Life at the Salt Pond
If you are thinking about buying a home in Bethany Beach but don't want to spend $1.5 million plus on a home in walking distance to the beach, there are a few great possibilities, still very close but without the jumbo price tag.
The Salt Pond community is nestled among the natural beauty of wetlands and ponds less than a mile from the beach (as the crow flies) and just about two miles to public beach access. It overlooks a mid-length, executive 18-hole golf course, and has a community recreation center, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a children's play area, among other amenities.
With modest HOA/condo fees (only $1,870 per YEAR for single family homes and just over $4,000 per year for townhomes) and low property taxes (thank you, Delaware!), it makes owning a home in the Salt Pond very appealing.
The community consists of both single-family homes and townhomes; many residents are full time while others maintain seasonal homes. Salt Pond is located near Bethany Beach, Delaware, just 15 minutes north of the Delaware and Maryland state borders. Bethany Beach is about midway between the resort communities of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to the north and Ocean City, Maryland to the south.
Brief History of Salt Pond
In 1991, Hickman Real Estate unveiled its latest community, The Salt Pond. The community was advertised as being the newest community created for a fabulous lifestyle. Located on 378 lush acres in Bethany Beach, Delaware, it offers a combination of off-the-beaten path solitude with an array of attractive amenities.
The Salt Pond is situated in Sussex County which is Delaware's largest county in terms of geography, spanning 938 square miles. Delaware history begins with Sussex County, as the town of Lewes was founded as a Dutch whaling colony in 163. That first European settlement gives Lewes its claim to fame of being the 'First Town in the First State' and makes Sussex County the birthplace of what would become present-day Delaware.
Today there are 536 individual homes and townhomes within The Salt Pond community. In 1998, the Clubhouse was expanded to include an additional room, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
Things to do at The Salt Pond
The Salt Pond is a unique place that not only offers traditional recreational activities such as golf, tennis, and swimming but also natural attractions like fishing ponds and acres of untouched land. These natural attractions include the landmark 90-acre Salt Pond where residents can sail, windsurf, and fish. There are also 16 stocked fishing ponds, along with 100 acres of untouched land - a bird-watchers paradise. A natural barrier of trees shields the entire property, adding of privacy and seclusion.
The highlight of the activities offered at The Salt Pond is an exceptional 18-hole executive golf course. The Salt Pond Golf Club offers a professionally manicured 18-hole public mid length course that presents itself as a challenge for even the most seasoned player, yet friendly enough for women, juniors, seniors and beginners. With most foursomes finishing the course in less than 3 hours, the location is ideal for playing golf and enjoying Bethany Beach all in the same day. Sand Traps in the morning and Sand Bars in the afternoon help make unforgettable memories. When you’re finished, stop by Birdies Snack Bar and choose from a range of sandwiches and wraps, snacks, teas, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Birdies is open during the summer season from May 1 to October 1.
Additional amenities including the club house, fitness center, indoor pool, tennis, and pickle ball can all be found at the recreation facility. All homeowners are welcome to use the clubhouse provided it has not been rented for a function or reserved for a meeting or activity. There are beverages available for purchase in the Golf Shop so come and watch a movie, read a book, or enjoy time with other homeowners. Additionally, the clubhouse offers a book club, women’s club, and the opportunity to join a game of Bridge or Mahjong.
You will find basketball, group fitness classes, water aerobics, volleyball, shuffleboard and yoga at the fitness center. Basketball pick-up games are on Wednesday & Saturday at 11 a.m. Fitness classes with Valerie take place on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Clubhouse meeting room. Valerie teaches Barre Sculpture, Total Body Conditioning, Tabata, and Water Aerobics. Chair yoga with Lori is available Wednesdays at 2 PM in the Salt Pond meeting room.
Finally, rental space for up to 60 crafts is available at the kayak launch next to the cul-de-sac on Canal Way East. These slots are leased for a 2-year period, beginning on odd-numbered years. Only Salt Pond homeowners in good standing with the Salt Pond HOA are eligible for a space. Each household is limited to one slot, and the slots will be allocated on a first-come basis.
New to The Salt Pond and want to meet your neighbors? Log on to TownSq! TownSq is a new all-in-one mobile app designed to help you connect, collaborate and stay up-to-date with the Salt Pond Community anytime on any device -- your desktop computer, smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Meet your neighbors, connect with your management team and Board Members, and access the resources you need for better community living. Find out more information on how to access TownSq here.
Let’s go to the Beach
If you love to go to the beach then you’re in luck! The Salt Pond is located less than 2 miles from Bethany Beach, about midway between the resort communities of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland.
Driving into Bethany Beach you’ll be greeted by the intimate shops leading you to a quiet sense of calmness. When you breathe in the ocean air, you can suddenly feel that this is your coastal home away from home. Bethany is the kind of place that's perfectly suited to beach-house gatherings of families who find their sunny days filled with an endless array of do-as-you-please activities. Whether it be laying out on the beautiful broad beaches, shopping tax-free at the shops around town and on the Boardwalk, enjoying a gourmet coastal meal or taking in a festival. There’s something here for everyone!
Things to do at Bethany Beach
Outdoor adventure
Looking for an outdoor adventure? No worries, Delaware has got you covered! Enjoy kayaking, surfing, and more at Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island State Park. Spend the day on the green at Baywood, a nearby 18-hole golf course or show off your putt-putt skills at the Millville Boardwalk miniature golf course.
Dine around
Calling all foodies! If seafood is your jam then you are in the right place. With so much of the state bordering the Delaware bay, and the Chesapeake just on the other side of the state, it’s no surprise that Delaware is a great place to find some amazing seafood restaurants. While visiting Bethany Beach, sip on a sunrise coffee from 3BB Café, and close out the day with a golden-hour dinner at Bluecoast Seafood Grill. Be sure to grab a drink on an oceanfront deck at Mango’s or indulge in savory Italian cuisine at DiFebo’s.
If you’re a beer lover be sure to download the DE on Tap app to find everything from the state’s best craft breweries to wineries and even distilleries!
Shop tax-free
Wanna get a little shopping in while you’re at the beach? Downtown Bethany Beach offers a wide array of shops, farmers markets, boutiques and more. From sweet finds at Candy Kitchen, trendy styles at Gypsy Teal, to books galore at Bethany Beach Books. Visit the Bethany Surf Shop for the latest t-shirt designs to commemorate your visit to Bethany Beach!
Be entertained
Whether you enjoy listening to radio staples with a beer in hand or prefer a more sophisticated event with wine and an orchestra, you’re sure to find amazing live shows from opera to pop and everything in between in Delaware. Click here to view Delaware’s top live entertainment destinations!
Reach out to Stacy to talk more about the possibility of buying a home at the Salt Pond, or any of the Delaware beaches: stacy@stacywardrealtor.com or 443.465.0954.