The Best Jacksonville Area Suburbs To Call Home [UPDATED]

Situated on northeastern Florida’s Atlantic coast, Jacksonville is the state’s most bustling, populous city. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, sprawling parks, and cultural attractions, living in Jacksonville ensures that there is never a lack of activities to enjoy and neighborhoods to explore. While the busy city is a fun and exciting place for residents to spend their days, many Jacksonville locals prefer a quieter community to return home to in the evenings. Fortunately, there are several excellent neighborhoods in the Jacksonville area that offer a suburban-like feel, ensuring full-time residents get to experience the best of both worlds.

Nocatee

Nocatee, located in Ponte Vedra, is a master-planned community that is highly regarded by locals for its low crime rate and plentiful opportunities for employment. Nocatee, which is just under thirty miles from the heart of downtown Jacksonville, is infused with lots of great shopping, top-notch schools, and neighborhoods that contain homes in a wide array of sizes and layouts. Home buyers can choose between townhomes, village homes, traditional single-family homes, and luxury estates, with the average home price falling in the mid $600s. The hub of the Nocatee community is the Nocatee Town Center, which features restaurants, stores, and Nocatee Splash Water Park, a favorite of the community’s youngest residents. Only a short drive from the beach and a number of golf courses, Nocatee truly has it all.

Orange Park

Situated roughly twenty miles outside of Jacksonville, Orange Park is an historic neighborhood with history dating back to the late-1800s. Orange Park is an excellent location for home buyers who need to commute into the city on a daily basis without compromising all of the benefits of living in a suburban community. Orange Park is home to many public parks and residents have the opportunity to participate in a number of local events that include seasonal festivals, an annual 4th of July celebration, activities for children, and so much more. Many of the homes in Orange Park offer a waterfront location with stunning views, and while there are many historic homes, newer construction is also available. Home buyers should expect prices starting in the mid $300s for more rural areas, with waterfront homes priced much higher in exchange for the premium location.

Sawgrass

Known across the state as a prime destination for golf-enthusiasts, Sawgrass is home to The Players Championship that is part of the PGA Tour. The exclusive, master-planned community, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, is made up of 38 smaller neighborhoods and is located roughly 25 miles from the heart of Jacksonville. Golf plays a tremendous role in the Sawgrass community, and many residents spend their free time at Sawgrass Country Club. When they’re not out on the green, Sawgrass residents enjoy time on the nearby beach. Homes within the Sawgrass community vary from modern waterfront condos to sprawling Mediterranean-style estates. While the average home price at Sawgrass falls in the mid $600s, newer builds and waterfront homes command prices in the millions.

Fleming Island

Located a little more than twenty miles from downtown Jacksonville, Fleming Island is a master-planned community on the western side of the St. Johns River. Fleming Island has a reputation for cultivating a laid-back lifestyle against the backdrop of a vibrant downtown scene. Residents of Fleming Island can enjoy a number of local eateries, shopping, and bars as well as a landscape rich with verdant trees and gorgeous waters. An eight foot sidewalk runs along the entire island, creating a seven mile-long path for residents to ride their bikes, walk, or run. Home prices on Fleming Island typically fall between the mid $300s and the mid $400s.

Palm Valley

Palm Valley is a sprawling community located within St. Johns County. With close proximity to nearby hotspots like Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, Palm Valley gives residents the ability to live in a peaceful suburban environment without compromising easy access to local attractions and entertainment. Palm Valley is home to a number of lakes, making it a great destination for those who enjoy finishing, and the picturesque landscape has tremendous appeal. Home prices in the Palm Valley community vary, with the median home price falling in the high $500s.