A vintage, late-1970s advertisement simply reads “Live in Europe...Without Leaving Jupiter.” Describing the gated community of Ocean Walk in Jupiter, the expository brochure outlines the parallels between life in Europe and life in Ocean Walk. From the Mediterranean-inspired homes to the quaint courtyards and quiet streets, Ocean Walk certainly resembles a charming European neighborhood. Now, nearly 40 years later, many people from Europe and all over the world have chosen to call Ocean Walk home. One such resident, Mary Ellen Gardner Kavanewsky, a native of Connecticut, recalls her first impression when touring the neighborhood:

“I fell in love with it the moment we drove through the gates. Neither my Delray Beach based realtor nor I knew very much about Jupiter, but I knew Ocean Walk was where I wanted to live. That was fourteen years ago, and I still have the same admiration for my neighborhood.”


In fact, Mary Ellen so loves Ocean Walk that she began selling real estate in the community. “Honestly, it is an easy sell,” she says with a smile. “Buyers see firsthand how much my husband and I love it here, and when they tour the property, meet a few neighbors, and walk to their own private beachfront, they are often eager to make it their home too.” Today, locals refer to this California-cool community as “the Malibu of Jupiter” because of its friendly demeanor, coastal charm, respectful residents, and laid-back mentality. So, what exactly makes Ocean Walk so special? Here are a few reasons why people move in but not out of this popular community:


Situated between A1A and U.S. Highway 1 in the southern region of Jupiter, Ocean Walk is the area’s only two-point gated oceanfront community. Upon approaching the unassuming white iron gate, residents easily pass through with a barcode while guests must enter the resident’s designated code for access. The lush, tropical foliage, colorful flora, and well-manicured landscape first catches one’s eye. Creating a cozy atmosphere, the winding streets lead to neatly tucked homes that truly resemble a “Malibu meets Mediterranean” persona. Once residents park their cars in the spacious garage, they turn to golf carts or bicycles to visit the private beach. Abutting the eastern part of the community, the beach access offers 700 feet of pristine oceanfront property. Residents enjoy walking on the beach in the morning, collecting seashells, fishing from the shore, and swimming in the refreshing saltwater. Ocean Walk is unpretentious, private, and picturesque, yielding the ideal setting for those who do not want the high-maintenance and hassle of a beachfront estate or the exorbitant fees, publicness, and pet restrictions of a condominium. Presently, the Homeowners’ Association fees are $625 per quarter, which even includes internet and cable television.



Ocean Walk is comprised of 185 single family homes. Originally built in the early 1980s, the homes are available in four models: Antibes, Bayonne, Calais, and Deauville. Following alphabetical order, the Antibes is the smallest model with two bedrooms and 1,500 square feet of under air space, while the Bayonne, Calais, and Deauville ascend to larger square footage (up to 2,200 square feet) and feature three to four bedrooms. Located behind its own separate gate, the Antibes model is a popular choice for renovation because it has room to expand. In recent years, many of the home models have been remodeled or renovated to fit current design trends and create a more open living space.

From an exterior perspective, the frame/stucco homes resemble a Mediterranean villa with brick-paver driveways, privacy walls, and Spanish barrel tile roofs. Each home boasts its own backyard swimming pool. The interior of the homes all feature vaulted ceilings, custom cabinets and countertops, clerestory windows and sliding glass doors. This intrinsic design allows natural light to permeate through the home, gifting residents with a true South Florida lifestyle. The result is a charming coastal retreat that is perfect for entertaining guests, dining alfresco, relaxing on the sofa, or lounging by the pool.

 
Another advantage to living in Ocean Walk is its prime location along the coast in Jupiter. The community is within walking distance to the Jupiter Yacht Club and local shops and restaurants such as Double Roads Tavern, Portobello, and Cafe Des Artistes. One mile south is Driftwood Plaza, which is home to Coastal Day Spa, Hot Yoga Jupiter, Belle Maison, Chowder Heads, and The Bistro. Neighbors are on a first-name basis with bartenders at hip happy hour spots such as the Square Grouper, a waterfront bar and grill known for its live music scene, and Dive Bar, a Palm Beach casual place known for its unique sushi and fresh seafood. Harbourside in Jupiter is only one mile north of the community and offers a wide array of specialty shops and eateries, including Tiger Woods’ swanky restaurant, The Woods. Other area attractions nearby include the historic Jupiter Lighthouse, the Maltz-Jupiter Theater, Carlin Park, Jupiter Dunes Golf Club, and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach.
The Town of Jupiter continues to take prominence as one of South Florida’s most desirable places to live. Many professional golfers, retired athletes, business tycoons, and seasonal residents chose to live in Jupiter because of its premier quality of life. From high-end shopping outlets and fine dining establishments to entertainment venues and recreational activities, Jupiter real estate is a treasured commodity.
 

Residents of Ocean Walk always joke that while they may not know every neighbor’s first name, they know the dog’s name. “We are people-friendly and pet-friendly,” says Mary Ellen, who has a Cocker Spaniel / Golden Retriever mix rescue dog named Champ. The private beachfront is dog-friendly, too. We have a group that takes their dogs to the beach on Friday evenings for casual pet-dates,” she laughs. “The adults sip wine and order pizza while the canines chase each other in the sand.” Approximately half of Ocean Walk homeowners are seasonal residents, and each February the HOA hosts a neighborhood party, which is usually a catered barbeque in the common area near the pond.
Residents pride themselves on being the ideal balance of polite and private. “People here are incredibly friendly and kind, but not intrusive,” says Mary Ellen. “We care for each other and are always there for each other, but we respect each other’s ‘quiet sanctuary’ too.” Indeed, Ocean Walk is a relaxing retreat. The laid-back attitude coupled with the low-maintenance property and salt-infused air make it impossible to not unwind and relax.

“As soon as I drive through the gate, the worries and stress of the day seemingly disappear,” Mary Ellen explains. "I love my home, my neighbors, and my Malibu-ish corner of paradise." 



Currently, Ocean Walk has 10 homes on the market for sale. These homes range in price from $700,000 upward to $1 million. Mary Ellen predicts that home values in Ocean Walk will continue to increase because “quite honestly, the inventory cannot keep up with the demand. People desire to live near the water, yet they also want to be close to downtown amenities. Ocean Walk gives them both,” she says. Plus, many of the homes have been updated to include modern appliances, new flooring, extra closet space, and more. Defining its attributes and describing its ambiance only partially illustrate its vicarious vibe.

If you would like to tour Ocean Walk for yourself, contact Mary Ellen Gardner Kavanewsky at MaryEllenG@nvrealtygroup.com.

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