Jacksonville Florida Community
As Florida”s most populated city, Jacksonville is also the leading economic, financial and commercial center. Named for Andrew Jackson, the first territorial governor of Florida, the city has long held an important place in the development of the state, especially the intracoastal cities that make up the eastern side of Florida. With a balmy subtropical climate and mild winters, Jacksonville offers plenty to do year-round, and tourism is emerging as an economic staple. From bustling downtown Jacksonville to the city”s distinct neighborhoods, Jacksonville is second to none when it comes to providing family-friendly communities, open spaces and access to some of the best dining, shopping and entertainment in the world. An experienced Jacksonville Developer can help you navigate the many communities to discover the area that suits you best.
History of Jacksonville
Spanning hundreds of years, the history of Jacksonville is both lively and interesting. Jacksonville was originally the site of the Timuca Indians, and archaeological evidence indicates their presence as far back as 6,000 years ago. During the European settlements around 1791, Jacksonville was known as Cowford, after the narrow place in the river where cattle were forded.
Renamed in 1822 for Andrew Jackson, the city soon became a key supplier of agricultural products during the Civil War. Many Southern cities struggled to rebuild after the war, and Jacksonville was no exception. In post-Reconstruction decades, the warm climate and lovely beaches were frequented by wealthy vacationers, and tourism soon emerged as a leading industry in Jacksonville. The city thrived until a devastating fire ravaged a number of key businesses and destroyed thousands of homes. Another major reconstruction effort was undertaken, and once again, the city rose like a phoenix from the ashes.
Jacksonville enjoyed a brief period as the setting of a number of silent films as well as early “talkies,” as filmmakers took advantage of Jacksonville”s tropical climate and excellent railroad access. Other industries soon acquired Jacksonville real estate to set up shop, including banking and insurance centers and the U.S. Navy. Today, Jacksonville is a thriving metropolis, ranked as the third-most populated city on the entire East Coast, with a population of just over 780,000 in the city itself, and more than 1.3 million in the extended metropolitan area. More and more people are recognizing the value of purchasing a Jacksonville investment property, and the development market continues to boom.
A Thriving Economy
Throughout its history, Jacksonville has represented a vital part of the state”s economy, even enhancing the economies of areas beyond the city borders. The port at Jacksonville, one of the largest in Florida and the deepest in the South, allows major import and export businesses to thrive. Paper, cigars, pulp, phosphate and lumber are the main exports out of Jacksonville, while cars and coffee top the list of imports. Developments are another thriving industry, as people flock to purchase Jacksonville Beach condominiums and other Jacksonville developments.
As one of the state”s most industrialized cities, Jacksonville takes advantage of the surrounding regions that produce raw materials and manufacture the materials into useable products. Exporting the products is easy for Jacksonville businesses, as the city is conveniently located near I-95 and I-10. Because the city is also a railway hub, Jacksonville transports a substantial amount of products and goods via rail freight. The city”s deep port facilitates shipping and receiving by ocean as well. Additionally, the international airport in Jacksonville accommodates travelers as well as freight airplanes to and from this modern city.
Jacksonville has experienced unprecedented growth and prosperity that continues today. The city was one of the leaders in the Sun Belt development, as several Southern cities transformed from struggling metropolitan areas to economic powerhouses. By expanding the city”s existing industries and creating new economic sectors, Jacksonville has positioned itself as a thriving economic center for years to come. The continued rise in Jacksonville property values makes now the ideal time to purchase a Jacksonville investment property.
The key to Jacksonville”s economic success seems to lie in its diversity of businesses. Here you”ll find major employers in a wide range of industries, including medical facilities, biomedical sciences, retail, manufacturing, financial services and banking services. Jacksonville enjoys a broad economic base that continues to attract new businesses seeking to expand or relocate. With this kind of sustained economic growth, it”s no wonder Jacksonville developments remain in such high demand.
Jacksonville Attractions and Events
Jacksonville residents have a virtual playground at their fingertips, with an impressive variety of activities to enjoy. With a mild winter climate and sunny summer weather, Jacksonville offers year-round opportunities for fun in the sun at your Jacksonville Beach condo.
The city itself provides the largest urban park system in the country, with more than 80,000 acres of designated parks. Additionally, the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens are quite impressive. From elephants to insects, the zoo features some of the most interesting and modern animal exhibits in the region, as well as a river excursion with a replicated African village.
Like most metropolitan areas, Jacksonville also features an incredible array of cultural arts and entertainment venues, and something exciting is planned most every week. The Florida Theatre and the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts have hosted events including symphonies, Broadway shows and dance shows, and Jacksonville is home to one of the longest running community theater groups. Whether you have season tickets or prefer to pick and choose, you are sure to discover a program that interests you.
