:
EscapeHomes is a complete network directory for people to find places to live and play outside their home communities. EscapeHomes was founded in April 1999 and is based in Orinda, Calif. The EscapeHomes website houses the largest listing of second homes on the web and has received numerous awards, including a Forbes Best of the Web Award. Additional information can be found at www.escapehomes.com.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Greg De Martini
800.937.9090
greg@escapehomes.com