Good afternoon from Bay Head and Mantoloking,
As pumpkin spice and apples scent the air, and as the witches, ghosts, and goblins prepare to walk our streets this weekend, it has been a beautiful October, setting up for a wonderful Thanksgiving season.
In this edition, you’ll find events to add to your calendar, news from the towns, and fall events to attend. If you make it up to the beach, keep a sharp eye out - there have been lots of whale sightings lately!
NEWS
Children’s Halloween Parade in Bay Head
The Children’s Bay Head Halloween Parade and Costume Contest will be Saturday, October 31st beginning at 11:15 am, with Registration, and ending about 1 pm. Registration ends promptly at 11:45 am.
Please pre-register to be emailed about rain date changes.
The Parade will start at noon. Registration and the start of the parade will be at the corner of Mount Street and Lake Avenue.
The parade will travel north on Lake Avenue, turn left on Bridge and ends in the community parking lot/in Centennial Park. Judging will take place in Centennial Park.
There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals for each of the following age groups: 0-2 year olds; 3-4 year olds; 5-6 year olds; 7-11 year olds. There will also be a 1st Place and Runner Up Trophies for the following categories: Classic, Spooky, Creative, Pop Culture, Animals and Creatures, Groups and Duos.
All are welcome to participate. You do not need to be a Bay Head resident or student. This event is free.
The 3rd Annual Bay Head Mayor’s Chili Cook Off
Get ready to taste chili made by Bay Head town employees, first responders, and community members. The 3rd Annual Bay Head Chili Cook Off will be Sunday, November 1st from 12 - 1 pm at the Bay Head Fire House. Taste and vote for your favorite chili for $5, or non-perishable food donations to benefit St. Gregory’s Pantry. Stick around after the tasting for announcement of the winner!
Mantoloking Dune Grass Distribution
Mantoloking will be receiving its allotment of dune grass soon. The distribution date will be November 13th. Oceanfront homeowners are asked to leave a bucket available to hydrate the grass if they have requested delivery.
Boating with Whales ID Course
The whales and dolphins are here as they migrate for the winter. Learn more about how to spot them, and how to boat safely around them in this (free) online Whale ID Course
340,000 Properties Inherited in the United States in 2025…
If you are a subscriber to the New York Times, you might have seen this statistic in one of the recent daily news emails. The article focuses on “when the family beach house becomes a point of tension.” This is a common topic in Bay Head and Mantoloking, which we covered in our Blog this summer, “Selling an Inherited Home: What to Expect and How to Prepare.”
Shade Map
Have you been considering improving your garden? Are you puzzled about why some plants thrive more than others? Do you wonder about more efficiently cooling or heating your home? We have learned of an app that provides a great visual of how the sun and shade move across your property throughout the day. Visit Shademap.app - enter your address, and see how the sun moves across your property during the day.
Offering Your Home for Summer Rental?
Now is the time to think about renting your house for 2027. Tenants are already inquiring and making their plans. Also, AirBnB’s new fee structure has now taken effect, combining host and guest service fees into a single 15.5% charge paid by the property owner. If you’re weighing whether to self-manage or list with a realtor in 2027, now is a good time to reach out to us and have that conversation. Also note that AirBnB is required to collect sales tax - realtors are not. We already have tenants signing leases for next season. If you are sure of your plans, and want to list your house for rent, start here.
If you are thinking about spending a week or two (or longer) here next summer, now is the time to get your request in. Inquire here, and we can see what we can find to meet your needs. We also have two new rental listings to share: 340 Main Avenue, Bay Head (recently renovated, with a new pool. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths , $14,000 per week - photos to come) and also, 400 West Lake Avenue, Bay Head at $5,500 per week.
MEETINGS AND EVENTS:
Bay Head Halloween Parade and Costume Contest - Saturday, October 31st, 11:15 am
Bay Head 3rd Annual Chili Cook Off - Sunday, November 1st - 12 pm
Bay Head Council Meeting - Monday, November 2nd, 7 pm
Election Day - Tuesday, November 3rd - Bay Head Borough and Mantoloking Borough Offices Closed
Mantoloking Planning & Zoning Board Meeting - Thursday, November 5th, 6:30 pm
Mantoloking Bulk Pickup - Thursday, November 5th
Bay Head Veteran’s Day Observance - Saturday, November 7th, 11 am - Blue Star Memorial Park
Bay Head Environmental Commission Meeting - Tuesday, November 10th,
6:30 pm.Veterans Day - Wednesday, November 11th - Bay Head Borough and Mantoloking Borough Offices Closed
Bay Head Planning Board - Wednesday, November 11th, 6:30 pm.
