A historic riverfront community south of downtown Jacksonville
Established on a peninsula bounded by the Ortega and St. John Rivers, Jackonsville’s Ortega neighborhood goes back to the start of the 20th century, when a local developer backed by Gilded Age financier J.P. Morgan transformed an antebellum plantation into a luxurious garden-like community.
More than a century later, the area remains a haven for yacht owners and people seeking historic homes framed by well-manicured shrubs and towering oaks draped in Spanish moss. “Some of these homes on the riverfront, I call them estate-sized lots,” says Casey Clearman, a local real estate agent with Century 21 Light House Realty. “There’s some exceptions but most of them are north of 2,000 square feet.”
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, the Old Ortega Historic District east of Route 17 features nearly 600 legacy properties from the early to mid-1900s. While this section of the peninsula community includes million-dollar mansions and views of the Jacksonville skyline across the St. John River, the Ortega area has expanded south past the Jacksonville Naval Air Station and to the other side of the Ortega River, where homes in less expensive condo developments and single-family subdivisions are also for sale.
Ortega residents enjoy the close proximity to downtown Jacksonville.
The homes near the water in Ortega, FL usually have docks for boat use.
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Fabulous revivals and traditional homes average $400,000
A mix of Mediterranean Revival, Tudor Revival, Spanish Mission and Craftsman Bungalow homes on the peninsula give the area its charming historic character. Designed in the early stages of the Progressive Era’s City Beautiful Movement, the neighborhood is also heavily wooded, creating a widespread tree canopy that shades the neighborhood’s quiet streets. Home prices here can vary widely, ranging from $235,000 for a 1,150-square-foot minimalist concrete bungalow that’s been partially renovated to $1.5 million for a ranch-style villa sporting custom-made arched windows, a large front porch, true hardwood floors, private dock access and a primary suite with windows looking out to the water. In the other sections of Oretga, near the naval base and around Ortega Farms on the mainland, small townhouse condos and single-family homes sell for as low as $100,000. Overall, the average home value throughout the entire Ortega community is around $400,000.
Ortega homes are surrounded by grand oak trees with Spanish moss.
Find the perfect classic condominium for your family in Ortega.
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Florida Yacht Club and Timuquana Country Club foster community spirit
In the Ortega Historic District, circular tree-filled parks named for Christopher Columbus and other seafaring explorers are another hallmark of the neighborhood’s nature-oriented design. At Stockton Park, folks can watch the sunrise over the St. Johns River while anglers gather by the waterfront park’s pavilion waiting for the fish to mistake their bait for breakfast. Clearman says many folks in the Ortega area join the Florida Yacht Club and the Timuquana Country Club to mingle with friends on the water or the country club’s emerald green fairways. With both clubs in the community for over a century, memberships help create lifelong bonds and attachments. “Plenty of gen-Xers and millennials have been buying in Ortega because there’s a sense of community there,” Clearman says. “A lot of long time residents stay in the area. Their families grow there, and the next generation likes to stay there too.”
Ortega residents can enjoy the Florida Yacht Club which has been around for more than 100 years.
After a long day visit the Florida Yacht Club and enjoy a cold pint.
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High-ranking elementary schools in the Duval County school district
Ortega is also home to the public Ortega Elementary School, which partners with area museums to provide hands-on learning experiences. Niche gives the school a B. The area also includes John Stockton Elementary, rated A- on Niche. The elementary is a prominent magnet school specializing in math, science, and technology. At Westside Middle School, enrolled students can earn high school and college credits through the pre-early college program. Westside High School's athletic department has made several championship placements and boasts a sports medicine program for student-athletes. Niche gives the middle school a C-minus and the high school a C. Before graduation, learners can also begin an Associate of Arts degree at the Florida State College of Jacksonville.
Ortega Elementary School is a B rated school according to Niche.
Westside High School is a C rated school according to Niche.
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Old-school retail experiences at Ortega Village Shopping Center
Anchoring the small Ortega Village Shopping Center in the historic district, Carter’s Pharmacy maintains a strong tie to the neighborhood’s past with black-and-white checkered tile floors and an old-school lunch counter. While the neighborhood retail center includes a florist, a jewelry store, a nail salon and a boutique home goods store, folks can drive up Route 17 or cross the historic Ortega Bridge to shop at Publix. Located in the Roosevelt Square shopping mall, the Publix is also next to a Metro Diner, a beloved local restaurant chain that’s well known for its breakfast and lunch menu. With the neighborhood stretching farther south to the naval base and west along Timuquana Road, residents are also close to shopping centers with major national retailers and regional supermarket chains, including Target, Walmart and Winn-Dixie. Clearman, the local agent, says residents of Ortega also benefit from being close to Avondale, another historic riverside community that’s renowned for the myriad restaurants and boutiques along the St. John’s Avenue corridor.
