Asbury Park, New Jersey With Brent Winborn

Where Do Gays Retire Podcast

Brent grew up in the college town of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and is the son of a teacher/school administrator (dad) and a successful real estate broker (mom).

On a family trip to NYC when Brent was in grade school, he saw Ethel Merman in Hello, Dolly! This sparked a love of theater and eventually a move to Manhattan to pursue a career in musical theater. Brent has performed off-Broadway, in regional theaters across the US, and on cruise ships worldwide for over ten years. In the late 1990s, Brent left the theater and began working in non-profit administration, spending almost 20 years as the business manager for a Nobel laureate in a research laboratory at Rockefeller University.

A friend from his theater days introduced Brent to Asbury Park, NJ, in the early 2000s when the city changed from a gritty ghost town to a Jersey Shore Mecca for gays wanting to nab an affordable house near the beach. After many vacation trips to Asbury, Brent and his husband bought their first shore home in 2011.

Brent retired early at the end of the pandemic and started a new career in real estate, following in his mother’s footsteps. He enjoys making many new friends, as his mother did, and helping to find the perfect shore home for his clients.

Brent enjoys small-town life. Now in his third Asbury home, he lives with his husband Joe, also a former actor turned non-profit professional, and their mini-Aussiedoodle Dickens.

Summary

Brent Winborn shares his journey to Asbury Park, New Jersey, highlighting the city's transformation from a gritty ghost town to a vibrant LGBTQ+ mecca.

He describes Asbury Park's geographical overview, unique perspectives, and proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. Brent also discusses the climate, which has four seasons but milder winters and longer fall periods.

He emphasizes the strong LGBTQ+ community in Asbury Park, the presence of gay bars and hotels, and the sense of community and acceptance.

Brent also provides insights into the cost of living, including home prices, rentals, utilities, and groceries. Asbury Park offers diverse housing options, from newer condos to renovated older buildings.

The vibrant cultural scene has festivals, music events, theaters, and galleries.

The restaurant scene is diverse, with options ranging from dive bar burgers to high-end dining.

Asbury Park is a walkable city, and while public transportation is limited, e-scooters and e-bikes are popular for getting around. Safety is not a major concern, and excellent healthcare facilities are nearby.

Challenges include parking availability and the need for more hotels. Overall, Asbury Park offers a unique small-town atmosphere with an urban feel.

For NJ State Tax info on Social Security, Pensions, 401K's and IRA's

Is There an E Street? Where?

E Street runs northeast through the New Jersey shore town of Belmar. According to Springsteen lore, the band took its name from the street because original keyboard player David Sancious's mother lived there and allowed the band to rehearse in her house. The titular avenue of "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" is also in Belmar.