Florida's Amelia Island earned the nickname Isle of Eight Flags because eight nations governed it since the 1500s. By the 1980s, the small beach town grew into a popular tourist destination attracting international visitors for its collection of mangroves, coastal activities and rich history. "I've been here for 20 years, and I always hear everyone remark how there is no other place like this. If you go to the southern end, you'll get upscale resorts, hotels and golf courses," says Bruce Meger, a Realtor with Watson Realty and Amelia Island resident. "But if you go to the middle of the island, it's a small-town neighborhood. Fernandina Beach, on the northern end, has the historic downtown, and we have nine miles of beachfront." The island is famous for the Appalachian quartz sands on American Beach. Amelia City, also known as Franklintown, was North Florida's first all-Black beach resort, situated at the southern tip. Along the western coast is a longtime paper mill and manufacturing plant. According to Meger, the tourist season spans from May to after Labor Day. "But in the winter, the island really shines because there are less people. It's easy to get into restaurants and get a fishing charter," Meger says.
Amelia Island's beaches and state parks
Amelia Island is well-known for its soft beach sand, which attracts both tourists and locals. Here, fishing and boating are well-loved pastimes. "We have a large set of fishing charters and five marinas. Many offer charters out to the gulf, marshes or Amelia River. I've never gone fishing and not caught anything," Meger says. Anglers can expect to catch flounder closer to shore and redfish or grouper further off the coast. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier is a mile-long pedestrian fishing spot just beyond the island. Boat owners can park at the marinas, such as Fernandina Harbor and Tiger Point. The area is also home to Fort Clinch State Park, a historic Civil War site popular for shark teeth-hunting and watching submarines come in at Kings Bay Naval Base. To the south are the dunes of Amelia Island State Park, offering a relaxing backdrop for horseback riding and sunbathing.
The residents of Amelia Island can drive their cars all the way to the beach.
Visitors of Fort Clinch State Park can experience life in the Fort during the 800's.
The Egans Creek Greenway guided walk is part of the Amelia Wild Festival.
Tourists love to visit the beautiful Fort at Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach.
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Varied home styles on verdant lawns
The streets are lined with a mix of palm trees and coastal live oaks with hanging Spanish moss. There are several housing styles, from older Victorians and cottages to midcentury ranches. Many homes have renovations, and some include covered swimming pools. "The area is very unique in the sense that it's virtually built out. You will find new constructions here and there from parcels of land, but it's a rare situation. There isn't much large-scale building on the island," Meger explains. Buyers can score a modest-size concrete block home or cottage starting at around $350,000. However, on average, properties on the island range from $700,000 to over $5 million. Residences on the island have a risk of flooding and potential damage from severe weather conditions.
A row of recently built single family homes in Amelia Island.
A recently built beachfront mansion on Amelia Island.
A recently built two story home on Amelia Island.
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Celebrations of history
People come from all over the region for the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. " It's the biggest festival of the year and what puts the island on the map. It will bring over 100,000 people to the island," Meger says. The event commemorates the city's history as the birthplace of modern shrimping. "We say that the island sinks about two to three inches during the festival because of all the people visiting," Meger laughs. Dickens on Centre is another popular event that began as an informal day for dressing up and visiting historic locations in the community but eventually evolved into an official festival.
There are many things to see and buy at the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.
The Isle of Eight Festival is one of the biggest events on Amelia Island.
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Locals stay on the island for shopping and dining
Amelia Island has several shopping plazas and strip malls. Grocery stores on the island include Publix, Winn Dixie, Harris Teeter and Walmart. The island is quickly becoming a foodie destination with over 40 restaurant options. "Down Under is a seafood restaurant underneath the Shave Bridge that is just like a phoenix. It has flooded three times over the last 20 years and had to be rebuilt. But it's still just as popular as ever," Meger explains. He also recommends Bar Zin and The Tavern by Amelia Island Brewing Company. Locals can head to the southern resorts for a five-star restaurant experience, such as Salt at The Ritz-Carlton.
Public is the go to grocery store for the residents of Amelia Island.
Art pieces for sale in a store in Downtown Fernandina Beach.
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Highly-rated Nassau County schools
Children attend Southside Elementary with a B-plus from Niche and continue to Fernandina Beach Middle, which earns an A-minus. Fernandina Beach High receives an A grade, offering a Career Technical Education program that includes nursing assistant certification and aerospace classes.
The entrance of the Fernandina Beach Middle School.
