Ventnor City has been called home by tons of outstanding and well-known people. Previous and current residents of Ventnor City include radical feminist author Valerie Solanis, football player Greg Roman, football coach Sol Metzger, former dean of Georgetown College Royden B. Davis and famous social reformer Charles Henry Parkhurst, who died sleepwalking off the porch of his home in Ventnor City.
You may recognize the name from the Monopoly board, but Ventnor City is a real fantastic town on the Atlantic seashore in New Jersey. Named after a beach resort on the Isle of Wight, the city became an actual place when it was incorporated in 1903, and ever since, it has been attracting residents and visitors with its great homes, fun attractions and beautiful landscape. Live in Ventnor City because it offers easy access to Atlantic City, but you will never be bored when you are at home either.
Moving to Ventnor City
If you are thinking about moving, you will want to consider just what type of house rental you want. Ventnor City pretty much has it all, so it's good to have a plan before you get started on your hunt. Do you love living in hi-rise apartments or are you only considering townhouses for rent? Some people love having a doorman and an elevator, while others prefer the old-school charm of older buildings with more character. Also, think about what kinds of amenities you are interested in. Is it important to you to live in a building with a gym and a pool? Be prepared to pay quite a bit more if that is the case. If you want a washer and dryer in your unit, ask your landlord if the apartment is supplied with hookups. These are the kinds of things you are going to want to take care of before you settle on an apartment. That way neither you nor your landlord will be in for any surprises come move-in day.
Ventnor City has a lot of apartments for rent, since many people consider it a vacation town. However, you can find a huge range of rental homes, and most likely, you will be able to find what you are looking for. When beginning your apartment hunt, make sure to gather all the necessary leasing documents. You will want to have identification with you, as well as bank statements, tax returns, letters of reference (professional and personal) and proof of income. Also, make sure you have enough money in your bank account to make the deposit if you find an apartment you love. That is the only way to secure it! The deposit can sometimes amount to three times as much as the monthly rent, so make sure to check with potential landlords when moving. Luckily, the weather in Ventnor City is pretty good. Winters can be cold, but that is a great time to look for apartments because the city will be less crowded, and more property will be available. Get in before the beach rush starts.
Neighborhoods
It makes sense to do some research about neighborhoods before you start looking. You want to make sure you end up in the right place, after all. Ventnor has a few distinct neighborhoods:
Ventnor Heights: Ventnor Heights is near the Ventnor City Protected Wetlands, and it is not on the coast. For this reason, apartment rentals can be affordable here. It is nearly all residential, though, so don't expect a hopping nightlife or dining scene if this is where you end up.
Downtown: Downtown Ventnor City is the center of the city. It has tons of restaurants and businesses to frequent, and it is the busiest part of town. You can find affordable rentals here because it is also not on the beach, but it is not the most picturesque place in town to hang your hat.
Atlantic Ave: Atlantic Ave runs along the coast and the Ventnor City boardwalk. This area has the priciest real estate in town, because, well - you are renting by the beach. You will find attractions, entertainment and dining galore; definitely move here if you like to be entertained near home.
Living in Ventnor City
Many people consider Ventnor City a suburb of Atlantic City, and it technically is. Some people commute in and out of the resort town nearby. There is plenty to do in Atlantic City, so if you are living in Ventnor City and ever get bored, you will never have a shortage of entertainment options. There are casinos, hotels, restaurants and even a newly rebuilt boardwalk. You can get to Atlantic City easily; there is a New Jersey transit bus that goes back and forth from Ventnor City to Atlantic City on Routes 504 and 505. You can also drive easily, and many people in Ventnor City own their own cars.
However, there is no reason to leave home if you live in Ventnor City because the town is packed with great entertainment options and activities. Spend an afternoon on the fishing pier that runs along the water. You can fish, socialize and make friends with your neighbors. Ventnor City also has a thriving arts community. The town is home to the Ventnor City Cultural Art Center, which is a non-profit organization that provides art and dance classes. For art classes, residents can choose from watercolor painting, acrylic painting, oil painting and wax sculpture. Dance classes offered include yoga, tai chi, creative movement, ballet, jazz, tap and more. The Center also hosts an annual Ocean Breeze Arts and Crafts Show and the Young People's Summer Art program, where people can learn more about art and show off the skills they have developed.
If you like to spend time outside, Ventnor's a great place to do it. Not only can you enjoy the fishing pier and boardwalk, but the town has some great parks to run around in. O'Donnell Memorial Park is a favorite of residents. The Texas Avenue Playground is a great place to have fun outside and the Pete Pallitto Field is a great place to play ball. If you have dogs, take them to run in the Lafayette Avenue School Yard.
