Finding a family friendly community in the largest city in the contiguous United States seems like a daunting task, but have no fear, this article will make finding a first-rate community a breeze. Jacksonville and the surrounding area cover a vast section of northeast Florida. To get an idea of the size of the city, it is actually possible to live more than 35 miles from another person who also lives within the city limits of Jacksonville. Due to the large size of the city, the population and the area are quite diverse. The area includes everything from sparsely developed wooded areas to crowded beach front streets. To help make sense of the vast region, this list includes five top rated family housing communities in the Jacksonville, Florida vicinity.
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Fleming Island photo by Dr. Chris McChesney
Nestled in Orange Park, just south of Jacksonville, is a beautiful area known as Fleming Island. This community is filled with pristine nature preserves, wide open parks, and water galore. Being an interior island, it is completely surrounded by water, providing access to miles of rivers and creeks, which are a playground for water sport aficionados. The island is also home to the Fleming Island Plantation and Eagle Harbor communities, which are two of the premier family developments in northeast Florida. Each community offers on-site amenities such as golf, swimming, tennis, parks, playgrounds, and top rated Clay County schools. Whether you love boating, fishing, hiking, fine dining, shopping, playing golf, or just enjoying the island life, the Pristine Fleming Island area is truly a champion among champions.
This, often forgotten, three stop-light community is a treasure trove of northeast Florida family enjoyment. Just north of I-295, within the vast city limits of Jacksonville, is the area known as Dinsmore Farms. The area boasts high quality Duval County schools, a multitude of new home developments, a diverse population, and miles of unspoiled nature. The trout river winds its way through the area providing boating and fishing entertainment as well as access to the mighty St. John’s River. New shopping centers have recently been constructed which have opened up shopping opportunities. With easy access to major highways, the Jacksonville Zoo, and the International Airport, Dinsmore is a top rated community. When visiting the River City, don’t miss the hidden treasure of Dinsmore Farms.
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Springfield photo by Dr. Chris McChesney
The once majestic area of Springfield is located in the heart of Jacksonville, near the downtown area. Dilapidated houses, rampant crime, and years of neglect allowed the area to loose some of its charm over the last few decades. In spite of this, the one time home of movie stars and the independently wealthy is now making a comeback. Currently, the area is undergoing a city sponsored and funded rehabilitation project to restore the homes and the area to the splendor of the past. Large homes with sprawling one hundred year old oak trees line the streets of beautiful Springfield. The area offers easy access to downtown, dining, shopping, and a bounty of spacious parks lined with natural Florida landscaping. Springfield is, once again, on its way to become the jewel of Jacksonville.
Leaning back against a century old oak tree while fishing along the banks of the ostentatious Saint John’s River is just one of the daily events Julington Creek Plantation residents enjoy. Boasting some of the highest rated schools in all of Jacksonville, the Julington Creek Plantation community is a popular area for families. Secluded on the south end of Jacksonville, the area features sprawling estates, condos, townhomes, and cozy housing developments. The area, which is just a 30 minute ride from downtown Jacksonville to the north and a 30 minute ride to St. Augustine to the south, enjoys housing options to fit nearly every budget. With golf courses, river access, open space parks, recreational amenities, and quality shopping within the community, Julington Creek Plantation is an excellent option for anyone searching for a family and budget friendly community.
Queens Harbour photo by Dr. Chris McChesney
If living between the unspoiled Florida marshlands and the quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars sounds intriguing, there is a community that fits the bill. Minutes from the beach and minutes from downtown is an upscale community known as Queens Harbour Yacht & Country Club. The Queens Harbour area is a family friendly community with a variety of home prices ranging from $400,000 to multi-million dollar estates on the Intercoastal Waterway. The community boasts 1,000 acres which include custom designed home estates, picturesque natural landscaping, tree-lined golf fairways, and a slew of residential amenities. Residents who are looking to play a round of golf in the morning, sail on their boat in the afternoon, and enjoy family entertainment by the pool in the evening will find everything they are looking for at Queens Harbour. This is one of the most sought after communities in the Jacksonville area.
These are just a few of the family friendly communities in the Jacksonville area. When a day of enjoyment includes a day at the beach, boating on the Saint John’s River, a hike through the unspoiled Florida landscape, a youth soccer game, boutique shopping, or a picnic by the pool, there is a community in Jacksonville tailor made just for you. Whether you are new to the area or a long time resident, it is possible to find a community that will fulfill your every desire. In an effort to get a feel for the community diversity in the ever evolving city of Jacksonville, it is wise to tour the entire area before making a final decision. There is something for everyone in the river city “Where Florida Begins”
For more Jacksonville info: Jacksonville City Guide Alhambra Dinner Theatre Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
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