FunNewJersey Hey Jersey fun-seekers! 🌞 Missing that summer beach vibe during our chilly winters? You’re not alone! A growing number of New Jersey families are getting creative with their love for coastal living by splitting their time between the Jersey Shore and the Caribbean islands.
Today, we’re diving into how some clever Garden State residents are making permanent summer a reality!
The Jersey Shore-Caribbean Connection
We all know the magic of summers at Point Pleasant and Long Beach Island. But what if you could enjoy that beach life all year round? That’s exactly what the Martinez family from Montclair discovered when they expanded their horizons to Antigua and Barbuda.
“We used to pack up our beach gear after Labor Day,” says Tom Martinez, a tech entrepreneur from Montclair. “Now we just pack it for a different beach!”
Fun Facts: Jersey Shore vs. Caribbean Beaches
Let’s compare our beloved Shore with its Caribbean cousins:
| Feature | Jersey Shore | Antigua & Barbuda |
| Beach Season | May-September | Year-round |
| Water Temp (Peak) | 75°F | 81°F |
| Sunny Days/Year | 206 | 365 |
| Beach Count | 130 miles | 365 beaches |
| Avg Winter Temp | 35°F | 75°F |
Year-Round Beach Activities for Jersey Families
Missing your favorite Shore activities? Here’s how they translate to Caribbean life:
Water Adventures 🏄♂️
- Jersey Summer: Surfing at Manasquan
- Caribbean Winter: Kitesurfing at Jabberwock Beach
- Cost Comparison: Similar gear prices, more usage!
Family Beach Days 👨👩👧👦
- Jersey Style: Boardwalk games and saltwater taffy
- Caribbean Style: Beach BBQs and fresh coconut water
- Fun Factor: Double the beaches, double the memories!
The New Jersey-Caribbean Lifestyle
More Garden State families are discovering they can maintain their NJ roots while establishing a second home in the Caribbean. How? Through the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program, which welcomes investment in exchange for permanent residence rights.
Think of it as upgrading your summer vacation home to an all-year paradise pad! 🌴
| Country | Investment Cost [Single Applicant] | Investment Cost [Family of 4] | Family Eligibility | Time Until Citizenship | Visa-Free Travel Countries |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $230,000 | $230,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents, siblings | 4-5 months | Over 150 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia |
| St Lucia | $240,000 | $240,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, siblings | 10-12 months | Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong |
| Dominica | $200,000 | $250,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents | 6-9 months | Over 140 countries including EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Russia |
| St Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | $250,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents | 12 months | Over 150 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia |
| Grenada | $235,000 | $235,000 | Spouse, children, dependent parents, grandparents, siblings | 9 months | Over 140 countries including EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Russia |
Table summarizing the key features of Caribbean citizenship by investment programs from five countries: Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada. Each program offers unique benefits regarding investment costs and eligibility for family members.
See more from this programs comparison data resource.
Popular Activities That Transfer Perfectly:
- Beach Yoga
- Summer: Sunrise sessions at Sandy Hook
- Winter: Beachfront zen in Antigua
- Bonus: No more indoor winter sessions!
2. Water Sports
- Summer: Jet skiing at Seaside Heights
- Winter: Island hopping in the Caribbean
- Bonus: Watch whales while you ride!
3. Family Traditions
- Summer: Boardwalk food tours
- Winter: Island fish fry festivals
- Bonus: Year-round foodie adventures!
Making It Happen: The Practical Side
Wondering how Jersey families are making this dream a reality? Here’s the scoop:
Escape From Winter Weather
With cold winters in New Jersey, the Caribbean’s warm climate and picturesque beaches offer a blissful escape for those seeking a respite from the chill.
Owning a vacation home in the Caribbean creates a perfect setting for memorable family trips and gatherings throughout the year.
Cultural Exploration
The diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the Caribbean offer an enriching experience for New Jersey residents to immerse themselves in.
Investment Options (More Affordable Than You Think!)
- Real estate (often less than a Shore vacation home)
- Business investments
- National development fund
Travel Logistics
- Direct flights from Newark
- 4-hour flight (shorter than driving to Florida!)
- Multiple daily connections
Real Jersey Family Stories
The Patels from Cherry Hill made the move in 2022:
“We kept our NJ home for spring and fall, when Jersey weather is perfect. Winter? We’re in Antigua. Summer? We have two amazing beaches to choose from! Our kids are learning to sail in both places.”
The Smiths from Ridgewood took a different approach:
“We rent out our Caribbean place during Jersey’s summer months when we’re enjoying the Shore. It helps offset the costs, and we head down as soon as the boardwalk closes for the season.”
Planning Your Own Jersey-Caribbean Life
Ready to expand your beach life horizons? Here’s your starter guide:
Best Times to Visit
- October: Perfect for first visits (less crowded)
- January-March: Peak Jersey exodus season
- April-May: Ideal for property hunting
Family-Friendly Activities in Both Locations
Summer in Jersey:
- Six Flags Great Adventure
- Point Pleasant Boardwalk
- Cape May Zoo
Winter in Antigua:
- Stingray City
- Nelson’s Dockyard
- Pigeon Point Beach
Tips from Jersey Families Who’ve Done It
- Start with Extended Visits
- Use school breaks for initial trips
- Test different neighborhoods
- Meet other families
2. Maintain Jersey Connections
- Keep your favorite Shore traditions
- Plan summer returns around local events
- Stay involved in NJ community
3. Build New Traditions
- Create holiday celebrations that blend both cultures
- Start collection of beach finds from both locations
- Document your family’s unique journey
The Best of Both Worlds
The beauty of this arrangement? You never have to choose between your beloved Jersey Shore and Caribbean dreams. Many families find they appreciate each location more by experiencing both.
Year-Round Fun Calendar
🌸 Spring: Cherry blossoms in Branch Brook Park
☀️ Summer: Classic Jersey Shore adventures
🍁 Fall: Apple picking in NJ highlands
🌴 Winter: Caribbean beach escapes
Making Memories in Multiple Places
For Jersey families, this isn’t just about escaping winter – it’s about expanding their definition of home and creating year-round opportunities for family fun and adventure.
Remember: You’re not leaving Jersey behind; you’re just adding more beaches to your family’s story!
Quick Stats for Families Considering the Move:
- Average winter heating savings: $3,000
- Year-round outdoor activity days: 365
- Family adventure possibilities: Endless!
🏖️ Happy exploring, Jersey adventure seekers! Whether you’re building sandcastles in Sea Bright or snorkeling in Saint John’s Harbor, you’re part of a growing community of families who believe in making every day a beach day!
For more information about Caribbean citizenship opportunities and family relocation stories, visit our recommended partners.
Search for vacation homes in the Caribbean.
