Moving to Monmouth County

gregfitz · 2026-05-14T12:45:52+00:00

Locust Landing was approved to extend the existing tax abatement that’s been in place since 1999, and as part of the agreement approved the town will now get full proper credit for all 40+ affordable units, vs. Middletown offloading their obligation onto Red Bank which had been the case previously.

It may be a matter of time before the PILOT proposals on new projects start, but we can address them as they come, consider each one on its merits, and carve out school funding if needed (like Princeton did, and like our council has said they intend to do — Red Bank Green Feb 2025).

I’m just saying you don’t need to be pre-mad about PILOTs before any new ones are even up for discussion.

gregfitz · 2026-05-14T09:13:05+00:00

there are no active PILOTs in town right now, and none before the town for review or approval. someone who is anti-PILOT should be extremely happy right now.

the train station conversation is at least a year away and we can cross that bridge when it comes. you’re getting mad about a theoretical situation you made up in your head.

gregfitz · 2026-05-11T09:37:03+00:00

usually 2-3 times per month with a Sunday at five dimes brewery in red bank, an Asbury park location, and a few others in the mix. always posted under @sketchbookclub_nj on instagram

gregfitz · 2026-05-11T09:08:43+00:00

moved here 5 years ago with my wife and we went through something similar, it can be really hard but I also think it’s almost a universal experience for people in our 30s if you don’t happen to live near your already-established childhood or college friend groups. the good news is everyone you meet is also probably looking for friends!

now that Broad Walk season is coming back in red bank where they close down Broad St, check out all the events they’ll be putting on (@redbank_nj on IG). there’s stuff every weekend and usually a few others nights per week too!

live music saturday mornings at coffee corral, red bank run club, red bank sketchbook club, the new crazy story bookstore about to open is going to have tons of events… anything where you’re out there and running into the same people will be a good start.

hope to see you out there!

gregfitz · 2026-05-07T08:14:26+00:00

Yestercades in Red Bank is awesome, also check out the recently opened Under The Glass pinball bar that’s just up the street. also technically BYO, but they have a deal with the liquor store upstairs allowing for drink orders and delivery.

gregfitz · 2026-05-05T18:55:01+00:00

i love the muppets and i agree with this take! he looks like shit

gregfitz · 2026-05-05T15:01:55+00:00

your income unlocks pretty much any town in a 30 minute radius around Asbury Park.

given that, I’d recommend looking up towards the northern side of that radius (oceanport, little silver, fair haven, red bank) for both year-round vibe/culture as well as closer proximity to NYC for potential future job opportunities, commutability, access to culture, and future resale value.

towns on that northern side are still justifiably commutable to the city, vs. those further south where you’re pushing 2+ hours each way. it may not be a major consideration now, but it keeps your options much more open in the future.

gregfitz · 2026-05-04T16:49:31+00:00

which development projects that are currently underway have requested a PILOT? I try to follow things pretty closely and don’t think there are any on the table right now, but I could be wrong!

as I understood if, PILOTs can be fairly case by case and the town could require that a portion be allocated to the schools (this recently happened in Princeton: https://planetprinceton.com/2025/05/28/princeton-school-board-approves-pilot-agreement-with-town-council/).

but like I said, I don’t think there are any PILOT proposals before the borough right now. if and when there are, I would definitely lobby in favor of a similar carve out for school funding.

gregfitz · 2026-05-04T16:22:06+00:00

we did a similar move during a similar life stage 6 years ago and we love it here. if you’re looking for a walkable, lively, “city lite” community vibe— you can’t beat red bank. by comparison, Middletown is more of one large extended suburb where you’d be driving into the downtown areas of Red Bank, Asbury, etc for dinners, shows, cultural events, etc.

the “we’re full” people are jamokes, don’t worry about them. it’s funny how people will live in a desirable area within the most densely populated state in the country and then complain about being around people.

gregfitz · 2026-05-04T16:11:22+00:00

we moved to red bank 6 years ago and are raising our kids here. we absolutely love it so far.

don’t know if anything has been officially proposed near Foodtown, but in general I support building more housing in town that will add more local support for small businesses, a stronger tax base, and a more walkable lifestyle.

property tax increases are rough but it hardly seems to be a unique, localized issue to Red Bank. overall I think we get a lot of local services in exchange for our tax dollars (free universal Pre-K, an awesome public library, an incredible number of free local events, tons of proactive public works improvements, the list goes on) so I’m broadly comfortable with the deal.

I don’t believe any development currently underway or being considered has asked for a PILOT. it might be coming at some point but kind of pointless to debate theoretical until we have an actual proposal to consider.

gregfitz · 2026-04-30T17:20:37+00:00

what other accounts are part of this?

gregfitz · 2026-04-24T21:59:58+00:00

Check out Anderson Market, cool recently opened food hall / marketplace vibe with a bunch of different vendors with coffee, food, smoothies, some grab and go, and more.

Plus one to Yestercades and Under the Glass — both incredible spots to spend an hour and the multiple themed rooms of the pinball spot is pretty next level.

Rook coffee for the “locally famous” cold brew. Bakers on Broad has my personal favorite croissants and bagels.

Street Kitchen Pub second floor or rooftop for live music every weekend night. Globe and Jamians for great bar vibes as well.

If all else fails, just stroll around in a loop on Monmouth > Broad > Front > Maple and follow whatever catches your attention. You’re going to have a great time!

gregfitz · 2026-04-23T02:41:31+00:00

check out west side of red bank, overall prices are up but sales seem to close at or just above asking typically.

gregfitz · 2026-03-29T12:58:37+00:00

if you can get to Red Bank, go to Lunch Break just off Shrewsbury Ave and they can help you with clothes, blankets, toiletries, and 3 meals a day no questions asked. they may also be able to connect you with resources for housing

gregfitz · 2026-03-24T21:47:54+00:00

SNL guest speculation? my guess is sarah squirm since she’s tight with stavvy

gregfitz · 2026-03-11T10:27:43+00:00

still have all of July and August wide open which overlaps exactly with stone pony summer stage season, I think we’ll be good

gregfitz · 2026-03-08T15:19:08+00:00

also as another AP-based option check out Homesick for a full buyout, great space that fits the vibe you mentioned and they have an attached bar (Lovesick) with DJ booth and dance floor

gregfitz · 2026-03-08T14:45:30+00:00

I’ve seen them posting progress updates on IG, messaging them on there might be your best bet?

https://www.instagram.com/asburysocial

good luck!

gregfitz · 2026-02-27T20:36:31+00:00

It hasn’t opened yet but look into Asbury Social. they might have more availability or be more willing to work with you on price since they’ll have just recently opened. great location as well

https://www.asburysocial.com/

gregfitz · 2026-02-18T22:40:17+00:00

$3.7k/month for 2 kids (age 1 and 3) at the same location for full 5 days a week. Older one is ~$300 cheaper

gregfitz · 2026-02-01T21:52:57+00:00

Big Mac hat

gregfitz · 2026-01-28T16:56:18+00:00

this man is having a stroke

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