Station/Boat Location~
Training Center Cape May, ANT Cape May, Vigorous, Dependable, Mako, Ibis, Finback, Station Cape May, Recruit Boot Camp, Firehouse, and more
Date there~
July 2012 - June 2016
Weather~
Four Seasons - but always at least a breeze with consistent winds in the cooler months
Military facilities~
CG Marketplace, Lucky Bag (cheap uniforms for AD members), Uniform Distribution Center, Tailor Shop, Temporary Housing, Harborview All Hands Club, Oceanside (events), Chiefs Club, Work Life, Chapel, Gym, Pool, Skate Park, MWR, Gear Locker (for rentals), and many more on base.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is about 90 miles away and has a full-sized commissary and Exchange.
Medical~
There is a medical center on base that services AD members. Dependents go on the economy for medical care. There are 3 hospitals in a 45 minute drive (one within a 15 minute drive). There are several doctors and specialists within a 45 minute drive who accept Tricare. There is also a VA Clinic on base.
Most dentists in the area do not take MetLife, but they do adjust their pricing to match what it would be if they did due to large base of military clients.
The pharmacy is available to AD and dependents (medications available on base are at $0 co-pay). For medications not carried at the pharmacy on base, there are a variety of retail chain pharmacies (CVS, Rite Aid, and Wal-Mart).
Housing~
Temporary Housing is available for rent on a first-come-first-served basis. It is available for military personnel visiting on vacation or awaiting entry into Housing units.
Unaccompanied Personnel Housing is available for singles and GEO members.
Housing contains several phases with 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes totaling 172 units. There are numerous playgrounds scattered throughout for a variety of ages.
Shopping~
Groceries - Shop Rite, ACME, and Super Fresh. There are limited food items available at Wal-Mart.
Fast Food - Very limited. There is a Burger King in Rio Grande. There are McDonald’s locations in North Cape May and Cape May Court House. Wawa and Subway are both available in multiple locations as well.
Cape May is full of local and specialty shops that are sure to delight!
There is a regular Wal-Mart, Marshall’s, Lowe’s, BBB, Michael’s, KMart, JcPenney, PetSmart, and a few others in Rio Grande (about a 5-10 minute drive). There is also a select amount of stores in Cape May Court House (about 15 minutes away). The majority of major shopping & dining is available in Mays Landing or Vineland (each is about 45 minutes away). Tanger Outlets is located in Atlantic City (about 30 minutes) and includes a variety of casinos and dining establishments.
There is also shopping available across the Delaware Bay by ferry access.
ChildCare/Schools~
The base has the Child Development Center (CDC) available for daily care and is open 0630-1700 Monday - Friday. The Pelican Place is a local, state-licensed preschool providing for 3 & 4 year olds Monday-Thursday from 0900-1200. There is also a list of Family Child Care Providers available through Work Life for those preferring to use an in-home child care service provided by Coast Guard spouses. Work Life certifies all FCC providers.
Cape May City Elementary services Housing and bus services are provided through the TRACEN. The school is located approximately one mile from Housing. CMCE provides education to grades Preschool through 6th. Preschool is all-day and free of charge. All school supplies and field trips are covered by the school so there is no added expenses to the families. CMCE also provides a variety of after-school clubs and activities that vary by grade level. Before and After school care are also offered.
Richard M Teitelman School provides for grades 7 and 8 & Lower Cape May Regional High School provides for grades 9-12.
Cape Trinity Catholic School is a private school located in North Wildwood and offers education for Toddlers - 8th grade.
Adult Education~
Atlantic Cape Community College is the closest available campus-based school in the area and offers a variety of degrees and classes.
Fun Activities~
The Jersey Cape Military Spouses Club get together once a month for a meeting and fun activity and is open to all that support its mission.
MWR offers swimming lessons for all ages and levels on a cycling basis (usually 6 or 8 weeks) for a minimal cost. Lessons are held at the base pool. There are Free Friday Night Movies at the Ida Lewis Auditorium where they also offers drinks and snacks for purchase. Movies shown are those not yet available for purchase (generally). They also offer camping, a driving range, and the Gear Locker where you can rent equipment ranging from camping to kayaking.
There are also several events throughout the year such as Coast Guard Day, Fall Fest, Harbor Fest, Dragon Boat Races, Halloween Party, Christmas Party, and so much more!
The town has so much to offer in both architecture, history, and sightseeing. There are many bike trails and beaches available. Military Personnel may purchase a pass to access LSU Beach which is located at the old LORAN Station and is only open to pass holders. If you like food, there is something for every taste. There are also many wineries and a local brewery that offer tastings and tours. The Cape May Lighthouse is also a very popular site to visit. The Cape May County Zoo is free to visit and does not disappoint. Wildwood offers many tourist attractions and Boardwalk activities as well as a large waterpark.
There is always something going on in or around Cape May. You have to try to find nothing to do.
Additional Info~
Cost of Living is quite high compared to a lot of small towns because of it being a tourist destination. Although it may seem like there isn’t much in Cape May, if you get involved in the area, there is actually a lot to take in and is a wonderful place for those with a family.
