Neighborhoods Of Jacksonville, FL

The Beaches

The beaches stretch from Atlantic Beach to the North and run down to Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine Beach to the South. You’ll see a variety of home styles at the beach from older beach bungalows built in the 30’s and 40’s to the elegant and extravagant oceanfront homes in Ponte Vedra.


Since the land is very valuable at the beach; the closer you get to the ocean, the price of the house goes up considerably. There are several condominiums in the beaches communities. Most allow for 6 month to yearlong tenants. There are a few properties that allow for shorter term leasing.


You’ll also find some great places to eat and small gift shops and clothing boutiques. There are also some oceanfront hotels along the beach as well as higher end resorts too. Mayport is just North of Atlantic Beach and is home to Naval Station Mayport.

1156 Ponte Vedra Blvd. — Ponte Vedra Beach, FL — Eileen & James McVeigh

Nocatee

Nocatee is a development just west of Ponte Vedra Beach that spans over 14,000 acres. It is the New Town concept where it is it’s own taxing district and has residential, commercial and office space.


Homes here are priced from $300,000 to over a million. Just about any type of home you could imagine from over 55 retirement by Del Webb, to small traditional homes within walking distance to the grocery store and dining, to large single family homes in gated communities.


Nocatee will keep almost half of the land in it’s natural condition and has biking and jogging trails as well as Kayak and canoe launching areas, dog parks, public schools and just about anything else you can think of including a zip line.

Downtown Jacksonville

Downtown Jacksonville, Florida is divided up into the North Bank and the South Bank. The South Bank has lots of office buildings, and recently has added several high rise, modern condominiums.


Moving south, there is an area called San Marco. This area is very popular with young professionals working downtown, because they can also enjoy an area where they can walk to restaurants and stores, as well as be close to work.


On the North Bank there are also several office buildings, high rise condos that overlook the St. Johns River, hotels, and TIAA Bank Field which is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars.


There's one more neighborhood on the Northbank that is getting a lot of traction; that is Springfield. This neighborhood has homes that were built in the early 1900s and we have seen a great resurgence in this area. Homes that were in ruins have been restored while others have been torn down but rebuilt to the architectural standards of the day. Large wrap around porches are in high demand and are celebrated with the annual "Porchfest" festival.

Northside

This area has seen most of its development since the building of the Dames Point Bridge that was completed in 1989. The Northside is the home to the Jacksonville International Airport, JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, the Jacksonville Zoo,  Anheuser Busch Brewery and the Port of Jacksonville.


As land is becoming more scarce in Jacksonville, the homebuilders have turned to the Northside. Land here is less expensive than the Beaches and Southside making homes more affordable. There has been a great number of new homes built here in the last 5 years.

Southside

The Southside runs west from the Beaches to the St. Johns River. Here you’ll find the major Shopping Centers like the St. Johns Town Center and the Avenues Mall. There are also several golf courses like Deerwood, DeerCreek, Jacksonville Golf & Country Club, Glen Kernan and Pablo Creek.


Modest homes and condominiums to large estates are found here, as well as some large homes and mansions along the river.  Just across the Intracoastal Waterway is the Mayo Clinic. Started in Rochester, Jacksonville was one of the first satellites of this incredible research and teaching hospital.  Also on the Southside is the University of North Florida.


There are many beautiful areas near the St. Johns River. Most of the homes here are more spread out and it’s not unusual to find acreage. There are also some new developments and residential communities here too.

Arlington

This area is just north of Atlantic Boulevard, is west of the beaches and bordered by the St. Johns River. Some people refer to this area as Ft. Caroline because that is where the historic area is.


You’ll find some older, modest Florida homes and you’ll also see some large houses on the River. This area is close to downtown and the Northside, so people who work in those two areas find this a great place to live.

Schools

The Greater Jacksonville area is made up of Duval County, St. Johns County and Clay County. Each county has their own public school system. St. Johns County boasts some of the highest test scores in the State. Both Duval county and Clay counties have schools that rank tops in the country as well.


I refer my clients to the Northeast Florida Educational Guide. This publication has a breakdown of each school district, along with test scores for each school. Not only are the public schools included, but also the private schools and parochial schools. I can’t think of a more comprehensive publication to go to for questions regarding the schools.


My kids have gone through the public schools here in St Johns County; so that is what I know best. But I have also helped families do school tours of public schools in Clay & Duval County as well as private and parochial schools. Helping set up a school tour is part of the process of relocating your family to our area.



You can find some excellent information on the county school websites. Each has a school locator. So if you type in an address you will be able to tell which school your child is zoned for. There are also calendars with school start dates and school holidays as well as what is required to register your child for school.

Northeast Florida Communities Served by Eileen and James McVeigh

Buying a home is about more than the property. The location shapes your lifestyle, your commute, your schools, and your long-term investment. Northeast Florida offers some of the most desirable communities in the state, combining coastal living, strong job growth, and excellent schools.

As experienced real estate professionals serving Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and surrounding areas, Eileen and James McVeigh help buyers and sellers understand the differences between each community so they can choose the location that fits their goals.

Below is a guide to many of the most popular areas in Northeast Florida.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach is one of the most sought-after coastal communities in Florida. Known for luxury homes, championship golf, and top-rated schools, the area offers a quiet coastal lifestyle just minutes from Jacksonville.

