The Best Boating Neighborhoods in Jacksonville FL [UPDATED]

Home to more than 850 miles of beach and canals, Jacksonville is a city with a reputation for offering residents and visitors alike a wide assortment of activities and attractions on both water and land. Boating, fishing, and playing water sports are just a few of the most popular ways that Jacksonville residents like to spend their days. For boaters, Jacksonville is a go-to destination, and there are a number of boat-friendly neighborhoods that cater to boating enthusiasts.

Pirates Bay

Located right along the Ortega River is the small waterfront community of Pirates Bay. The upscale neighborhood is home to a number of luxurious estates, many of which feature private boat slips and docks that allow for deep water access. Pirates Bay is nothing short of paradise for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Residents can also delight in gorgeous views of the St. Johns River right from their backyards. Homes in the Pirates Bay neighborhood are priced starting in the high $500s, with some larger homes priced as high as the low $900s.

Half Moon Island 

Half Moon Island is a small neighborhood in Jacksonville located right along the Nassau River. Waterfront homes in the community offer residents the opportunity to have unlimited access to the water by way of private docks and boat slips. The Nassau River leads directly to the Atlantic Ocean, making the neighborhood the perfect destination for avid boaters and fishermen with a love of the sea. Homes in Half Moon Island are known for being luxurious, blending all of the benefits of living by the water with the feeling of living in an upscale estate home. Home prices start in the high $500s, however some homes command prices as high as $1.5M.

Ortega Farms

Those seeking a residence by the water will feel right at home in Ortega Farms, a small community in Jacksonville that is bordered by the Ortega River and Fishing Creek. The neighborhood is best known for its excellent fishing and easy access to waterways for boating. A number of homes in Ortega Farms were built right on the waterfront, and if it’s the stunning views that attract buyers to the area, it is the opportunity to have a private dock and boat slip that compel them to stay. Avid boaters and fishermen relish the luxury to enjoy unlimited time on the water only steps away from home. Homes in Ortega Farms vary from condominiums to single-family homes that feature between two and five bedrooms. Prices for homes in the neighborhood start in the mid $200s with larger homes along the water commanding prices as high as over $1M.

Lake Forest

Lake Forest is a suburban, residential community situated along the west bank of the Trout River just outside the heart of downtown Jacksonville. The neighborhood is surrounded by three bodies of water that lend themselves beautifully to boating, fishing, and other water activities; the Ribault River borders Lake Forest to the west, the Trout River to the north, and Moncrief Creek to the east. Lake Forest’s borders on the south and west are lined with businesses, restaurants, and residences, and the neighborhood is filled with serene tree-lined streets. Many of the homes in Lake Forest were built along the water with boating in mind, featuring boat slips and docks that offer deep water access to the rivers and creek. Waterfront homes with private access to Lake Forest’s surrounding waterways are priced starting in the low $400s with some residences priced as high as the low $600s.

Queens Harbour 

Queens Harbour is a gated waterfront community just outside the heart of downtown Jacksonville. Queens Harbour residents have easy, private boat access to the Intracoastal Waterway by way of Jacksonville’s only fresh to saltwater lock system. The Queens Harbour community also provides a wealth of resort-style amenities including a yacht club, marina, fitness center, lap pool, pool for children, club room, soccer fiend, and an optional golf membership. The neighborhood’s streets are lined with mature oaks and Spanish Moss, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Homes within the Queens Harbour community span quite a wide price range, with some priced in the $400s and others priced as high as $4M.