Only those who live in or around Jacksonville, FL truly realize just how large this city is. Both the largest city by population in the state of Florida and the largest by area in the entire contiguous United States, it's easy to feel like just another number here. There are a few communities in Jacksonville that give residents that small town charm, however, and Atlantic Beach is one of them. With a population of just under 13,000 residents, this coastal town lies just to the north of Atlantic Blvd. in Duval County and fronts both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. If a small town beach community with proximity to the big city sounds appealing to you, our Atlantic Beach real estate guide will fill you in on this unique community.
The area around Jacksonville has been inhabited for thousands of years, with the oldest remnants of pottery found dating back to 2500 B.C. In modern times, the first European settlement was established here, and Jacksonville became a key supply port during the American Civil War. In 1900, Henry Flagler built the Mayport branch of his railroad and constructed a station in what is now Atlantic Beach. He also built the Continental Hotel, a 250-room guest resort, that was later re-named the Atlantic Beach Hotel, which burned down in 1919. Land sales and development of the town picked up after World War I and the boundaries of Atlantic Beach were extended as recently as 1987 and 1996 when the town annexed the land of Seminole Beach and parcels leading to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Source:wikimedia.org
Because it is a coastal city, Atlantic Beach is nothing if not diverse. There are 5,623 households in the city with a median household income of $63,391. The median sales price of homes here is $301,756, and there is a wide range of choices in homes here. Homes in Atlantic Beach range from condos to small beach cottages to large single family residences. There are choices of new construction and many re-sale opportunities.
Condos in several communities in the North Beach section are priced will under $100,000 for a 2-bedroom, 1-bath, 1000 square foot unit. Condos along Seminole Rd., within a few blocks of the beach are priced in the $200s and $300s. Single family homes start at just over $100,000 for 2-bedroom, 2-bath homes that are approximately 1000 square feet, built in the mid-1980s. A home closer to the beach in this community will likely start in the mid-$400s, and there are homes priced as high as $2.5 million along Beach Ave. fronting the Atlantic Ocean.
Living in a beach community just lends itself to an atmosphere of healthy living. Clean ocean air and open spaces abound in Atlantic Beach, and residents have a multitude of choices to stay active and healthy year-round. Atlantic Beach has two miles of white sand beaches and nearly 65 acres of parkland for community members to enjoy.
There are fourteen parks in the city of the Atlantic Beach and it would difficult to choose a favorite. Dutton Island Preserve is the largest park and provides many recreational opportunities. Located at the end of Dutton Drive, the park has 9,000 square feet of nature trails, a canoe/kayak launch, camping areas, a fishing pier, and picnic areas. Just to the north of Atlantic Beach is Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, which includes a 1.5-mile public beach, off-road bike trails, campground, picnic shelters, and shuffleboard/volleyball courts. This is also a very popular spot for local surfers.
Eating healthy and staying active in Atlantic Beach couldn't be easier. The community has a Mid-Week Market every Wednesday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Bull Park, where you can pick up fresh vegetables, fruits, and baked goods. The community also participates in the annual "Donna Breast Cancer Marathon" in February, which is a Boston-qualifier and attended by participants from all 50-states and more than 20 countries worldwide.
Island living may lend itself to a quieter lifestyle for many, but there are still plenty of entertainment options if you live in Atlantic Beach. The section where Neptune and Atlantic Beach meet is affectionately referred to as "The Corner" and it is here that residents will find many shopping and dining options.
Beaches Town Center is located at the "The Corner", which is near Atlantic Blvd. and 3rd St. This complex has seventeen restaurants and an assortment of retail establishments, several bars, health and fitness clubs, and lodging choices. There are also many dining choices along Mayport Rd in Atlantic Beach.
Those interested in the arts will find plenty here to keep them engaged. Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach jointly host a monthly Art Walk on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at the end of Atlantic Blvd. This is a free event with over 55 participating artists. The Adele Grage Cultural Center in Atlantic Beach serves as an art gallery for monthly exhibits and holds a 60-seat theater for local productions.
Living in a beach community has many benefits. Yet, living in a beach community outside of one of America's largest cities can't be beat. Just 19 miles from downtown Jacksonville, residents of Atlantic Beach are afforded the strong sense of community and open spaces that small town living can provide, while having access to big city amenities at the same time. The wide range of choices in Atlantic Beach real estate makes living in this unique community attainable for just about anyone who sees it as the right fit. If the clean ocean air is calling you, check out Atlantic Beach today.
