Nassau County
After a 30-minute drive north from Jacksonville, Yulee and Wildlight locals spend their time viewing wildlife, antiques shopping or picnicking at one of Nassau County’s 19 parks. This Northeast Florida community is big enough to boast quality resources (14 hospitals are in or near Yulee) in an atmosphere where neighbors are friends. In Wildlight, the county’s newest development, families live in a master planned area inspired by outdoor play and teeming with trails, parks and events. Residents use the money saved thanks to an affordable housing market to play a round of golf at an Arnold Palmer-designed course or day trip to Amelia Island.
Nassau County
St. Johns County
Across the bridge from St. Augustine is Anastasia Island, home to St. Augustine Beach. At 2.5 square miles, St. Augustine Beach’s less than 7,000 residents enjoy a quiet haven on the shore. Outdoors is the focus of activities – be it a concert at the St. Augustine Amphitheater or a walk in Anastasia State Park.
Vilano Beach is a residential area with superb access for beach enthusiasts. Locals shop small businesses and typically pay greater housing costs for seaside locations. Residents in both communities leverage resources in neighboring St. Augustine (a short trip over the bridge) for schooling, work and major retail options.
St. Augustine Beach & Vilano Beach
St. Johns County
It doesn’t get any more historic than St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. Spanish Colonial architecture lines the streets of the “Old City” and induce cause for pause in an environment reminiscent of days past. St. Augustine’s heritage – Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth is located here – is balanced with local, state and national parks, monuments, waterways and quirkiness, including St. Augustine’s Love Tree and haunted sightseeing tours. Spend time in St. Augustine’s Historic District, where you can nosh, shop and take in live music. Access to the interstate and highways, public systems and an airport make transportation a breeze. Academics top Florida’s rankings as the St. Johns School District is number one for best districts overall, and second for athletics and teachers.
St. Johns County
Duval County
Curiosity and creativity are the main ingredients in Springfield. Downtown Jacksonville’s northern neighbor spills over with independent shops and galleries (check out the murals), local music, craft breweries and taste bud-tempting dining. Springfield is pedestrian friendly; WalkScore.com ranked the district the most bikeable neighborhood in Jacksonville’s urban core. Historic architecture reigns among the streets, especially in Hogan’s Creek Park, thanks to residents devoted to the preservation of the district. Springfield living costs are on par with the rest of central JAX.
Duval County
Duval County
The largest of JAX’s neighborhoods is also considered the region’s heart of shopping and dining. St. Johns Town Center is a show-stopping lifestyle destination with 1.1 million square feet of residential living, shopping, hospitality and dining choices. Save time to spend outside at the center’s dog park, turtle pond and nearby activities such as Topgolf and iFly. Conveniently located 10 minutes from Jacksonville Beach and 15 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, the area is central to getting around the region and home to 16,000-student University of North Florida and two campuses of Florida State College of Jacksonville. The neighborhood is diverse in its housing options as well offering everything from new apartments and condos to modest multi-family to sprawling homes in golf course communities.
Duval County
Duval County
San Marco and St. Nicholas are a stone’s throw and short bridge trip from downtown Jacksonville. Think big city, small town feel with a variety of housing – bungalows to riverfront manors. The two neighborhoods are in the Duval County School District, which is recognized as the most diverse in Florida. San Marco Square invites shoppers, foodies and bar hoppers to a charming district refurbished with community theatre, outdoor dining and unique architecture. It’s no sweat getting around town: Both neighborhoods are easily accessible on bike or by walking.
Duval County
Duval County
Riverside and Avondale are two of JAX’s most popular hubs for galleries, boutiques, cocktails and anything else its residents can creatively dream up. The neighborhoods are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, blends heritage with a new school vibe to create a magnet for arts and culture, including the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and bohemian Five Points. You’ll be charmed by the Prairie-style neighborhood architecture, tree-lined streets and street art. As implied by at least one of the names, both areas are planted on the St. Johns Riverbank. Because of its central JAX location and robust amenities, homes and apartments land on the upper side of JAX’s price range.
Duval County
St. Johns County
Chances are when walking the streets of Ponte Vedra Beach, you may run into a pro athlete or two. Specifically, this unincorporated part of St. Johns County on the Atlantic Ocean is home to THE PLAYERS Championship and PGA TOUR headquarters. Aside from golf, locals stay active with tennis, boating, wakeboarding, surfing and water skiing. While tourism is huge, residents find restful moments on the sand dunes, during an art walk or at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. This JAX neighborhood is also located in St. Johns County, Florida’s top school district.
St. Johns County
Flagler County
Developed originally as a Florida paradise, Palm Coast is an oasis today for residents who savor the ocean and outdoors. The city’s natural environment is rich with amenities, including 70 miles of saltwater and freshwater canals, Atlantic Ocean beaches and 125-plus miles of trails and paths. Locals congregate at Central Park to enjoy walking, waterways and numerous events, like Food Truck Tuesdays and movies in the park. Flagler School District ranks third among Florida’s school districts for athletics and in the top 20 for academics. Homes can be acquired for about $240,000, and occasionally, land on the canals pops up for around the same price.
