Pictured Above: Ocean Avenue - Deal, New Jersey by Nexis4Jersey09, on Flickr.

In recent years and months, we’ve seen an overwhelming pattern of families and newlyweds making the move from Brooklyn, NY to the New Jersey Shore area. This may seem like a big move to many Brooklyn natives, but to some it is easier to get used to the Deal NJ area due to their many Summers on the shore throughout their lives. Many who have made the move claim that it feels as natural as just extending their previous visits in an indefinite way.

The area, however, is a very different place in the seasons following Summer and it could prove to be an adjustment for people born and bred in an active city such as Brooklyn. The switch, no doubt, has its pro’s and that is why so many people are making the move. The laid back slowed down lifestyle of a New Jersey suburb is a big appeal to new families with young children.

The picturesque Roosevelt Ave located in Deal, NJ at the height of Fall. Credit: Instagram.

Almost one year ago, Gloria and Ezra Halawani got married and moved to West Deal, NJ. Ezra was brought up in New Jersey and really didn’t want a seemingly hectic life in Brooklyn. Gloria had been living in Brooklyn before they wed, but she happily made the move to her beloved Summer town for good.

“I think moving here actually made me a more calm person, less nervous, I definitely feel more relaxed. I plan to stay here until Mashiach comes!” said Gloria of her decision to switch home towns. The Halawani’s are eager to raise their future children in their new safe neighborhood where they can play outdoors in large grassy backyards.

“I love that when I look out my front window I see nothing but beautiful green grass and nice colored trees,” explained Gloria of her satisfaction with the move, “I’m also around the corner from our Shul which is great and just a few minutes away from all the places I do errands.”

Odette and Elliott Simhon were living in Brooklyn happily after they had gotten married, but once they had their second child their apartment began to feel tight. They looked at a few houses to rent in Brooklyn but simply weren’t happy with what they found. Elliott’s whole family resides in New Jersey so it seemed like a natural fit.

They made the decision rapidly towards the end of May to move to New Jersey and are already all moved in. Odette lived in Brooklyn all her life and wasn’t sure how she would like her new suburbon life but, to Odette’s delight, she’s really enjoying it. Her son who was all set to attend Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn in the fall, ended up attending Hillel Yeshiva in New Jersey and is very happy.

The main entrance to the growing Hillel Yeshiva located in Ocean, NJ.

With many young newlywed couples as well as full grown families making the move out to New Jersey, the Winter community has established certain organizations as well as events to make all newcomers feel as welcomed and comfortable as possible. The iDeal Life is a nonprofit organization that has made it its mission to promote the greater Deal, NJ area for year round living.

The iDeal Life's logo. Credit: iDeal Life.

According to its website, The iDeal Life strives to highlight the diverse benefits of the Winter community while helping to support and grow local businesses as well as community based programs. The extensive website provides a great amount of information when it comes to the greater shore area including a detailed business directory filled with community owned businesses as well as a community events calendar.

Additionally, the organization has a weekly e-mail that is sent out containing a break down of all of the interesting events going on within the greater shore area. These events include fun game nights hosted at local restaurants and bars, concerts, festivals, and classes held by many Rabbis in many Shuls throughout the area. The iDeal life even sponsors many classes and youth Minyans as well in order to help get the community more connected than ever.

From the ease of parking, to the beautiful scenery that New Jersey has to offer, it’s no surprise that so many families are finally beginning to extend their stay from part time Summer visits to permanent living. The cost of renting or even buying a home is a lot more affordable in New Jersey which is another huge factor that plays a part in the decision making. On top of that, the DSN Community Center is at the heart of the Deal community and hosts events and has tons of programs to assure no member of the family ever gets bored.

The front entrance to the DSN Community Center located in Oakhurst, NJ.

The greater shore area may be a small tight knit community where everyone knows everyone , but they are always truly happy to welcome newcomers into the fold!

Frieda Schweky

Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.