Atlantic Highlands-Holiday Harbors

Water bound by brackish marshlands to the east, Atlantic Highlands-Holiday Harbors is a welcomed coastal retreat in Jacksonville, Florida. "This is a desirable coastal community, and you will see a lot of people with boats. The Intracoastal Waterway is right there. It takes you to the St. Johns River, which will lead to the ocean. Boating is big here!" says Marc Fagan, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Network Realty. Organic and green, the landscape is fed by the extensive channel and the beautiful lakes within the area. Detached homes and upscale condos encircle these small bodies of water, offering serene views and a relaxed lifestyle in North Florida.

Fagan explains that although the beach is close by, purchasing a larger home with a yard in this particular Jacksonville neighborhood is more cost-effective than others. "Home prices start around $350,000, but the community contains multimillion-dollar properties," Fagan says. Many homes show neo-eclectic architecture that blends revival Spanish and Mediterranean influences like arch windows and columns. To the north, in the Atlantic Highlands section, many homes are platted in desirable subdivisions like Ibis Point and Marsh Sound. These developments have manicured front lawns with trees rustling with littoral gusts. You will also notice a mixture of new constructions, gated apartment complexes and manufactured homes.

To the south, in the Holiday Harbors section, you'll find brick ranches along nautically themed street names, including Treasure Cove, Shipwreck Circle and Castaway Drive. These properties benefit from larger plots of land compared to other communities in the city, ranging between a third to a full acre. Fagan mentions that homes will stay on the market an average of 21 days—shorter than the rest of the city.

Young students may spend the school day at Alimacani Elementary, which received a B+ on Niche and 4.5 out of 5 stars on GreatSchools. Students may also attend Duncan U. Fletcher Middle, which promises electives like Graphic Arts, Computer/ Business Skills and Creative Writing. Teenagers may graduate from Sandalwood High, which earned an A+ in Diversity and an overall B from Niche. Parents may also choose the faith-based private San Pablo Christian School.

It's easy to overlook Atlantic Highlands Park due to the abundance of native plant life that surrounds it. This simple green space offers a play area and picnic tables for a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the day. You can admire the marshlands at Castaway Island Preserve, where you can take advantage of the kayak launch on the southern side. Even if you don't have a boat, you can explore the Intracoastal Waterways through a short trail and a 900-foot boardwalk extending toward observation spots overlooking the landscape. These grounds are home to shorebirds, raccoons, and other wildlife.

In this region, locals have several shopping plazas brimming with businesses and restaurants within arm's reach. You can pick up groceries from Fresh Market in the retail mall Harbor Village to the north. Residents in the southern area can purchase groceries and household goods at Publix Super Market in the Intracoastal Plaza or travel two miles to big-box stores such as Walmart and Target.

The area contains a number of top dining spots, such as Tequila's Town Mexican Restaurant. You can also try out Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine, which is often voted Jacksonville's Best Thai Restaurant for its authentic flavors and warm atmosphere. Dockside Seafood Restaurant is a local favorite known for the freshly caught entrees and outdoor seating, inviting diners to enjoy the sea breeze and waterfront views.

Locals tend to embark on water adventures, often with the expansive Intracoastal Waterway and several beaches just moments away. Just across the McCormick Bridge is the public Mike McCue Park and Boat Ramp, with a floating dock and a cleaning station for anglers. This area is known for largemouth bass, trout, crab and shrimp. Recreation, leisure, dining and comfortable coastal Florida living are a few reasons many are diving into this suburban waterfront retreat.

Written By

Ashley Kennedy

Photography Contributed By

Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio

Video By

Tyler Belile