Ocean City Apartment Renter's Guide
Ocean City Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
Ocean City, MD: What began as "The Ladies' Resort to the Ocean" is now the premier ocean resort on the Middle Atlantic Seaboard.
One of the top resort towns on the Eastern Seaboard, Ocean City has a fluctuating population -- a weekday in November sees it as home to around 8,000 residents, while a summer weekend can see up to 350,000 vacationers
Ocean City, MD: What began as "The Ladies' Resort to the Ocean" is now the premier ocean resort on the Middle Atlantic Seaboard.
One of the top resort towns on the Eastern Seaboard, Ocean City has a fluctuating population -- a weekday in November sees it as home to around 8,000 residents, while a summer weekend can see up to 350,000 vacationers. Sitting on a thin strip of land, surrounded by water, it is a town that is dependent on the sea, for business as well as pleasure.
Moving to Ocean City
If you want to live in Ocean City year-round, you'll need to have a hefty security payment ready, and a complete set of background information that includes references and pay stubs.
Given the seasonal up and downs as far as the population goes, trying to rent and move in during the summer is possibly one of the worst ideas you could ever have. You'll want to do your search and move in prior to Memorial Day, or wait until after Labor Day. Otherwise, you might find yourself coming up with new swear words as you try and navigate a U-Haul through shore traffic.
Be prepared for some gnarly weather throughout the year, though. The town has been brushed by tropical storms and hurricanes a number of times, although it has escaped direct hits so far. Winters can get a bit nippy, but summers will thankfully not get particularly sweltering.
Neighborhoods of Ocean City
Now that you're convinced that Ocean City is the next stop on your life's road map, it's time to decide which neighborhood would suit you best!
Town Center: This area is a vacationer's paradise, where many of the homes are owned but vacant. You can find some modern, premier apartments in this neighborhood, but expect to pay a modern, premier price. It's easy to walk or bike wherever you may need to go in this neighborhood. If you want to head out to the ocean, stop by the Oceanic Fishing Pier, all the way at the tip of the neighborhood.
North Ocean City: This is where the party is at -- full of bars, restaurants, and other party spots that are open until late at night. Pretty much anything you'll need is in walking or biking distance, although that can be a double-edged sword. During the summer, good luck getting away from the parties. With plenty of newer high-rise apartment buildings, this is a great place to start when you're trying to find an apartment. It's also home to some of the best eateries in the city, like On the Bay Seafood and The Shark on the Harbor.
Coastal Highway: At the very top end of town, this mostly-residential neighborhood is also home to plenty of year-round residents. This is thanks to it being the widest neighborhood in the city - the other two neighborhoods are, generally, only three or four blocks on each side of the main drag. This is your best bet as far as finding long term house rentals in Ocean City - start looking around Gorman Avenue Par, and don't forget to stop by Nick's Original House of Ribs for a bite while on your search.
Living in Ocean City
While the vacationers can be a pain, there are a lot of pluses to living in a resort town. To begin with, public transportation is top-notch, and you can easily make do in Ocean City without a vehicle. Forego the car and get yourself a boat and a scooter, you'll be set.
On top of that, there is never a lack of things to do. Festivities, conventions, and events are on year-round, to keep the visitors flowing in. The biggest week of the year is Senior Week, which has tons of activities for recent graduates, as well as the OC Car Show, the Dew Tour, and H20 Under 21 Events for folks from all age groups. Long before that, the big summer season kick-off is the annual Springfest Arts and Crafts festival, with four days of arts, crafts, food and beverage. This is the most popular event amongst locals.
For year-round residents, the outdoors has tons to offer. All the beach activities are right there, and with homes backing right up to the bay, it's really easy for those who enjoy fishing and boating. You can cross over the Ocean City Inlet to the majesty that is Assateague Island and the famed ponies, or head up the coast to the slightly more convenient Fenwick Island State Park.