Last Call for Summer: Waterfront & Outdoor Living Homes in NY & NJ You’ll Love Year-Round

August in the tri-state area feels a little like the Sunday of summer. The days are still long and warm, but you can already feel the crisp edge of fall creeping in. For homebuyers, this is the moment to capture that endless-summer lifestyle — whether it’s a view of the Hudson River, a private backyard in Brooklyn, or a porch overlooking the Jersey Shore.

The good news? Both New York and New Jersey have incredible waterfront and outdoor-friendly properties on the market right now. And while these homes shine brightest in the summer, their value lasts all year. Here’s where to look and what to know.

New York’s Outdoor Gems

Long Island’s North Shore
Often called the “Gold Coast,” this stretch is famous for grand estates, sailboat-studded harbors, and sunsets over the Long Island Sound. Towns like Huntington, Oyster Bay, and Port Washington offer both charming downtowns and direct water access — ideal for boating, kayaking, or just enjoying your coffee with a sea breeze.

Brooklyn’s Backyards & Roof Decks
While private yards in Brooklyn are gold, don’t overlook buildings with roof decks. Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Carroll Gardens offer apartments and brownstones where you can enjoy skyline views, garden parties, or your own urban vegetable patch.

Upstate Waterfronts
For those willing to go a bit farther, areas like Cold Spring and Beacon along the Hudson offer breathtaking river views and hiking trails just minutes from your doorstep.

New Jersey’s Waterfront Treasures

The Jersey Shore
From the quiet luxury of Spring Lake to the lively boardwalks of Asbury Park, shore towns cater to a variety of lifestyles. Many homes here have wraparound porches, big decks, and direct beach access — perfect for both full-time living and weekend escapes.

Hudson River Gold: Hoboken & Jersey City
Here you’ll find modern condos with rooftop pools, floor-to-ceiling windows, and ferry access to Manhattan. Outdoor dining and parks along the waterfront make this area perfect for year-round urban living with a breezy touch.

Lakefront Living in North Jersey
Communities like Lake Hopatcong or Greenwood Lake offer dockside living, watersports, and a true “vacation at home” feeling — without leaving the state.

Tips for Buying Waterfront or Outdoor-Friendly Homes

1. Act Quickly — These properties tend to sell fast, especially before summer’s end.

2. Check Flood Zones & Insurance — Waterfront living is amazing, but you’ll want to understand any additional costs or maintenance.

3. Think Year-Round Use — A home with a fireplace by the water can be just as magical in February as it is in July.

Your Endless Summer Starts Now

The right home can turn that bittersweet end-of-summer feeling into a lifestyle you enjoy every day. Whether you’re drawn to the ocean breeze, a leafy backyard, or a skyline-view terrace, August is the perfect time to explore.

If you’re ready to tour some of the best waterfront and outdoor-living properties in New York and New Jersey, let’s talk. The sooner you start, the sooner you can be watching the sunset from your own deck — not someone else’s.