The real estate market has presented an incredible opportunity for Florida vacation home buyers.   Values have dropped off their highs in 2005 and many sellers are now very willing to start negotiations at much lower prices.  This has prompted many vacation home buyers to get back in the market.

What's most important for Florida vacation home buyers? If you were to ask 10 prospective buyers the same question, you would get several common answers:

  • Proximity to the beach or ON the beach
  • Golfing in the community or very close by
  • Waterfront home or boating access
  • Close to the airport for easy access
  • High Quality medical facilities nearby

TOP 2 Misconceptions of Florida Vacation home buyers:

  1. Condos Only: Some vacation home buyers require condos only, however many don't want the condo or townhome feel.  They want a home where they can bring their children and grand children.  A vacation home to build memories of catching crab in the marsh, fishing in all the waterways, and spending fun family time at the beach.
  2. Peace and quiet - in the middle of nowhere: A vacation home is just that, a vacation.  It should provide fun and relaxation from the day to day grind.  However, I've always found that vacation home buyers coming from their busy lives in most places north of Florida, get bored with "middle of nowhere".  After a few days of relaxation by the beach and pool, most people need to get out and do something.  Fine dining, shopping, and local events are always high on the list.  None of which are easily found far off the beaten path.

Vacation Homes in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Florida

Northeast Florida provides an incredible opportunity for vacation home buyers - especially when interested in waterfront.  The Jacksonville area is unique in that it hasn't had the same demand for vacation homes as South Florida which in turn has kept the homes very affordable.

Key factors for considering the Jacksonville FL area for a vacation home:

  • Pricing:  Highly affordable when compared to South Florida.
  • Temperate Climate:  The summer is hot just like you want in a Florida location and late fall through spring is incredible.
  • Waterfront availability:  Miles of coastline and even more riverfront and intracoastal land and homes.
  • Hurricane factor:  Limited exposure considering other Florida locations.
  • The city:  Dining, shopping, culture, and sports are all available
  • Medical:  MAYO Clinic - need I go any further
  • Residents vs Vacationers:  Odd to include this one, but it is a key factor.  This area of Florida is not a "seasonal area".  If you get here in May - everyone is still here!

Considering a visit to the First Coast to search out your perfect spot of vacation heaven?  Contact us ahead of time and I can help you narrow down a few key areas.  

Several Waterfront homes to check out:

Browse Jacksonville Waterfront Homes for Sale

Sort by:
1722 Hammock Circle W, Jacksonville

$1,250,000

↓ $100,000

1722 Hammock Circle W, Jacksonville

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,272 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2159266
3641 Wells Landing Court, Jacksonville

$2,300,000

↑ $200,000

3641 Wells Landing Court, Jacksonville

4 Beds 5 Baths 3,540 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2158750
13957 Ketch Cove Place, Jacksonville

$1,349,999

13957 Ketch Cove Place, Jacksonville

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,360 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2158482
3729 Trout River Boulevard, Jacksonville

$374,500

↓ $500

3729 Trout River Boulevard, Jacksonville

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,280 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2158306
Under Contract
4141 Coquina Drive, Jacksonville

$1,775,000

4141 Coquina Drive, Jacksonville

5 Beds 4 Baths 3,871 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2158008
1864 Buccaneer Drive, Jacksonville

$749,000

1864 Buccaneer Drive, Jacksonville

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,344 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2157989
355 Grand Beacon Boulevard, Jacksonville

$820,970

355 Grand Beacon Boulevard, Jacksonville

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,060 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2157947
361 Grand Beacon Boulevard, Jacksonville

$792,710

361 Grand Beacon Boulevard, Jacksonville

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,880 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2157946
Open House
4449 Seabreeze Drive Drive, Jacksonville

$1,950,000

↓ $49,000

4449 Seabreeze Drive Drive, Jacksonville

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,626 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2157230
Under Contract
1045 Cedar Bay Road, Jacksonville

$1,050,000

1045 Cedar Bay Road, Jacksonville

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,259 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2157205
5392 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville

$1,299,999

↓ $50,001

5392 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,428 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2157092
Open House
1345 Fruit Cove Road N, St. Johns

$1,200,000

1345 Fruit Cove Road N, St. Johns

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,152 SqFt Residential
Sat, Sep 12th, 2026 @ 12pm - 2pm
MLS® # 2157035
276 Baisden Road, Jacksonville

$625,000

276 Baisden Road, Jacksonville

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,676 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2156842
Open House
5071 Clapboard Creek Drive, Jacksonville

$1,494,000

↓ $5,000

5071 Clapboard Creek Drive, Jacksonville

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,884 SqFt Residential
Sat, Sep 12th, 2026 @ 12pm - 2pm
MLS® # 2156699
9839 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville

$1,995,000

↓ $305,000

9839 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville

5 Beds 4 Baths 3,518 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2156643

Posted by Brad Officer on

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