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:
Pending
2352 State Road 13 N 3, St. Johns

$1,750,000

2352 State Road 13 N 3, St. Johns

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,936 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2156464
3840 Harbor View Court, Jacksonville

$175,000

3840 Harbor View Court, Jacksonville

5 Beds 2 Baths 1,781 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2156072
3832 Sandy Shores Drive, Jacksonville

$781,000

↓ $2,000

3832 Sandy Shores Drive, Jacksonville

5 Beds 4 Baths 3,780 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2155529
Pending
2318 Pine Island Court, Jacksonville

$1,600,000

2318 Pine Island Court, Jacksonville

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,588 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2155467
Under Contract
2010 Tara Court, Neptune Beach

$1,750,000

2010 Tara Court, Neptune Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 3,364 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2155163
Pending
704 Seabrook Cove Road, Jacksonville

$385,000

↓ $5,000

704 Seabrook Cove Road, Jacksonville

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,664 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2154759
580 Broward Road, Jacksonville

$2,599,000

↓ $201,000

580 Broward Road, Jacksonville

4 Beds 4 Baths 5,005 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2154290
1431 Forest Marsh Drive, Neptune Beach

$1,200,000

↓ $95,000

1431 Forest Marsh Drive, Neptune Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,402 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2153994
3120 Julington Creek Road, Jacksonville

$3,900,000

3120 Julington Creek Road, Jacksonville

8 Beds 9 Baths 10,654 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2153738
4002 Mcgirts Boulevard, Jacksonville

$3,550,000

↓ $345,000

4002 Mcgirts Boulevard, Jacksonville

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,005 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2153324
8644 7th Avenue, Jacksonville

$295,000

8644 7th Avenue, Jacksonville

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,344 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2153154
Open House
2709 Ocean Drive S, Jacksonville Beach

$3,975,000

↓ $125,000

2709 Ocean Drive S, Jacksonville Beach

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,127 SqFt Residential
Sun, Sep 13th, 2026 @ 1pm - 3pm
MLS® # 2152978
4767 Marsh Hammock Drive E, Jacksonville

$850,000

4767 Marsh Hammock Drive E, Jacksonville

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,028 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2152707
4710 State Road 13 N, St. Johns

$4,900,000

4710 State Road 13 N, St. Johns

9 Beds 10 Baths 7,603 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2152645
13062 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville

$1,800,000

13062 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,931 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2152643

Posted by Brad Officer on

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