Nearby Communities
Ortega
Bordered on the east by the St. Johns River, to the north and west by the Ortega River and south of Riverside, this community is a peninsula on the river. Convenient private schools, area churches and small parks along the river contribute to Ortega's charm. The Florida Yacht Club and Timuquana Country Club offer private social and recreational opportunities. Worth ranked Ortega 46th among the nation's top 50 wealthiest neighborhoods. The area offers just about any style of architecture and homes range in size from average sites to stately, sprawling estates. The 1920s Ortega River Bridge is one of the oldest functioning drawbridges. (Text courtesy of Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce website.)
Venetia
The Venetia neighborhood spans across Highway 17 just south of Ortega and Ortega Forest and is adjacent to NAS Jacksonville. It is bordered by the Ortega River to the West, Ortega Forest and Pirates Cove to the North, the St. John's River and NAS Jacksonville to the East/Southeast and encompasses Westside (Tillie K. Fowler) Regional Park to the South. Venetia Elementary School is located within easy walking distance.
Venetia is home to the Timuquana Country Club and boasts one of Jacksonville's largest parks, Westside Regional Park. This 509-acre facility features the Tillie K. Fowler Nature Center with outdoor classroom, picnic area with grills and playground equipment, biking trails, a series of hiking and nature trails, and an elevated platform from which to view wetlands, soaring bald eagles, and other birds.
Riverside/Avondale
This community is bordered to the west by Highway 17 and the river to the east, between Interstate 10 to the north and the Ortega River to the south. These are well-established, historic neighborhoods on the west bank of the St. Johns River. There are five public schools located within walking distance of both neighborhoods.
Riverside has become an attractive spot for young professionals who want a short commute to work. Homes include modest duplexes to elegantly restored historic residences and waterfront estates. Riverside is a medical hub with the St. Vincent's Medical Complex and private medical offices scattered along the river.
Avondale is a traditional neighborhood with small boutique-type shopping, quaint streets and small-town charm. There are more than a dozen parks with tennis courts, softball fields and paths for jogging, walking or biking. Its close proximity to downtown makes it a great location for short commutes.
Ortega Farms
The Ortega Farms neighborhood is a triangle shaped peninsula bounded by Fishing Creek on the west/northwest, the Ortega River on east/northeast and Timuquana Avenue on the south. A significant portion of the neighborhood is forested. Ortega Farms contains tree lined riverfront properties, creek front homes, canal homes, middle class subdivisions built from the 1970s to 1990s, and multi-family dwellings. The neighborhood enjoys a public boat ramp at the terminus of Ortega Farms Blvd.