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:: Sandy Hook, NJ - smflorane
Station/Boat Location~
Station Sandy Hook, USCGC BAINBRIDGE ISLAND (110'), USCGC SAILFISH (87'), Sector New York DET Sandy Hook (Civil, Engineering, and Housing)

Date there~
2009-2011

Weather~
All 4 seasons. Winters get pretty cold and low (30's) and snow, and Summers get into the 90's

Military facilities~
None (Ft. Monmouth just closed down in Summer of '11)

Medical~
Several options. But, I took my kids to Monmouth Pediatric Group in Red Bank, NJ. I saw Dr. Sagar Patel for an OB/GYN (he delivered my 2nd daughter and I LOVED him). He was located in Atlantic Highlands, but his office was relocating right as I left and I can't remember what town to. My oldest daughter had to see a pediatric cardiologist and she went to Alpert, Zales, and Castro in Red Bank. All of these people took Tricare.

Housing~
When I left all the townhouses were shut down. I don't know if they'll be reopening them or not. So, everyone lived in the duplexes. They are cuter anyway. They range from 2-4 bedrooms. Everything in them is white, including kitchen counters and cabinets. But, you can paint if you want, it just has to be repainted when you move out. The houses seem really small when you first move in, but you learn to adjust to it pretty quickly.

Shopping~
If you want to do any major shopping you have to drive about 25 min to get anywhere. It takes 7 min just to get out of the national park the housing is located on. You can find most of the bigger stores and a mall in Eatontwon, NJ.

Child Care/Schools~
There is a small daycare in the park that gives military discounts and currently one person who watches kids in her home in housing. Otherwise, there are lots of daycares as you go further into town, but they are expensive.

Adult Schools~
I'm not sure b/c I didn't get involved in this. But I knew a lot of the wives who did online courses from home.

Fun Activities~
Sandy Hook is located on the tip of a National Park. So, you are literally living on a peninsula w/ lots of beaches surrounding you. I have seen people kayaking, kite boarding, and even trying to surf out there. You are also a 45 min ferry ride from NYC. You can actually see the NYC skyline from the park you live on. We also went to Staten Island Zoo a few times w/ the kids b/c it was only a 45 min drive. Lots of things to do if you just know how to find out what is going on in the surrounding area. The website www.calendarforkids.com had lots of things listed for fun family activities in Monmouth County.

Additional Info~
Sandy Hook is a very small, close knit community. It was my first experience living in housing and I loved it. I would move back there in a heart beat. It's a great place to raise little ones!!

Homeport NJ

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