Why People Love Living in Jacksonville & Surrounding Areas
The diversity of housing, lifestyle, and culture allows buyers to find their perfect fit — whether downtown or in a quiet suburban neighborhood.
Residents enjoy:
- Affordable housing
- River + ocean access
- Very own NFL team
- Boating, fishing, kayaking
- Strong parks & recreation
- Expanding job market
- Great family neighborhoods
- Historic + new-construction choices
- Military + healthcare presence
- Proximity to beaches and nature preserves
Real Estate in Jacksonville (Duval County)
Duval County includes:
- Urban condos
- Waterfront properties
- Historic neighborhoods
- Luxury coastal homes
- Suburban planned developments
Popular districts + neighborhoods:
- Riverside / Avondale (historic)
- San Marco
- Springfield
- Downtown Jacksonville
- Southside
- Mandarin
- Jacksonville Beach / Neptune / Atlantic Beach
Homes vary widely in age, style, and price — offering options for first-time buyers, families, and luxury seekers alike.
Real Estate in Clay County
Clay County blends quiet suburban living with convenient access to Jacksonville. Known for excellent schools, family-friendly developments, and outdoor recreation, Clay County offers strong value and growing appeal.
Popular communities include:
- Fleming Island
- Eagle Harbor
- Pace Island
- Middleburg
- Green Cove Springs
- OakLeaf Plantation (Clay/Jax border)
Home types:
- Single-family homes
- Townhome
- Waterfront properties
- Golf-course communities
Clay County offers great options for buyers wanting more space or top-tier schools while staying within commutable distance to Jacksonville.
Things To Do in Fleming Island
Popular activities include:
Popular activities include:
Popular activities include:
- Beach days + surfing
- Boating + fishing
- Golf + tenni
- Jacksonville Zoo + Gardens
- Cultural festivals + markets
- Local sports + live music
- Hiking + camping nearby
- Dining + nightlife
Nearby attractions:
Popular activities include:
Popular activities include:
- Jacksonville Beaches
- NFL Games
- Downtown Riverwalk
- St. Johns Town Center
- Black Creek + Doctors Lake
- Timucuan Preserve
- Cummer Museum of Art
Jacksonville’s mix of culture, nature, and recreation provides year-round enjoyment for all ages.
Top Amenities
Outdoor recreation:
Shopping + entertainment:
Shopping + entertainment:
Between Duval and Clay Counties, residents have access to a wide array of amenities and attractions:
- Miles of beaches
- St. Johns River + Intracoastal Waterway
- Boating + fishing
- State parks + nature preserves
- Golf courses
- Extensive trail systems
Shopping + entertainment:
Shopping + entertainment:
Shopping + entertainment:
- St. Johns Town Center
- Riverside Arts Market
- Jax Beach dining
- NAS Jax shopping access
- Local breweries + restaurants
Sports + culture:
Shopping + entertainment:
Sports + culture:
- NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars
- THE PLAYERS Championship (TPC Sawgrass, nearby)
- Jacksonville Symphon
- Museum of Science & History
- Veterans Memorial Arena events
Schools
Duval County Public Schools offers a mix of neighborhood schools, charter schools, and magnet.
Clay County (southwest)
- Highly regarded for A-rated schools
- Strong academic + athletic programming
- Popular among families prioritizing education
Nearby private options:
- Bolles School
- Episcopal School of Jacksonville
- St. Johns Country Day
- Bishop Kenny High School
Clay County is often viewed as an affordable alternative to high-demand St. Johns County, offering excellent value and solid schools.
