Jacksonville's Best Neighborhoods For Fishing

While Jacksonville is perhaps best known for its beaches, those with an interest in fishing know that the countless rivers and tributaries that flow through the area make Jacksonville a go-to destination for fishermen. There are several neighborhoods in Jacksonville that are incredibly fishing-friendly, many of which even have homes that come with private docks and boat slips so you never even have to hop in the car to cast a fishing pole and reel in an excellent catch.

Riverview

A walkable neighborhood situated between the Trout and Ribault Rivers, Riverview has developed into a fisherman’s paradise. The neighborhood is made up of medium and large houses as well as expansive estates. Many of the larger estates are located right along the riverfront and feature private docks that allow for a day of fishing without ever leaving home. The Trout River is a local treasure, brimming with catfish, croaker, flounder, and sea trout. Residents who don’t live along the water can also easily access the river by way of Riverview Park’s public fishing pier. Homes in the neighborhood vary in price, with some smaller residences falling in the mid to high $100s and riverfront estates priced as high as $1M.

Lake Forest Hills

A neighborhood best known for its beautiful coastline along the Ribault River, Lake Forest Hills offers residents a laid-back, peaceful escape from the fast pace of Jacksonville city life. The homes that are situated along the river deliver not only gorgeous views, but private docks that create the unique opportunity to go fishing right in your own yard. Lake Forest Hills is the ideal neighborhood for anyone who wants to enjoy a serene and tranquil all year-round, or for those who want a vacation home, as it’s located only a ten minute drive from the airport. Homes in Lake Forest Hills are affordably priced and typically have three or four bedrooms. While some coveted riverfront properties are priced between the low to mid $300s, homes in the Lake Forest Hills tend to range between the mid $100s and mid $200s.

Ortega Farms

Surrounded by miles of gorgeous coastline, Ortega Farms is a small neighborhood bordered by the Ortega River and Fishing Creek, the latter providing a glimpse of what draws residents to the area: excellent opportunities for fishing. Unsurprisingly, many of the homes in Ortega Farms are located right along the riverfront, which means residents gain access to private docks that allow for countless hours of fishing only steps from their front door. The neighborhood features both condominium communities and single-family homes, ranging from two-bedroom units to five-bedroom estates. Home prices in Ortega Farms start in the mid $200s, with larger riverfront homes priced well over $1M.

Heckscher Drive Estates

For those in search of the perfect blend of an ultra luxurious lifestyle and fishing to their heart’s content, Heckscher Drive Estates is nothing short of paradise. An exclusive community made up of some of Jacksonville’s most expansive, upscale homes, Heckscher Drive Estates is bordered largely by water, and the St. Johns River and Blout Island Channel provide breathtaking views. The homes are sprawling, ranging in size between 2,300 square feet to nearly 5,000 square feet, and many are equipped with private docks and boat slips that allow for a truly unique fishing experience right in your own backyard. While homes that are not located directly on the water are priced starting in the low $500s, riverfront properties in Heckscher Drive Estates are priced starting in the low $1M, with some commanding as much as $4M.

Batten Island

Located just south of Fort George Island lies Batten Island, a 15-acre retreat in North Jacksonville bordered by St. Johns River and Clapboard Creek, which flow from the Atlantic Ocean. The neighborhood of Batten Island offers excellent jetty fishing and surfing, and it is the ideal location for those with an interest in water activities, like boating and jet skiing. Batten Island provides residents a luxurious and peaceful atmosphere, with large estate homes on expansive lots, many of which feature private docks and boat slips. Home prices in Batten Island vary based on the location of the home, with some riverfront properties priced into the high $3M.