Flagler County
Putnam County
About 40 minutes east of the Atlantic Ocean is Palatka, a community with a water life of its own. Tucked alongside the St. Johns River, Palatka invites residents to its many lakes, waterways and parks, including Ravine Gardens State Park and Horseshoe Point Conservation Center, for camping, fishing, hiking and more. The town is known as “The City of Murals” and historic Lemon Street in downtown is reborn with street festivals, dining options and culture, including the Larimer Arts Center. Each year, Palatka hosts local festivals, including the Florida Azalea Festival.
Putnam County
Duval County
On a peninsula 15 minutes from downtown Jacksonville is Ortega. Squeezed between two rivers, Ortega is home to turn-of-the-century homes and Southern-style mansions. The Old Ortega Historic District lures you with parks boasting picturesque oak, pine and palm trees. In this strong family-oriented environment is Ortega Forest, a smaller embedded neighborhood frequently ranked one of the best in Florida. NAS Jacksonville is the largest employer in Ortega and hosts the NAS Jacksonville Air Show with the Blue Angels every other year. Expect higher home prices in Ortega since it’s among the top-10 best neighborhoods to buy a house in JAX.
Duval County
Clay County
With increasing job opportunities and affordable home prices, Orange Park is gaining traction with newbies and long-time Floridians. The 30-minute commute to downtown Jacksonville is one perk, and many residents are drawn to the town’s cultural and outdoor recreation options. The Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts presents performances, concerts and visual arts, while Orange Park’s system of parks tops out at more than 35.
Clay County
Duval County
One of JAX’s largest areas, Northside and Oceanway provide room to roam in one of Jacksonville’s fastest growing areas. Only minutes from downtown Jacksonville, the two communities are comprised of undeveloped areas with unique homes on larger lots. Residents have easy access to Jacksonville International Airport and Amtrak train service. Oceanway continues growing with new homes, apartments and condos. A network of trails wind along waterways and intersecting in parks. At the River City Marketplace, locals shop major retailers or catch a new flick at the movie theater.
Duval County
St. Johns County/Duval County
Nocatee has been consistently recognized as one of the top 10 best-selling master-planned communities in America and its many neighborhoods appeal to young families to retirees. The community, located in Ponte Vedra between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, is quickly becoming the hottest address in the region due to its top school district access, mix of home sizes and pricing, and amenities, such as a water park, nature trails, dog parks, shopping and more. And, while more than 1,000 new homes are sold in Nocatee annually, 60 percent of the community is committed to preservation with nature trails, kayak and boat access and 300 acres of parks.
St. Johns County neighborhoods
Duval County Neighborhoods:
Duval County
One day in Neptune and Atlantic Beaches and you’ll learn why tourists become residents. The beach lifestyle is strong in these communities, with almost three miles of ocean shores. Once there, ditch the car and opt for a bicycle or walk to many of the local hot spots. Beaches Town Center bustles with interconnected shops, restaurants, green spaces and entertainment, including al fresco beachside hotspot, Lemon Bar, (make sure to order the signature Goombay Smash). There’s more outdoors beyond the beaches. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park and Dutton Island Preserve are two of Florida’s natural gems within proximity to the seafood shanties of Mayport and Naval Station Mayport. With ample amenities and quick beach access, home prices in Neptune and Atlantic Beaches trend higher than the JAX average.
Duval County
Duval County
Climate isn’t Jacksonville’s only warm feature. The Murray Hill neighborhood near downtown Jacksonville is heating up. New brewpubs, culinary spots and one-of-a-kind shops are popping up in this 1940s era district. The Murray Hill Theatre, built in 1939, is a cultural beacon that doubles as a live music venue and Christian ministry. In fact, many of the neighborhood’s dwellings and commercial sites – coffee shops to cafes – are revamped in the vision of their past days, while adding elements of the present (a visit to the Bill Murray mural is not to be missed!). Booming now, residents are still able to purchase or rent Murray Hill homes at JAX’s modest cost of living.
Murray Hill
Duval County
It’s hardly a surprise that one of Florida’s neighborhoods is named after an orange. Mandarin is a tropical paradise, as described by one-time resident Harriet Beecher Stowe. Today, Mandarin retains its charming heritage – the suburban neighborhood of Jacksonville is known for its historical architecture. Views of the St. Johns River and Spanish moss covered oak trees are tough to beat from the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society. For fun in the sun, plan a trip to Mandarin Park where you can boat or play tennis, pickleball or shuffleboard. Be sure to keep an eye out for manatees. Mandarin, located 25 minutes south of downtown Jacksonville, is primarily filled with residences and local and chain culinary spots.
Duval County
Baker County
Macclenny oozes small-town character with just more than 6,700 residents. Located 35 miles east of Jacksonville, Macclenny is the historic county seat of Baker County. Heritage Park Village is the nucleus for much of the city’s activity – from events like movies in the park to heritage tours and cookoffs. Consistently ranked for its low cost of living and high quality of life, Macclenny is a serene option for residents who value down time with easy access to big-city comforts.