Homebuyers are drawn to Ponte Vedra Beach for its oceanfront properties, gated golf communities, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Popular communities in Ponte Vedra Beach include:

• Sawgrass Country Club
• Sawgrass Players Club
• Marsh Landing
• The Plantation at Ponte Vedra
• Nocatee

Residents enjoy access to:

• Pristine Atlantic beaches
• Golf at the world-famous TPC Sawgrass
• Highly rated St. Johns County schools
• Upscale dining and shopping
• Quick access to Jacksonville and St. Augustine

Homes in Ponte Vedra Beach range from beachfront estates and luxury golf course homes to newer master-planned communities.

If you are searching for Ponte Vedra Beach homes for sale, Eileen and James McVeigh provide expert guidance on neighborhoods, pricing, and investment value.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida by land area and offers an incredible variety of housing options, from urban condos to waterfront estates.

Many buyers relocate to Jacksonville for its strong economy, expanding job market, and affordable cost of living compared to other coastal cities.

Jacksonville neighborhoods vary greatly in style and price point. Some of the most popular areas include:

• Jacksonville Beach
• Atlantic Beach
• San Marco
• Riverside and Avondale
• Mandarin
• Southside
• Deerwood

Jacksonville residents enjoy:

• 22 miles of beaches
• The St. Johns River waterfront
• Professional sports including the Jacksonville Jaguars
• A growing downtown and business district
• Major employers in healthcare, finance, logistics, and technology

Whether you are looking for Jacksonville homes for sale, waterfront properties, or family neighborhoods, the city offers options for nearly every lifestyle.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and one of the most charming coastal communities in Florida. The city blends historic architecture, coastal beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Many homebuyers choose St. Augustine for its unique character and historic atmosphere.

Popular neighborhoods and communities include:

• St. Augustine Beach
• Anastasia Island
• World Golf Village
• Vilano Beach
• Palencia

Residents enjoy:

• Historic downtown with shops and restaurants
• Beautiful Atlantic beaches
• Boating and fishing opportunities
• Golf communities and resort living
• Highly rated schools in St. Johns County

St. Augustine real estate includes historic homes, coastal cottages, golf course homes, and newer planned communities.

Nocatee

Nocatee is one of the fastest growing master-planned communities in the United States. Located between Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach, it has become a top destination for families relocating to Northeast Florida.

The community is known for its modern amenities, strong schools, and family-friendly design.

Features of Nocatee include:

• Award-winning master-planned community design

• Water parks and resort-style pools

• Miles of walking and biking trails

• Town center shopping and dining

• Easy access to beaches and major highways

Neighborhoods within Nocatee include:

• Twenty Mile

• Coastal Oaks

• The Colony

• Del Webb Nocatee (55+ community)

National / Statewide Recognition

  • Top-Selling Master-Planned Community in the U.S.
    Ranked among the     top-selling master-planned communities nationally by real estate advisory firm RCLCO, including #27 in the U.S. in 2023.
  • #1 Best Place to Raise a Family in Florida
    Ranked     No. 1 in Florida by Niche (A+ rating), based on schools, amenities, jobs, and family-friendliness.
  • Best Suburb to Raise a Family in Florida
    Repeated recognition by Niche rankings for family-oriented living.

Industry Awards

  • Best Master-Planned Community of the Year
    Awarded by the     Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) for excellence in development and planning.

Regional Awards

  • Best Community to Live (Ponte Vedra Recorder)
  • Best Place for Kids to Have Fun (largely due to amenities like the Splash and Spray water parks).

What Drives the Recognition

The community is frequently highlighted for:

  • Extensive parks and trails (5,000+ acres preserved)
  • Resort-style amenities and water parks
  • Master-planned design with neighborhoods, schools, and town center
  • Strong school ratings and family-oriented lifestyle

📍 In real estate conversations around Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra, it’s often described as one of the most successful master-planned communities in the country, not just Florida.


Buyers searching for Nocatee homes for sale often appreciate the newer construction homes and active lifestyle amenities.

Jacksonville Beaches

The Jacksonville Beaches area includes Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. These communities offer a laid-back coastal lifestyle with easy access to the city.

Many residents enjoy surfing, boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation year-round.

The Beaches area features:

• Oceanfront condos
• Beach cottages
• Luxury waterfront homes
• Walkable neighborhoods near restaurants and nightlife

Residents enjoy:

• Atlantic Ocean access
• Local seafood restaurants
• Beach festivals and outdoor events
• Parks and recreation areas

Homes near the ocean tend to move quickly due to strong demand for coastal property.

Why Buyers Choose Northeast Florida

Northeast Florida continues to attract new residents from across the country. The region offers strong job growth, coastal living, and a high quality of life.

Benefits of living in Northeast Florida include:

• No state income tax
• Year-round outdoor recreation
• Growing economy and job opportunities
• Excellent golf and boating
• Beautiful beaches and waterfront communities

Whether you are relocating, buying your first home, or searching for a luxury property, Northeast Florida offers a wide variety of real estate opportunities.



Work with Local Experts

Eileen and James McVeigh have helped buyers and sellers navigate the Northeast Florida real estate market for many years. Their deep local knowledge and professional network allow them to guide clients through every step of the buying or selling process.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville, or St. Augustine, contact Eileen and James today for expert guidance and personalized service.