The entrance of the Fernandina Beach High School.
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Getting on and off the island
The barrier island is separated from the mainland by two bridges, the Shave Bridge on SR-200 to the north and the scenic A1A winding past homes and mangroves to the south. The island is about 15 miles from Interstate 95, and the Jacksonville Airport is around 25 miles away. The Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport is part of the community. The airport follows strict guidelines to prevent elevated noise levels, such as operating during restricted hours and using specific flight patterns. Locals also use the airport as a base for skydive and paragliding.
Houses of Worship
There are many places of worship, including longstanding congregations dating back to the 1800s, such as St. Michael's Catholic Church, St. Peter's Episcopal Church and New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The island also has primary care facilities for locals seeking medical attention.
The St. Peter's Episcopal Church is an historical marker located in Fernandina Beach.
In 1977 the church began restoration for the newly named St. Michael Academy on Amelia Island.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
LISA LEATH,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Fort Clinch State Park
Central Park
Main Beach Park
Nassau Humane Society Dog Park
Pirate Playground
Amelia Island State Park
Peters Point Beachfront Park
Egan's Creek Park
Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park
Transit
Airport
Jacksonville International
35 min drive
Bus
Yulee Park & Ride (Lofton Square)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Amelia Island
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach over the last 12 months is $781,794, up 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. Welcome to this stunning, nearly new 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story home that perfectly blends modern comfort with elegant design. Built in 2024, this immaculate residence features a desirable split floor plan that offers privacy and functionality for both everyday living and entertaining. Step inside to discover an open-concept layout
Welcome to your dream home in the highly sought-after Flora Parke neighborhood! This almost-new, meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence is a true gem. Step inside to discover an open floor plan highlighted by soaring 10-foot ceilings and elegant 8-foot doors. Natural light floods the space through two separate sliding glass doors that lead to an oversized screened-in lanai, where
**NO MORE SHOWINGS** **OPEN HOUSE ON FRIDAY 4/25/25 FROM 5PM-7PM AND SATURDAY 4/26/25 FROM 11AM-2PM. PLEASE SUBMIT BEST AND FINAL OFFER WITH 48 HOURS TO ACCEPT BY 5PM ON SUNDAY 4/27/25** Spacious 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home nestled on 1.66 acres in the sought-after Fernandina Beach area—just minutes from the ocean! With 2,716 sq ft of living space and surrounded by mature trees, this property
Live the Island Life at Marsh Cove! Welcome to your own slice of paradise in this highly sought-after community on beautiful Amelia Island! This fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers breathtaking marsh views from your private balcony, creating the perfect backdrop for morning coffee or evening sunsets. Step inside to find wood-look luxury flooring throughout, a spacious family room
Located in the highly sought after neighborhood of Egan's Bluff, this beautifully maintained Amelia Island home offers coastal living just a short walk from the beach via the Amelia River to Sea Trail which connects you to all the nature trails the City of Fernandina Beach has to offer. Your new home features a functional space possessing a generous kitchen with quartz counters, prep island,
Built in 2023, this spacious and thoughtfully designed 5 bed, 3 bath home offers modern living in a walkable neighborhood. Enjoy a covered lanai perfect for relaxing or entertaining, plus abundant storage throughout. Located in an A-rated Nassau County school zone, this home is close to all the essentials—shopping along the State Road 200 Corridor, Jacksonville Airport, and the beautiful beaches
The Villages of Marsh Lakes -This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is located just off Amelia Island and minutes from the beaches and shopping. Long term lease. $3000 per month. No smoking. No Pets.
Nestled within the prestigious Omni Amelia Island Resort, this stunning oceanfront condo beckons with its promise of coastal luxury and unparalleled views. Step into a world where every morning begins with the gentle sound of waves and every evening is painted with the hues of a breathtaking sunset. Welcome to your oasis by the sea.3 bedroom 3 baths, 2,370 sq ft $9,500 per month. Private
Coastal Living at Its Best – Walk to the Beach! Nestled in the sought-after Egan's Landing neighborhood, this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is just two blocks from the beach, making daily walks on the shore a breeze. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this home offers both tranquility and convenience, with historic downtown Fernandina Beach just minutes away—perfect for exploring unique shops,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
LISA LEATH,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
51,455
Median Age
56
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
35.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$90,846
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$116,433
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.7%
College Graduates
49.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.2%
% Population in Labor Force
54.2%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
33/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
14/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