Baker County
St. Johns County
Halfway between Jacksonville and St. Augustine is Julington Creek and St. Johns. These newer, fast-growing suburban neighborhoods teem with families and natural amenities. Julington Creek alone has 130 lakes and 1,200 acres of nature trails that offer plenty of space to live and roam. Both communities are served by St. Johns County School District, known as the top school district in Florida and the JAX area. Julington Creek and St. Johns have their own business ecosystem, though many residents choose to work and shop 30 minutes away in Jacksonville.
St. Johns County
Duval County
Coastal resort city Jacksonville Beach is home to nearly 23,000 residents and 4.1 miles of pristine beaches. Just 20 minutes east of downtown Jacksonville and on the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville Beach is a collection of eclectic styles, both in its people and architecture. Beachfronts are dotted with brightly painted cafes, bars and shops. Many homes take on a mid-century modern style and are priced higher than the JAX average rent and home cost. Surf competitions, food festivals and art markets are a few of the events residents enjoy by the shores surrounding the iconic Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier. Inland, launch a boat or a day hike at the Cradle Creek Preserve.
Duval County
Duval County
Intracoastal West welcomes residents seeking a gentler pace of life. The newest addition to the residential community is Tamaya. Custom homes reflecting Tuscan, Mediterranean and Spanish styles offer superb space in a gated neighborhood, which joins a number of golf course communities and established neighborhoods with modest homes. To the east is the Intracoastal Waterway, lovingly called “The Ditch” by locals. Nearby is the Brumos Collection, a 35,000 square-foot museum with vintage cars, including several Porsche racing cars from a family collection.
Duval County
Clay County
Green Cove Springs is a JAX utopia on the St. Johns River. Perennially green public landscapes and sprawling homes create visual appeal with affordability. The small town environment means more tailored resources for the city’s less than 8,500 residents. Academically, the student-teacher ratio is 15:1. Spring Park, located on the St. Johns River, hums with local activity and is home to an actual spring. Festivals abound in Green Cove Springs – the Memorial Day RiverFest, Christmas on Walnut Street Parade and Soul Food Festival are a few of them.
Clay County
Clay County
Considered a Jacksonville bedroom community, Fleming Island is Northeast Florida’s non-island. Still, 32 percent of this unincorporated area on the St. Johns River is water, and locals are usually playing on one of its rivers or lakes. Nature trails wind their way through Fleming Island, offering joggers, bird watchers and cyclists a welcome rest from city life. Though one of the wealthiest zip codes in JAX, residents can purchase a typical home for under $300,000.
Clay County
Nassau County
Rolling waves and inspired sunsets are Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island hallmarks. More than 13 miles of beach, boardwalk and waterfront parks make up the area’s coastline. Embedded along the way are charming cafes, shops and outfitters to guide you on water adventures. Locals soak in culture through art walks, the playhouse and theatre, tasting tours and even a pinball museum. Nassau County is home to one of Florida’s top-10 school districts, and home prices skew higher than the JAX average.
Nassau County
Duval County
Welcome to the heart of JAX! Downtown Jacksonville is part corporate, part culture and lots of character. CSX Corporation, FIS and other high-rise companies have headquarters in the city’s core. Weekdays are a hubbub of business activity, while evenings and weekends are reserved for fun. Five pro and semi-pro athletic teams play in downtown Jacksonville, including the Jacksonville Jaguars. Eat your arts heart out at one of the numerous museums and galleries that showcase established and local artists. Leave your car at home: Downtown Jacksonville is easily accessible on foot, bicycle, the Skyway, rickshaws and tuk-tuks, automated vehicles and water taxi. That’s right. Like many of the JAX neighborhoods, downtown and Brooklyn are nestled on the St. Johns River. Enjoy urban-style living in a loft, condo, townhome or restored historic buildings in LaVilla, formerly known as the “Harlem of the South” for its history as a center for Black culture.
Duval County
Flagler County
Small in size and big on comfort and charm … welcome to Bunnell. Less than 3,000 people live in the town that’s 25 minutes from Palm Coast and ocean beaches. Diversity and heritage are the city’s pillars and are reflected in its culture and environment. Bunnell’s city hall and community center regularly host events, and families are a fixture in the town’s four parks. Flagler County Recreational Area plays host to baseball and softball teams, while locals head there for the county fair and cattleman events. Quaint quality of life is also easy on finances, with the typical home going for well below JAX’s average home costs.
Bunnell
Duval County
Arlington is perfect for outdoors lovers. When you live here, chances are you’ll spend a good deal of time at the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, dubbed “Where the Waters Meet.” Nature aficionados and history buffs alike find their place in the 46,000-acre preserve that’s also home to Fort Caroline and the Kingsley Plantation. You can also take advantage of the award-winning dance, theatre, music and visual arts at Jacksonville University Performing Arts Series. Arlington offer affordable entry to home ownership and top-notch schools, all adjacent to downtown Jacksonville.
Duval County