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Stone Harbor Real Estate

Cape May County Housing Market Is Heating Up

$4.7MMedian Price
38Listings
40Days on Market

Stone Harbor Housing Market

Stone Harbor sits just south of Avalon on Seven Mile Island, with a smaller footprint and -- contrary to common perception -- a higher median price. At roughly $4.8M median versus Avalon's $3.4M, Stone Harbor consistently runs at the top of the Cape May County market. The gap reflects extremely tight inventory: fewer blocks, fewer properties, and a seller base that has held for decades. Herons Square, the bird sanctuary at the center of town, does not appear on listing sheets, but longtime buyers understand it shapes the character of the place in ways that are hard to put a number on. Most turnover comes from within: existing shore owners trading up from Ocean City or Wildwood, or buyers who have vacationed in Stone Harbor for years before finally deciding to purchase. Days on market can run long not because demand is soft, but because the buyer pool is small and deliberate. Stone Harbor has less inventory and less turnover than Avalon, which cuts both ways depending on your timeline.

Summer is peak season for shore real estate activity. Expect competition for beachfront and ocean-view properties as seasonal buyers are most active.

Price Trends (24 Months)

$4.2M$4.4M$4.6M$4.8M$5.0MMay '24Sep '24Jan '25May '25Sep '25Jan '26Apr '26
Median List Price
Latest: $4.7M

Current Market Snapshot

Median Price
$4.70M
-6.0%YoY
Active Listings
38
Days on Market
40
Monthly Change
-3.1%

Compared to Cape May County

ZIP Median Price
$4.7M
County Median
$924K
Difference
+408.3%above county avg

Market Health Indicators

Price Trend
-6.0%
Days on Market
40 days
Inventory
38

About Stone Harbor

Stone Harbor is a shore community in Cape May County. Learn more about beaches, attractions, dining, and events.

Stone Harbor

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Investment Potential

Investment Calculator

Estimate your potential returns if you rent out your Stone Harbor property during summer months.

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Peak summer week rate

4 wks20 wks

Annual Summary

Gross Rental Income$169,200
Est. Expenses (30%)-$50,760
Net Rental Income$118,440
Annual Mortgage-$299,993
Property Tax (est.)-$84,546
Annual Cash Flow$-266,099
Cap Rate
0.7%
Cash-on-Cash
-28.3%

Investment Outlook

Challenging as pure investment. Negative cash flow means you would need other income or appreciation to justify. Better suited as a vacation home with some rental offset.

* Estimates only. Consult a financial advisor and research local rental regulations. Expenses estimate includes insurance, maintenance, management, and vacancy.

Nearby ZIP Codes

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Stone Harbor Real Estate FAQs

What is Stone Harbor's real estate market like?
Stone Harbor is a low-turnover luxury market. Most sellers have held properties for decades, so inventory is consistently thin. When properties come available, they sell at competitive prices. Days on market can be long because the buyer pool is smaller and more deliberate, not because of weak demand.
How does Stone Harbor compare to Avalon for real estate?
Stone Harbor runs higher than Avalon in median price despite being smaller and less well known outside the shore community. The tight inventory and long-held ownership base keep prices elevated. Both towns attract similar buyers -- finance professionals and multi-generational shore families -- and the choice between them tends to come down to personal preference and what happens to be available.
Is Stone Harbor good for vacation rentals?
Yes. Summer weekend rates in Stone Harbor are competitive with Avalon. The limited commercial density and beach quality attract a repeat-vacation rental clientele. Most owners rent for some portion of the season, even if they also use the property personally.
What is Herons Square in Stone Harbor?
Herons Square is a 21-acre wildlife sanctuary in the center of Stone Harbor where over 1,000 nesting pairs of herons and egrets roost annually. It is one of only a handful of this type of colonial water bird rookery in New Jersey. For buyers who value that kind of community asset, it is a meaningful differentiator.
What are the most desirable streets in Stone Harbor?
Ocean-block properties command the highest prices. The three-block wide residential area means most properties are within reasonable walking distance of the beach. 96th to 100th Streets are generally considered the most sought-after blocks near the commercial center.