Neighborhood Guide: Jacksonville, FL

 

There are over 500 neighborhoods in Jacksonville.  Jacksonville is divided into seven sections, each has a different character. Choose from these larger sections—Northwest, Northside, Arlington, Southeast, Southwest, Downtown and Jacksonville Beaches—and then focus on individual neighborhoods. Be aware that Jacksonville neighborhood and section boundaries can be a little fuzzy. Neighborhoods that used to be cities in their own right have more specific boundaries than smaller areas.

Moving to Jacksonville Beaches

If you are moving to Florida why not move to the beach? The beach communities of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach are not technically part of Jacksonville. They have their own governments, as does Baldwin (not a beach community), but they are still part of Greater Jacksonville, as are the areas of Ponte Vedra Beach and Mayport. Parts of these areas still have an old Florida feel left in them despite new development.

Moving to Downtown Jacksonville

The downtown area of Jacksonville is the business section of town, but there is still residential living in the area. There are apartments and lofts to accommodate most budgets.

Moving to Springfield

Just north of the downtown area is Springfield, known for its historic homes. The neighborhood was first developed in the late 1860s. It became part of Jacksonville in 1887 and was a wealthy district. The area eventually fell into decline, but in the mid 1970s preservation became the watchword in the neighborhood. Since then the area has rebounded. There is still crime is some parts of the neighborhood, but the area was named the number one rebound neighborhood in the USA in 2009 by Southern Living Magazine. Prairie-style and Queen Anne-style homes abound in the area.

Moving to Ortega

Ortega is located on the river sound of Riverside. It is bordered by the St. Johns, Cedar and Ortega Rivers. The area is, like many Jacksonville neighborhoods, historic. Residential buildings, mansions and expansive parks mark the area. The area called “Old Ortega” has shops and restaurants; otherwise, this is a residential neighborhood—and a pricey one. The Naval Air Station is located nearby.

Moving to Eastside

Eastside is a neighborhood to the east of Downtown and Springfield. This area is near (or part of) downtown and is where the Jaguars play—you may consider that a pro or con depending on your tastes. Sporting events, festivals and fairs aplenty take place in the area.

Moving to Mandarin

Mandarin is another area of Jacksonville that was once its own city. It became part of Jacksonville in 1968 and was the summer home of Harriet Beecher Stowe.  Mandarin, as the name suggests, was once an orange grove on the southernmost part of present day Jacksonville.

Moving to Riverside/Avondale

Riverside and Avondale are two areas that many refer to in the same breath. They are south of Downtown and are mostly residential, with historic buildings aplenty. The Five Points area of Riverside/Avondale is filled with small shops, restaurants, bars and music establishments. The neighborhood has a monthly art walk and is a great people-watching area.

Moving to San Marco

Another neighborhood near downtown Jacksonville is San Marco. The area has boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and other shopping. San Marco Square is one of the main landmarks. Another draw to the area is Theatre Jacksonville, a community theater group and the oldest in the US. It is located in San Marco Square.