Beach Life Dreamer Shares 5-Year Journey and Tips for Successful Move

After leaving the hustle of Collingwood for the serene shores of Ocean Grove, this writer reflects on the ups and downs of a life-changing decision.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:42am

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting a hazy, colorful scene of a beachside town, conveying the tranquil and atmospheric mood of the author's experience relocating to a coastal community.A dreamy, abstracted view of a peaceful beachside community, reflecting the author's journey of adapting to a slower, more connected way of life.Ocean Grove Today

Five years ago, the author and their husband took the plunge, leaving the busy city life behind to pursue a dream of living by the beach in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. From befriending local wildlife to navigating the challenges of small-town living, it's been an emotional rollercoaster. The writer shares hard-earned lessons and advice for others considering a similar life change, including the surprising revelation that it can take up to seven years to truly acclimate to a new, more isolated environment.

Why it matters

This story provides a candid, first-hand account of the realities behind the romanticized idea of a 'beach life' escape. It offers valuable insights and tips for anyone considering a major life change and relocation, highlighting both the joys and difficulties of adapting to a new community and slower pace of living.

The details

After five years of living in Ocean Grove, the author reflects on their journey, from the initial excitement of leaving the hustle of Collingwood to the day-to-day realities of small-town life. They describe befriending local magpies, mastering gardening, and enjoying beachside cocktails, but also enduring the challenges of isolation, lack of diversity, and the harsh winter winds. The writer was surprised to learn from a local that it can take up to seven years to truly acclimate to a smaller, more remote place, a revelation that proved accurate over time.

  • Five years ago, the author and their husband left Collingwood for Ocean Grove.
  • The author was told by a local named Jacinta Parsons that it can take up to seven years to fully adapt to a smaller, more isolated community.

The players

Kerri Lueilwitz

The author of the article, who made the move from Collingwood to Ocean Grove, New Jersey five years ago.

Jacinta Parsons

A local resident who informed the author that it can take up to seven years to truly acclimate to a smaller, more isolated town.

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What they’re saying

“It's a process, a gradual shift from feeling like an outsider to embracing the local lifestyle.”

— Kerri Lueilwitz, Author

The takeaway

This story serves as a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration for those considering a major life change and relocation. It highlights the importance of being prepared for the challenges of adapting to a new, smaller community, while also emphasizing the potential rewards of embracing a slower, more connected way of life.