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:
Under Contract
5388 Rollins Avenue, Jacksonville

$589,900

5388 Rollins Avenue, Jacksonville

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,154 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2152533
1842 Strand Street, Neptune Beach

$3,875,000

1842 Strand Street, Neptune Beach

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,012 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2152478
5436 Waterside Drive, Jacksonville

$469,000

↓ $6,000

5436 Waterside Drive, Jacksonville

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,995 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2152288
Under Contract
3845 Harbor Drive, Jacksonville

$1,870,000

↓ $100,000

3845 Harbor Drive, Jacksonville

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,359 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2152059
4589 Ortega Boulevard, Jacksonville

$5,800,000

4589 Ortega Boulevard, Jacksonville

5 Beds 6 Baths 6,133 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2152022
Open House
14073 Pine Island Drive, Jacksonville

$1,145,000

↓ $20,000

14073 Pine Island Drive, Jacksonville

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,356 SqFt Residential
Sat, Sep 12th, 2026 @ 12pm - 2pm
MLS® # 2151467
Open House
502 Bay Ridge Road, Jacksonville

$599,900

↓ $15,000

502 Bay Ridge Road, Jacksonville

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,662 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2151335
Pending
1257 Cedar Bay Road, Jacksonville

$325,000

↓ $25,000

1257 Cedar Bay Road, Jacksonville

3 Beds 1 Bath 884 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2151317
1375 Cedar Bay Road, Jacksonville

$845,000

↓ $15,000

1375 Cedar Bay Road, Jacksonville

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,506 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2150753
Under Contract
11100 Emuness Road, Jacksonville

$574,900

↓ $9,100

11100 Emuness Road, Jacksonville

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,250 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2150183
9006 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville

$1,490,060

↓ $100,000

9006 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,679 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2150234
Under Contract
4728 University Boulevard N, Jacksonville

$1,850,000

↓ $149,999

4728 University Boulevard N, Jacksonville

5 Beds 6 Baths 5,812 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2147556
Open House
943 Brookwood Road, Jacksonville

$2,190,000

↓ $100,000

943 Brookwood Road, Jacksonville

4 Beds 5 Baths 3,949 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2148777
Open House
8861 Amalfi Court, Jacksonville

$579,904

↓ $15,000

8861 Amalfi Court, Jacksonville

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,317 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2148251
Venetia Boulevard, Jacksonville

$1,872,000

Venetia Boulevard, Jacksonville

5 Beds 4 Baths 4,253 SqFt Residential MLS® # 2067362

Posted by Brad Officer on

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