North Florida Historic Districts You'll Love Calling Home

While North Florida has a reputation for its expanses of white, sandy beaches, abundance of nature and wildlife and access to water sports and outdoor activities, it is also a region rich with history. Several North Florida cities are hundreds of years old and they have unique historic districts that transport residents and their guests to an entirely different time. Taking a stroll down these breathtaking streets offers modern day inhabitants a glimpse into what North Florida looked like to those who called it home long ago. The wealth of history, timeless architecture, and numerous cultural attractions draw in prospective home buyers making these treasured neighborhoods destinations they’ll be excited to call home.

St. Augustine Historic District

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine proudly holds the title of oldest city in the country and is perhaps best known for its beautiful Spanish architecture and expansive Atlantic Ocean Beaches. St. Augustine’s Historic District lies at the heart of the city, and it is where residents and visitors can find a wealth of restaurants, shopping, hotels, and attractions. Some of the streets of St. Augustine’s Historic District are as old as the city itself, and a number of the buildings in the neighborhood date back to the 1700s. The neighborhood, which is very walkable as a result of its European-inspired design, is on the National Register of Historic Places alongside more than twenty individual attractions that it contains. St. Augustine’s Historic District features excellent museums, art galleries, churches, and other historical buildings, and one of the best ways to explore the area is through one of the many available walking tours. Interested home buyers can expect to pay top dollar for homes in the highly sought-after neighborhood, with prices starting in the low $700s.

Avondale Historic District

Situated along North Florida’s Atlantic Coast is Jacksonville, the state’s most populous city, which has a reputation for its gorgeous beaches and warm southern feel. The city is home to several historic districts that reflect Jacksonville’s centuries-old history, including Avondale Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The Avondale neighborhood was officially founded in 1921 and has maintained much of its original architecture, tree-lined streets, and old-world charm. In 2010, nearly a century later, the American Planning Association named Avondale one of the country’s top neighborhoods. Today, residents and guests who visit the Avondale Historic District can take advantage of a plethora of shops, restaurants, and services that line the neighborhood’s main street. The neighborhood’s homes reflect the area’s history, as do the towering mature trees that can be found throughout. Avondale home prices start in the high $300s, with some larger homes priced into the $1M and $2M range.

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Located on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach Historic District is filled with Victorian architecture, historic homes, and cultural landmarks. The heart of the neighborhood, its central business hub, is Centre Street, where guests can dine, shop, and stroll to their hearts’ content. Some of the district’s most beloved attractions are the Amelia Island Lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in the state of Florida, the Old Train Depot, and the Palace Saloon. Amelia Island Cruises offer visitors the chance to explore the area by boat as they traverse the bordering waterway. Homes in Fernandina Beach Historic District vary in price, with some older Victorian homes priced as high as the high $2Ms.

Riverside Historic District

Riverside Historic District, which is located just beside Jacksonville’s Avondale Historic District, is another of the city’s neighborhoods that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Riverside dates back to 1868, though it didn’t see an influx of residents until the end of the 19th century. The neighborhood is known for being home to the largest volume of homes featuring Prairie Style architecture to exist outside of the Midwest. Riverside is also home to 5 Points, Jacksonville’s premiere arts and business district, which was built in the 1930s and remains a bustling part of the city today. Homes in the Riverside Historic District run the gamut, from condominiums to townhomes to single-family homes. Home buyers should expect prices ranging between the mid $200s to approximately $1M.