Carter's Pharmacy offers Ortega residents friendly service and a deli to grab a quick lunch.
Gardner's Florist takes pride in their work making it an Ortega favorite.
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Less than 10 miles from downtown Jacksonville
Throughout the community’s main roads, folks can ride Jacksonville Transportation Authority buses to get around the metro area. Motorists are also a short drive from downtown about 8 miles away, as Route 17 leads to Interstates 10 and 95 on the edge of the city center.
The iconic Ortega bridge provides quick access to residents for their daily commutes.
The homes near the water in Ortega, FL usually have docks for boat use.
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
Lynn Braddy,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Wesconnett Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Picnic Area
Tillie K Fowler Regional Park
Stockton Park
Fishing
Picnic Area
Parking Lot
Cortez Park
Trails
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
Timuquana Park
Ortega Hills Playground
Ortega Hills Park
Transit
Airport
Jacksonville International
38 min drive
Bus
Roosevelt Blvd. & Longfellow St.
Bus
4541 Timuquana Rd.
Bus
Timuquana Rd. & Catoma St. Fs Wb
Bus
Timuquana Rd. & Stark Rd.
Bus
Roosevelt Blvd. & Long Bow Ln.
Bus
Roosevelt Blvd. & Ortega Forest Dr.
Bus
5170 Timuquana Rd.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Ortega
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Ortega, Jacksonville sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Ortega, Jacksonville over the last 12 months is $373,278, up 9% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled among the spectacular oak trees of Ortega, this beautifully updated home has a large living room and family room with a fireplace. House lives larger than its square footage with an open floor plan. The Family room opens up to the amazing deck and backyard, which is great for entertaining, sipping coffee and enjoying the gorgeous setting. There is a 2 car garage and the driveway is gated
Welcome to this charming two-story home located in the desirable Ortega Place neighborhood! Perfectly situated just minutes from NAS JAX and Argyle Forest, with easy access to downtown Jacksonville, shopping, and dining, this home offers both convenience and comfort.Step inside to an inviting open floor plan featuring a spacious eat-in kitchen with a center island with seating, perfect
Welcome to West Ortega Landing! We are bringing our popular and affordable 1-car garage townhomes to this rapidly expanding West Jacksonville location. Homeowners will enjoy the short commute to any part of the greater Jacksonville area, including Riverside, local shopping and dining in Avondale and downtown Jacksonville. This is an ideal location for first time homebuyers or military families
This cute 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers solid block construction and is nestled in a quiet, mature neighborhood. Perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors! Property is being sold ''AS IS''. Note : 4 point items will need updating.
Looking for a house that's DONE? Then look no further than 4765 Queen Ln. High-end investments of time, effort and money are complete, making this home beautiful and efficient. The huge kitchen will astound with granite counters, seamless island, and so many cabinets then effortlessly opens to the living and dining areas and on to the back den. 2 new sliding door sets overlook the saltwater pool
Nestled in the midst of the popular Ortega Forest subdivision, this very cute home is prime for buyers who want to remodel/update. It is an estate and it does need some work, reflected in the asking price. However, it is very livable and has plenty of living space. Much larger than it looks from the street, this home has solid wood floors throughout, newer windows and plantation shutters in the
At Exchange at Orange Park, we offer resort style living at affordable prices. Our new apartment rentals in Jacksonville, FL offer access to a resort style salt water pool, private garages, state of the art fitness center and wellness studio, dog park, clubhouse and lounge, and much more. Restaurants, retail, and recreational activities are right on your doorstep, providing you with access to
Tenant Occupied until May 1st. Refrigerator, Electric Range, Washer and Dryer present in unit. Office Space for possible 4th bedroom. Private Landlord. Centrally located in Jacksonville, off I295, close to NAS JAX base, 15 minutes to downtown and nearby amenities such as hospitals, shopping and restaurants and less than 30 minutes to the beaches. This beautiful 3 bed 2.5 bath won't last long!
Welcome to your luxurious new lifestyle where living is a breeze. Relax in Jacksonville or enjoy a walk through our community with mature landscaping. Simple pleasures are often life’s greatest rewards and you will find them at Vintage Grove Apartments. Clean, quiet, comfortable community. Nestled in the heart of Jacksonville, Vintage Grove Apartments gives you the comfort you need when you come
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lynn Braddy,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
26,268
Median Age
38
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,905
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$81,314
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.9%
College Graduates
28.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10%
% Population in Labor Force
68.8%
On par with 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®
28/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
8/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
9/ 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.
