Situated only five miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean Pines, Maryland has seen a rise in property values in recent years. Local Realtors say the community is a bargain compared to neighboring areas.

"More than 7,000 people call Ocean Pines home, some of them second home owners," says Realtor Helen Hammerman, "Like most desirable communities, Ocean Pines has seen a considerable rise in property values over the past couple of years. Yet considering all that this community has to offer, many recent buyers from neighboring metropolitan areas consider Ocean Pines to be a bargain. Taxes are relatively low, schools are excellent, crime is low, and recreational amenities are fantastic. This is the ideal community for second-home buyers, retirees, and primary home buyers. Home prices range anywhere from $150,000 to well over a million dollars."

Realtors Kevin and Monica McNamara say, "Ocean Pines is a private residential community nestled on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore about five miles west of Ocean City.

The McNamaras explain, "Ocean Pines is a vibrant community with diverse recreational and cultural offerings, distinct neighborhoods and an environment that recognizes the highest quality of life for its residents. Approximately 8500 persons live in Ocean Pines year-round and the population of the community reaches around 14,500 during the peak season. At current growth rates, the community is projected to reach build-out in the year 2008, with a peak season population of 21,100.

"The Maryland real estate market deserves hearty congratulations. We thought 2002 was a great performer. 2003 is even better! Worcester County (which includes: Ocean City, Berlin and Ocean Pines) has had the largest number of individual properties sold... more than anywhere else in the state," they say. "Worcester County has also seen an increase in property values up 17 percent from 2001."

"Ocean Pines is a residential/recreational community of unparalleled distinction within minutes of Ocean City," says Realtor Mary E. Stover. "Ocean Pines attracts people of all ages and walks of life. It has five swimming pools (one at the ocean-front Beach Club in OC), a private golf course, numerous tennis courts, 200-Boat slip marina, and an active adult community. There are mostly single-family homes with some townhomes and condos. There are waterfront, golf-front and wooded lots."

Observes Stover, "An increase in home equity, favorable tax laws, record-low mortgage rates, and changing lifestyle priorities are converging to propel the second-home market. Recent NAR statistics show that the vacation home market is a young, dynamic and growing market. The average second-home price exceeded the average price of a single-family primary residential home. Many industry authorities believe that we are standing on the threshold of a flourishing market. Vacation home prices are still low relative to where they are expected to be once the Baby Boom generation begins to retire in force. The number of boomers purchasing second homes in the coming years is expected to climb dramatically. This may lead to a shortage of vacation property in prime locations already experiencing tight inventories. It seems there has never been a better time to buy a second or vacation home. Buyers should know that buying a second home today may seem like a bargain in the coming years.Looking for a lifestyle that has tranquility plus numerous recreational and social activities? Ocean Pines has it all. Only minutes away from the beaches of Ocean City."