Bayside vs. Bear Trap Dunes?

[Anonymous]

Anybody been to both and can compare?

[Anonymous]

Basically the same. Both are a schlep to the beach (10-15 min drive).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Basically the same. Both are a schlep to the beach (10-15 min drive).

Should have mentioned we plan to spend days at the pool, not the beach.
-OP

[Anonymous]

Then why head there? Both neighborhoods are like any new development in suburban MD or VA. And their pools aren't anything special.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Then why head there? Both neighborhoods are like any new development in suburban MD or VA. And their pools aren't anything special.

Just a preference this year. Have you been to both?

-OP

[Anonymous]

Yes. We have friends who own homes in both neighborhoods. Despite what their websites say, these aren't resorts. They are suburban neighborhoods 10-15 minutes inland from coastal highway. Lots of retirees at both. Not our cup of tea (although we still stay there each summer as guests...because you can't beat free).

When we pay for a place at the beach, we opt for oceanfront or within walking distance.

Neither of those areas is cheap, so why spend so much to be that far away from everything?

If you just want a pool, I'd suggest the Chesapeake Hyatt in Cambridge, MD. Two pools, golf, fishing and kids activities. Eat breakfast and lunch at the resort, but head off property for dinner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. We have friends who own homes in both neighborhoods. Despite what their websites say, these aren't resorts. They are suburban neighborhoods 10-15 minutes inland from coastal highway. Lots of retirees at both. Not our cup of tea (although we still stay there each summer as guests...because you can't beat free).

When we pay for a place at the beach, we opt for oceanfront or within walking distance.

Neither of those areas is cheap, so why spend so much to be that far away from everything?

If you just want a pool, I'd suggest the Chesapeake Hyatt in Cambridge, MD. Two pools, golf, fishing and kids activities. Eat breakfast and lunch at the resort, but head off property for dinner.

Your preference may be oceanfront or within walking distance, but it's clear that isn't OP's priority.

[Anonymous]

I understand that. But I just can't understand why. I'm trying to be helpful by explaining that while their websites make it look like the areas are upscale resorts, that's simply not the case. They are suburban neighborhoods with a couple small pools and nondescript playgrounds. They are near run of the mill shopping centers. Seriously, it's do different than spending a week in Olney.

I would totally understand if the rentals were markedly less expensive and you wanted to save a little cash for a week at the beach. But the rentals are actually surprisingly expensive.

To answer the OP's question: there's no real difference between the two. But I can save you some cash and the three hour schlep to DE if you'd like to rent my house in Olney while we are at the beach this summer. Our neighborhood has a pool and a playground. And Harris Teeter is nearby (just like the two areas you are considering).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand that. But I just can't understand why. I'm trying to be helpful by explaining that while their websites make it look like the areas are upscale resorts, that's simply not the case. They are suburban neighborhoods with a couple small pools and nondescript playgrounds. They are near run of the mill shopping centers. Seriously, it's do different than spending a week in Olney.

I would totally understand if the rentals were markedly less expensive and you wanted to save a little cash for a week at the beach. But the rentals are actually surprisingly expensive.

To answer the OP's question: there's no real difference between the two. But I can save you some cash and the three hour schlep to DE if you'd like to rent my house in Olney while we are at the beach this summer. Our neighborhood has a pool and a playground. And Harris Teeter is nearby (just like the two areas you are considering).

Aren't you a peach. Ever heard the phrase "different strokes for different folks?".

[Anonymous]

Of course I have. But I believe I'm the only person who has actually stayed in both neighborhoods. And I know people who have been disappointed after spending so much money to stay there and felt deceived by the PR that they are resorts...because they are not. Why not stay in Bethany West? They have a pool, and most of the neighborhood is walking distance to the Bethany boardwalk and beach. The Bethany trolley also runs through it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course I have. But I believe I'm the only person who has actually stayed in both neighborhoods. And I know people who have been disappointed after spending so much money to stay there and felt deceived by the PR that they are resorts...because they are not. Why not stay in Bethany West? They have a pool, and most of the neighborhood is walking distance to the Bethany boardwalk and beach. The Bethany trolley also runs through it.