For art buffs, Jacksonville provides plenty of chances to view permanent and traveling exhibitions. The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, a 60,000 square foot facility, opened in 2003 and houses magnificent displays of modern art. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville is home to a grand display of European and American paintings. After you”ve enjoyed the artwork, you can stroll around the beautifully maintained grounds, featuring acres of formal European-style gardens.
If you are a die-hard sports fan, Jacksonville is happy to oblige. With the ALLTEL Stadium hosting the NFL”s Jacksonville Jaguars, fans of the pigskin can follow professional football via the home team. Baseball is popular for Jacksonville Suns, another huge draw for fans in the region. Hockey, men”s and women”s professional basketball, college football and basketball, rugby and roller derby round out the sporting events that occur in Jacksonville. Sports are always in season in this sunny Florida city, which is another reason it makes sense to invest in a Jacksonville Beach condominium.
If you”d rather participate in sports than simply watch, you”ll love Jacksonville for its many famous golf courses. The Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass surely tops the list of must-play courses. Besides golf, you”ll find opportunities for tennis, fishing tournaments and countless other city and community leagues. Active sports are virtually unlimited for residents who own Jacksonville condos.
Finally, there are a number of annual celebrations that mark the passing of each year in Jacksonville. Summer brings the Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks party at Jacksonville”s Metropolitan Park. When the sun goes down, residents are treated to one of the largest and most spectacular firework displays in the country. As summer draws to an end, the Agricultural Fair of Greater Jacksonville tempts visitors with live entertainment, livestock judging, agricultural displays and amusement park rides. The Jacksonville Light Parade in November is another don”t miss event.
As winter gives way to spring, the festivals continue. Every April, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival shakes off the winter blues and shines as the second biggest jazz festival in the country. The Spring Music Fest is a free concert featuring popular artists. Modern rock and blues bands also offer busy concert schedules throughout the summer.
Each May in Jacksonville brings the Jacksonville Film Festival. Independent filmmakers show their work among seven historic sites throughout the city. Many famous Hollywood stars have attended these annual events, The Great Atlantic Seafood and Music Festival, the Blessing of the Fleet Parade of Boats, the World of Nations Celebration, the Jacksonville International Boat Show and the Jacksonville Light Parade are also important and highly anticipated annual events in Jacksonville.
If you decide to invest in one of the many Jacksonville Beach condos for sale, you are surely making a sound investment. Whether you prefer that your Jacksonville Beach condominium be retained for private use only, or you choose to utilize your Jacksonville investment property as a rental, you”re sure to be glad you took advantage of the current market status.
Jacksonville Developments are diverse and distinctive, with each neighborhood offering various amenities that appeal to people of different walks of life. An experienced Jacksonville Developer is a must in order to get the latest information on development trends, schools, crime statistics and details about the area.
The four areas that make up the city of Jackson are informal designations: Southside, Northside, Westside and Arlington. Each of these is further divided into smaller neighborhoods. Everything south of the expressway and sandwiched between the St. John”s River and the Intercostals Waterway is considered Southside. This area offers a variety of single-family homes as well as premiere riverfront Jacksonville investment properties. It”s easy to fall in love with a Southside Jacksonville condominium overlooking the boats that cruise along the Intercostals Waterway. A knowledgeable Jacksonville Developer is essential to help you fully explore all these areas to decide on the best home for you, at the right price.
The Westside of Jacksonville is ultimately the west side of the city, from the river onward. The wide range of homes available in this area may include a Jacksonville condominium or a Jacksonville investment property, depending on your specific needs. Arlington, a neighborhood in Jacksonville, posesses a distinct personality. Bordered on the west and north by the St. John”s River and to the east by the Intracoastal Waterway, south by the Arlington Expressway, this area features everything from Jacksonville condos to single-family homes in established neighborhoods.
Jacksonville Education
Higher education opportunities are found in abundance in Jacksonville. The top schools in the Jacksonville area are Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida, Edward Waters College, Florida Coastal School of Law, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, Florida Technical College and Brewer Christian College. These schools provide outstanding education for students of all ages, and ensure that the workforce of Jacksonville is well-educated and highly trainable.
The public schools in Jackson are excellent, and each school is well-known for providing an outstanding education and learning environment for every student. With excellent faculty and high-quality programs, schools in Jacksonville have a stellar reputation. Many families looking for Jacksonville developments are pleased to discover the city”s emphasis on education, and there are several private school options available to Jacksonville residents as well.
Between luxury homes and vacation homes, single-family homes and beachfront condos, there is something on the development spectrum to suit every taste and budget. The sheer diversity of availability is one of the reasons that Jacksonville developments will always be a smart investment.