Top Neighborhoods for Military Families in Jacksonville
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you are a military family looking for a home in Jacksonville, Florida, you have many options to choose from. Jacksonville is a city that welcomes and supports military personnel, with two major naval bases and several military-friendly neighborhoods. Whether you prefer urban, suburban, or rural living, you can find a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle, budget, and preferences. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville for military families, based on three criteria: amenities, schools, and proximity to the base.
Amenities
When you are looking for a neighborhood, you want to make sure that it has the amenities that you and your family need and enjoy. Jacksonville has a lot of amenities to offer, such as parks, shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Here are some of the top neighborhoods that are known for their amenities:
- Riverside: If you love a vibrant and trendy atmosphere, Riverside is the neighborhood for you. Riverside is located near downtown Jacksonville, and it has a lot of shops, restaurants, and parks to explore. You can also visit the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, which has a collection of art and a beautiful garden that overlooks the St. Johns River.
- San Marco: If you appreciate historic charm and culture, San Marco is the neighborhood for you. San Marco is located south of downtown Jacksonville, and it has a variety of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants to enjoy. You can also visit Balis Park, which is a popular spot for community events and festivals throughout the year.
- Avondale: If you want a picturesque and upscale setting, Avondale is the neighborhood for you. Avondale is located west of downtown Jacksonville, and it has tree-lined streets and historic homes that add to its appeal. You can also visit Boone Park, which has a playground and picnic areas for families.
To help you compare the amenities of these neighborhoods, we have created a table that shows some of the key features of each neighborhood:
| Neighborhood | Shops | Restaurants | Parks | Museums |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| San Marco | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Avondale | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
As you can see, all three neighborhoods have a lot of amenities to offer, but Riverside has the advantage of having a museum as well. However, you may prefer San Marco or Avondale for their unique charm and style. The choice is yours!
Schools
Another important factor that military families consider when choosing a neighborhood is the quality of education. Jacksonville has many highly-rated schools that provide excellent education to students of all levels. Here are some of the top neighborhoods that have excellent schools:
- St. Johns: If you want a neighborhood with top-rated schools, St. Johns is the neighborhood for you. St. Johns is located in the southeastern part of Jacksonville, and it has some of the best schools in the state, such as Creekside High School and Durbin Creek Elementary School. The neighborhood also has a lot of recreational activities, such as golf courses and nature preserves.
- Mandarin: If you want a neighborhood with a mix of public and private schools, Mandarin is the neighborhood for you. Mandarin is situated along the St. Johns River, and it has a variety of schools to choose from, such as Mandarin High School and San Jose Catholic School. The neighborhood also has a mix of suburban and rural landscapes, with many parks and nature trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Bartram Springs: If you want a family-friendly neighborhood with highly-rated schools, Bartram Springs is the neighborhood for you. Bartram Springs is located in the southern part of Jacksonville, and it has some of the best elementary schools in the area, such as Bartram Springs Elementary School. The neighborhood also has amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, and sports fields.
To help you compare the schools of these neighborhoods, we have created a table that shows some of the key features of each neighborhood:
| Neighborhood | Public Schools | Private Schools | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Johns | ✔️ | ❌ | 9/10 |
| Mandarin | ✔️ | ✔️ | 8/10 |
| Bartram Springs | ✔️ | ❌ | 8/10 |
As you can see, all three neighborhoods have excellent schools, but St. Johns has the highest rating. However, you may prefer Mandarin or Bartram Springs for their diversity and community. The choice is yours!
Proximity to Base
The last factor that military families consider when choosing a neighborhood is the proximity to the base. Jacksonville has two major naval bases: Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Living close to the base can make your commute easier and save you time and money. Here are some of the top neighborhoods that are close to the base:
- Atlantic Beach: If you want a beachside neighborhood that is close to Naval Station Mayport, Atlantic Beach is the neighborhood for you. Atlantic Beach is situated just a few miles east of the base, and it offers a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. The neighborhood also has parks and recreational activities for families.
- Orange Park: If you want a suburban neighborhood that is close to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Orange Park is the neighborhood for you. Orange Park is located southwest of the base, and it offers a variety of housing options and easy access to the base. The neighborhood also has shopping centers, restaurants, and the popular Orange Park Mall.
- Southside: If you want a convenient neighborhood that is close to both bases, Southside is the neighborhood for you. Southside is situated between Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and it offers a mix of residential and commercial developments. The neighborhood also has easy access to major highways and shopping centers.
To help you compare the proximity of these neighborhoods to the base, we have created a table that shows the approximate driving distance and time from each neighborhood to each base:
| Neighborhood | Distance to Mayport | Time to Mayport | Distance to NAS Jax | Time to NAS Jax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Beach | 4.5 miles | 10 minutes | 30 miles | 40 minutes |
| Orange Park | 35 miles | 45 minutes | 10 miles | 15 minutes |
| Southside | 20 miles | 25 minutes | 20 miles | 25 minutes |
As you can see, Atlantic Beach is the closest to Mayport, Orange Park is the closest to NAS Jax, and Southside is the closest to both bases. However, you may prefer a different neighborhood for other reasons, such as amenities or schools. The choice is yours!
Conclusion
We hope that this blog post has helped you learn more about some of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville for military families. Whether you are looking for amenities, schools, or proximity to the base, you can find a neighborhood that meets your needs and preferences. Of course, there are many other neighborhoods in Jacksonville that are also great for military families, so feel free to explore and discover them for yourself. If you need any help with finding or buying a home in Jacksonville, please contact us today. We are happy to assist you with your real estate needs.
For more information or to schedule a visit to these neighborhoods, contact us at (904) 441-8441 or visit our website https://anchorpointestates.com/.
Remember, finding the right neighborhood is crucial for military families, and Jacksonville has plenty of options to suit your needs.