PP, totally agree wth your comments on Bayside. My ILs have own a place there and the marketing materials and real estate ads make it appear that you are living in a resort NEAR the water! Truthfully, Bayside is a mega neighborhood built around a golf course. Spending time there as a family is fine, (and free) but my ILs can't afford to join the pools so we drive to the nearest beach which is OC. Very much a pain when you have kids - we end up doing a water park a few days and the beach less often. I don't see the appeal. Perhaps if I were a golfer? Agree that bayside is as much resort living as any nice townhouse community in Ashbirn or Olney might be.

The same developer who built Sea Colony built Bear Trap and Bayside so...keep that in mind.

My in laws have a two bedroom condo. I understand that head condos were a failed experiment and took forever to sell. No longer building condos. The development is huge now and construction continues - unsure if Freeman still building here exclusively.

Oh. The carousel (big draw for my kids) was sold off/gone a few summers ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand that. But I just can't understand why. I'm trying to be helpful by explaining that while their websites make it look like the areas are upscale resorts, that's simply not the case. They are suburban neighborhoods with a couple small pools and nondescript playgrounds. They are near run of the mill shopping centers. Seriously, it's do different than spending a week in Olney.

I would totally understand if the rentals were markedly less expensive and you wanted to save a little cash for a week at the beach. But the rentals are actually surprisingly expensive.

To answer the OP's question: there's no real difference between the two. But I can save you some cash and the three hour schlep to DE if you'd like to rent my house in Olney while we are at the beach this summer. Our neighborhood has a pool and a playground. And Harris Teeter is nearby (just like the two areas you are considering).

OP here. I'm aware of what these places are really like. In fact, we stayed at Bayside a few years ago. DH doesn't like being on the beach, but likes the beach towns for their proximity to restaurants, activities etc. I'm aware the rentals are just as expensive as the rentals closer to the actual beach, but it is what it is. DS is 3 and won't be cleared to fly this summer due to some medical procedures he's having this spring, so our vacation options are limited. Also, we are looking for 2 bedrooms so a hotel room wouldn't work for this trip. Bayside/Bear Trap Dunes fit our needs this summer.

I was going to automatically book at Bayside, since we enjoyed it last time but then I was doing some research and heard about Bear Trap Dunes so I didn't know if it would fit our needs better. There was also another place billed as more of a resort called The Peninsula but it seemed even farther out than the other two places. Here's what we'd like to do:

Wake up, eat breakfast in the unit.
Spend the morning at the pool, either eat lunch at the snack bar there or walk back to the unit for lunch, then nap/rest time for DS.
Go back to the pool for a few hours.
Go out to dinner or DH or I will bring back dinner and eat in the unit. Maybe go to Rehoboth or Bethany Boardwalk one or two nights.

Yes, I'm aware that we could do something similar right at home. We too have a playground and a pool in our neighborhood. But it's going to be a tough spring for us and we'd like to get away to a different environment for a bit.

We don't mind driving 15-20 minutes to dinner and from what I can remember, there were enough options around Bayside last time. Nothing stellar, but good enough. I've heard it's a pain to park in Bethany, but if there are enough other options around Bear Trap Dunes I'd be willing to consider it just to try something different.

I don't know anyone in real life who had had experience with both of these places, so I thought I'd ask here. We're also open to other suggestions if there are better options.

[Anonymous]

I'm the pp who was labeled a peach. Given your last post, I'd suggest trying bear trap. Their shuttle is good so you can easily visit Bethany boardwalk.

[Anonymous]

I've stayed in both. Bayside is closer and smaller. We put about 200 miles on our car when we stayed in Bear Trap. You can get a newer, big house for much cheaper than you can in Bethany.
I prefer Bayside since it's easier access to the beach than Bear Trap. With little kids, I wouldn't stay at either again.

[Anonymous]

Just read your lard post, OP. Stay at Bayside again. Bear Trap has nothing more to offer. Have fun and good luck with the medical Procedures.