Mantoloking Council Meeting - Monday, November 16th, 5:30 pm.
Mantoloking Environmental Commission Meeting - Tuesday, November 24th, 4:30 pm.
Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th - Bay Head Borough and Mantoloking Borough Offices Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday
Mantoloking Planning & Zoning Board - Thursday, December 3rd, 6:30 pm
Bay Head Christmas Walk - Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th
MARKET:
As expected, early fall has brought some new inventory to market - some of these homes have sold quickly! One of the most recent listings is ours, at 208 Bridge Avenue, Bay Head - 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, with a nice private yard, only a few blocks from the beach, asking $1,595,000.
New Bay Head Listing: 26 Harris Street - asking $4,250,000 (Under Contract in 10 days!)
Price Reduction: 138 Woodland Avenue, Bay Head - now asking $3,390,000 (was $3,790,000)
SOLD - Mantoloking Bayfront: 1010 Barnegat Lane - $6,800,000 (Asking $7,900,000)
This month, we looked back at the the past 5 years of home sales in Bay Head and Mantoloking to see how prices, buyers, and time on market have changed, and what those changes mean if you plan to buy or sell. Please visit our blog to read the October Bay Head and Mantoloking market update.
Please let us know what questions you have.
OF NOTE:
Mantoloking has updated the garbage and recycling pick up schedule for Fall through Winter as follows:
Garbage Collection - 1 pick-up per week on Tuesday
Recycling Collection - 1 pick-up per week on Wednesday.
Bulk Trash Collection - the first Thursday of November, January, March, May, July, and September. The next Bulk Trash Collection will be Thursday, November 5th.
These schedule changes were effective starting the week of October 5th and run through March 30th.Jersey Shore Restaurant Week will be November 6 - 15th. Enjoy a 3-course meal with your choice of an appetizer, entree, and dessert. A number of favorites are returning, and some new restaurants are participating this year.
In the community, Beers on the Boards, a boardwalk craft beer festival will be at Martell’s Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant Beach from 2 to 5:30 pm on November 7th.
All Saints Episcopal Church (500 Lake Avenue, Bay Head) will be holding their St. Nicholas Bazaar, Saturday, November 14th from 10 am - 3 pm. Raffle, Book Nook, Children’s Corner, Holiday Decorations, Santa’s Elegant Attic, Christmas Tree Ornaments, and Mrs. Claus’ Gourmet Kitchen are all featured activities. Take out lunches will be available.
Saturday, November 28th, will start Bay Head Gratitude Tree and Stevie’s Cupboard Letters for Santa (with supplies at the Town Clock at 81 Bridge Avenue). Take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Create a gratitude ornament and add it to the Bay Head community tree as a reminder of the things that bring us joy and connection.
The Annual Bay Head Christmas Walk will be December 4th from 5 - 9 pm, featuring Santa’s visit and the Tree lighting. On December 5th from 10 am - 3 pm, have Breakfast with Santa, visit the Holiday workshop, take trolly rides and participate in the scavenger hunt. Our office at 88 Bridge Avenue will feature our traditional holiday brass band on Friday night.
LOCAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
A selection of Ed's local photos from the last month can be found here. You can see some of our recent videos on our Youtube channel (and you may want to subscribe to our channel for future updates).
REAL-TIME TEXT UPDATES
If you would be open to receiving occasional Bay Head and Mantoloking updates from us via text message, you can opt-in here. These may include local news and events, weather, emergencies, real estate activity, and other items of interest. Typically no more than one message per month.
COME SEE US!
We're happy to discuss any of the topics in this update, or answer your questions on almost any subject! We can meet for a cup of coffee, have lunch, or even meet at the beach! And if you’re not local, we can certainly talk on the phone, or schedule a Zoom.
You can simply reply to this email, or call or text us at 732-779-5088 to see when might work.
Happy Halloween!
Suzie and Ed
P.S. Who do you know that is considering a move to (or from) the area and might appreciate a local’s perspective on the market before they make a decision?
All statistics are per Monmouth/Ocean MLS as of 6/25/26.