Ortega
Bordered on the east by the St. Johns River, to the north and west by the Ortega River and south of Riverside, this community is a peninsula on the river. Convenient private schools, area churches, and small parks along the river contribute to Ortega's charm. The Florida Yacht Club and Timuquana Country Club offer private social and recreational opportunities. Worth Magazine ranked Ortega 46th among the nation's top 50 wealthiest neighborhoods. The area offers just about any style of architecture and homes range in size from average sites to stately, sprawling estates. The 1920s Ortega River Bridge is one of the oldest functioning drawbridges.
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Riverside and Avondale
This community is bordered to the west by Highway 17 and the river to the east, between Interstate 10 to the north and the Ortega River to the south. These are well-established, historic neighborhoods on the west bank of the St. Johns River. There are five public schools located within walking distance of both neighborhoods. Riverside has become an attractive spot for young professionals who want a short commute to work. Homes include modest duplexes to elegantly restored historic residences and waterfront estates. Riverside is a medical hub with the St. Vincent's Medical Complex and private medical offices scattered along the river. Avondale is a traditional neighborhood with small boutique-type shopping, quaint streets and small-town charm. There are over a dozen parks with tennis courts, softball fields, and paths for jogging, walking or biking. Its close proximity to downtown makes it a great location for short commutes.
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St. Johns County / Fruit Cove & Switzerland
South of Duval County, Switzerland and Fruit Cove are nestled along the east bank of the St. Johns River in St. Johns County. This area is a bedroom community for Jacksonville and St. Augustine. It is a prime location for single-family residences in a variety of subdivisions. The lack of commercial development and the preservation of the scenic Bartram Trail (Highway 13) are appealing to many residents.
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St. Johns County / Ponte Vedra Beach and Sawgrass
Ponte Vedra Beach and Sawgrass are located in the northeast corner of St. Johns County, south of Jacksonville Beach along A1A. The community stretches along five miles of the Atlantic Ocean, aside carefully preserved wetlands. Many new apartment communities have been built in this area in the last few years. St. Johns County is the home of PGA TOUR and the ATP Association of Tennis Professionals headquarters. Annual tournaments attract people from around the world. There are more than 150 holes of golf and 60 tennis courts. Public beach access is limited.
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St. Johns County / St. Augustine
The nation's oldest city, St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish in 1565, some 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, and 42 years before the English colonized Jamestown. Rich with history, the city has more than 50 attractions, including the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the Spanish Quarter, the Fountain of Youth and Flagler College, and cobblestone streets. Single-family homes, condominiums and apartments are available. Features include fine dining, cafe-style eating, shopping and touring. On the outskirts of town are shopping malls and retail centers.
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San Jose and San Marco
San Jose and San Marco are bordered to the west by the St. Johns River and by U.S. 1 to the east. A popular area for young professionals, San Jose and San Marco are close to the river and downtown. The area features boutique shopping and entertainment in San Marco Square, and private country clubs and private schools along San Jose Boulevard. Spanish architecture is most common in this area. A number of public schools are within these neighborhoods, enabling students to walk to school.
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Southside
Centrally located, the Southside is bordered by Arlington to the north and east, St. Johns County to the south and San Marco and I-95 to the west. This is literally the southernmost area of urban Jacksonville and is in the middle of all other Jacksonville communities. Southside has the area's largest grouping of apartment communities. Many new developments are less than a year old. Commuting, shopping and recreation are convenient. Housing includes single-family homes, condominiums and apartment complexes. Residents enjoy local golf courses, abundant dining and entertainment, and easy access to the beaches via J. Turner Butler Boulevard.
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Westside
The Westside is a large community starting just north of I-10 to Clay County, bordered on the east by I-295 and stretching west to Baker County and east to Riverside. Four small incorporated towns make up the Westside: Baldwin, Marietta, Maxville and Whitehouse. Other neighborhoods on this side of Jacksonville are Ortega Forest, Ortega Hills, Argyle, Lakeshore, Venetia, Cedar Hills, Hyde Grove, Murray Hill and Normandy. Much of the area is wooded, offering hunting and outdoor activities. Both NAS Jacksonville and NAS Cecil Field are located here, as well as Herlong Airport, a small, general aviation fixed base operation. Homes and apartments are available in all sizes and price ranges.
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Springfield
Historic Springfield and Downtown are defined by I-295 to the west, the Trout River to the north and the St. Johns River to the south and east. Downtown and Springfield offer opportunities for entertainment and the convenience of living near Jacksonville's business district. Preservation has been a catalyst in the revitalization of Springfield, located just north of the Downtown business district. Springfield is the largest residential historic district in Florida with wide streets and blocks of architecturally distinguished houses.
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