Homeport NJ
Training Center Cape May, ANT Cape May, Vigorous, Dependable, Mako, Ibis, Finback, Station Cape May, Recruit Boot Camp, Firehouse, and more
Date there~
July 2012 - June 2016
Weather~
Four Seasons - but always at least a breeze with consistent winds in the cooler months
Military facilities~
CG Marketplace, Lucky Bag (cheap uniforms for AD members), Uniform Distribution Center, Tailor Shop, Temporary Housing, Harborview All Hands Club, Oceanside (events), Chiefs Club, Work Life, Chapel, Gym, Pool, Skate Park, MWR, Gear Locker (for rentals), and many more on base.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is about 90 miles away and has a full-sized commissary and Exchange.
Medical~
There is a medical center on base that services AD members. Dependents go on the economy for medical care. There are 3 hospitals in a 45 minute drive (one within a 15 minute drive). There are several doctors and specialists within a 45 minute drive who accept Tricare. There is also a VA Clinic on base.
Most dentists in the area do not take MetLife, but they do adjust their pricing to match what it would be if they did due to large base of military clients.
The pharmacy is available to AD and dependents (medications available on base are at $0 co-pay). For medications not carried at the pharmacy on base, there are a variety of retail chain pharmacies (CVS, Rite Aid, and Wal-Mart).
Housing~
Temporary Housing is available for rent on a first-come-first-served basis. It is available for military personnel visiting on vacation or awaiting entry into Housing units.
Unaccompanied Personnel Housing is available for singles and GEO members.
Housing contains several phases with 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes totaling 172 units. There are numerous playgrounds scattered throughout for a variety of ages.
Shopping~
Groceries - Shop Rite, ACME, and Super Fresh. There are limited food items available at Wal-Mart.
Fast Food - Very limited. There is a Burger King in Rio Grande. There are McDonald’s locations in North Cape May and Cape May Court House. Wawa and Subway are both available in multiple locations as well.
Cape May is full of local and specialty shops that are sure to delight!
There is a regular Wal-Mart, Marshall’s, Lowe’s, BBB, Michael’s, KMart, JcPenney, PetSmart, and a few others in Rio Grande (about a 5-10 minute drive). There is also a select amount of stores in Cape May Court House (about 15 minutes away). The majority of major shopping & dining is available in Mays Landing or Vineland (each is about 45 minutes away). Tanger Outlets is located in Atlantic City (about 30 minutes) and includes a variety of casinos and dining establishments.
There is also shopping available across the Delaware Bay by ferry access.
ChildCare/Schools~
The base has the Child Development Center (CDC) available for daily care and is open 0630-1700 Monday - Friday. The Pelican Place is a local, state-licensed preschool providing for 3 & 4 year olds Monday-Thursday from 0900-1200. There is also a list of Family Child Care Providers available through Work Life for those preferring to use an in-home child care service provided by Coast Guard spouses. Work Life certifies all FCC providers.
Cape May City Elementary services Housing and bus services are provided through the TRACEN. The school is located approximately one mile from Housing. CMCE provides education to grades Preschool through 6th. Preschool is all-day and free of charge. All school supplies and field trips are covered by the school so there is no added expenses to the families. CMCE also provides a variety of after-school clubs and activities that vary by grade level. Before and After school care are also offered.
Richard M Teitelman School provides for grades 7 and 8 & Lower Cape May Regional High School provides for grades 9-12.
Cape Trinity Catholic School is a private school located in North Wildwood and offers education for Toddlers - 8th grade.
Adult Education~
Atlantic Cape Community College is the closest available campus-based school in the area and offers a variety of degrees and classes.
Fun Activities~
The Jersey Cape Military Spouses Club get together once a month for a meeting and fun activity and is open to all that support its mission.
MWR offers swimming lessons for all ages and levels on a cycling basis (usually 6 or 8 weeks) for a minimal cost. Lessons are held at the base pool. There are Free Friday Night Movies at the Ida Lewis Auditorium where they also offers drinks and snacks for purchase. Movies shown are those not yet available for purchase (generally). They also offer camping, a driving range, and the Gear Locker where you can rent equipment ranging from camping to kayaking.
There are also several events throughout the year such as Coast Guard Day, Fall Fest, Harbor Fest, Dragon Boat Races, Halloween Party, Christmas Party, and so much more!
The town has so much to offer in both architecture, history, and sightseeing. There are many bike trails and beaches available. Military Personnel may purchase a pass to access LSU Beach which is located at the old LORAN Station and is only open to pass holders. If you like food, there is something for every taste. There are also many wineries and a local brewery that offer tastings and tours. The Cape May Lighthouse is also a very popular site to visit. The Cape May County Zoo is free to visit and does not disappoint. Wildwood offers many tourist attractions and Boardwalk activities as well as a large waterpark.
There is always something going on in or around Cape May. You have to try to find nothing to do.
Additional Info~
Cost of Living is quite high compared to a lot of small towns because of it being a tourist destination. Although it may seem like there isn’t much in Cape May, if you get involved in the area, there is actually a lot to take in and is a wonderful place for those with a family.
Homeport NJ
