Overview
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Plush, tree-lined streets, a well-preserved historic district, and plenty of upscale shopping and dining options make this neighborhood a prime (if perhaps inaccessible) place to set up home. Located on the St. Johns River a couple of miles upstream from Downtown Jacksonville, Avondale boasts several sprawling homes, many of which were built before 1920. Wealthy families have comfortably lived here for decades, and young couples looking to buy or rent their first home will find cozy bungalows a bike ride away from the district's wickedly good shopping and dining options.
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If you can afford a higher rent, Avondale might just be worth it. Historic, beautifully preserved brick buildings sit nestled on quiet streets that boast the best tree cover in the city. Only miles from Downtown, this neighborhood is the destination of choice for young professionals (see riverfront highrise apartment options) and newlyweds (check out a bungalow a bike ride away from the river). As a 12-year resident of Jacksonville, I have frequented the shops and restaurants of Avondale consistently. Residents of this neighborhood have some of the city's best dining options in their backyards. Overall, Avondale scores big on the charm factor. See it for yourself before deciding where to move!
Families with old money live here in impressive riverside homes, and young professional couples live here in modest houses and highrise apartment buildings. With an average home list price around $450,000 and a rating as Jacksonville's "best neighborhood to retire," you can bet the resident demographic skews older in Avondale.
Most of the social scene in Avondale is centered around the shops on Saint Johns Avenue. Restaurant/bars like Biscotti's, The Brick, West Inn Cantina and Casbah offer residents a variety of unique places to unwind. The Brick, with its overpriced and contstantly flowing premium drinks, especially attracts the young professional crowd late into the night. Biscotti's, owned by the same owners as BB's in San Marco, is a Jacksonville favorite, with its regulary updated menu of gourmet meals and gigantic case full of freshly baked dessert masterpieces. For fine (if somewhat uptight) dining, try Sterling's, located on the same main strip. Also, check out local artists' work in the Fox Restaurant, which is known for its diversity in clientele (college students and businessmen religiously eat here) and quality, breakfast-style fare.
Away from the main strip, across Roosevelt Boulevard on Edgewood Avenue, be sure to try the oven-baked, custom-made pizza at Moon River Pizza, a North Florida best kept secret. The service is outstanding, prices are incredible, and the pizza has to be tasted to be believed. (I do not exaggerate.)
Depending on what area of Avondale you look at, rent will vary widely. In highrise apartment buildings on the Saint Johns River, you will find studio apartments going for $745 and a 3-bedroom unit for $1,936. Closer to Roosevelt Boulevard and away from the river, a small 3-bedroom house with a backyard will cost $900 per month. These prices reflect the desirability of the area and its proximity to the natural beauty of the St. Johns River.
Don't expect too much trouble with parking in Avondale. While the shops on Saint Johns Avenue may create some weekend congestion in that area, most side streets have ample parking spaces, and residences often include private driveways. Public bus routes run through the area, and the Greyhound bus station is about 10-15 minutes away in Downtown Jacksonville.
Out-of-towners moving to Jacksonville are often attracted to Avondale's historic charm, so it has been quite competitive to find a home here in the past. With home prices falling drastically, you may have more room to negotiate a lease. Check out unique options like a bungalow for rent or a flat in half of a historic brick building.
Pets will enjoy walks along the St. Johns River and through Avondale's public parks, not to mention along the beautiful tree-lined residential streets. It's not uncommon to see dogs patiently lounging under chairs at sidewalk cafes in the area.
Avondale is known for its shopping and dining. Jacksonville residents sometimes make a long trek to the district to find unique furniture, expensive clothes from upscale boutiques, and personalized gifts. Avondale and the adjacent neighorhood of Riverside offer cyclists and joggers many scenic pathways through residential areas and parks. Dowtown is minutes away by car, opening up a multitude of entertainment and cultural events to choose from.
If you can afford the rent, a riverfront highrise apartment might be the way to enjoy Avondale. For rental home and more affordable apartment options, Oak Street, Talbot Avenue, and MacArthur Street are great places to start your search.
Residents of Avondale will most likely need to travel to adjacent Riverside or Ortega to get groceries. Neither of these is more than 10 minutes away with traffic, so it's a pretty standard suburban living situation. Three banks have branches in the immediate area (Shoppers here will appreciate the access to ATMs), while several others are minutes away by car. Gyms in the immediate area are limited to alternative fitness studios like Yoga Ananda and Synergy Studio. Those looking for a Gold's Gym or Curves fitness for women will have to venture into adjacent neighborhoods, but not too far.
Schools in the area include
Ruth N Upson Elementary School (Public K - 5 )
Fishweir Elementary School (Public K - 5 ) Received an excellent rating from parents
Robert E Lee High School (Public 9 - 12 )
Bethel Holiness Academy (Private K - 12 )
Wayman Academy Of The Arts
Equal Housing Opportunity