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The Islands

The Islands

Suburban Neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida

Duval County 32226

$704,182 Average Value
$337 Average Price per Sq Ft
16 Homes For Sale

A natural backdrop in North Florida

The Islands of Jacksonville claim one of the last undisturbed marshlands and coastal hammocks along the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounding The Islands are several protected lands and brackish waterways. The community is a part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, stretching across 46,000 acres, including the 7 Creeks Recreation Area. The region has several archipelagoes, including Fort George Island, Brown Island, Pumpkin Hill and Black Hammock Island. "My husband and I fell in love with the area while searching for a home for my father, and we decided to move there ourselves. We have been living here for eight years now," says Angie Reynolds, a resident and Realtor with INI Realty. Over the years, residents have joined forces with landowners, government officials, and the Timucuan Parks Foundation to acquire and protect undeveloped lands. This collaborative effort continues to maintain the natural landscape and prevent future development.

Locals enjoy the waterways, beaches and hiking trails

"The riverfront area consists of a vast network of waterways that are popular for fishing and boating. Anglers can catch trout, redfish, seabass and shellfish nearby. Residents ship off at the southern end of the community at one of the local boat ramps, such as Jim King Park or Joe Carlucci Sisters Creek Park. There are over 30 miles of nearby trails for hiking and horseback riding at the Black Hammock Island Trailhead, Fitzpatrick Creek Trailhead, and other spaces overlooking Pumpkin Hill Creek. Locals visit Little or Big Talbot Islands to reach the beach. "The community has the most beautiful sunsets over Pumpkin Hill Creek with egrets, blue herons and other wildlife. People really love living here!" says Reynolds.

Driftwood Beach is one of the most scenic spots in the neighborhood The Islands.
Driftwood Beach is one of the most scenic spots in the neighborhood The Islands.
Residents of The Islands love riding their bikes on The Big Pine Trail.
Residents of The Islands love riding their bikes on The Big Pine Trail.
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Living in a sprawling coastal community

Many homes are hidden away from the street view with natural privacy screens of fanned palmettos and pine trees.  Several people in the community use private golf carts as an alternative mode of transportation. Most properties on the waterfront have private docks reaching into the bays. The neighborhood features well-maintained houses built during the first half of the 20th century, ranch styles and custom builds from the 21st century. Reynolds says that homes in the north, known as Black Hammock Island, are isolated, so most properties run on septic tanks and solar panels. "Near the water, lots are at least one acre or larger, and homes range from $500,000 to over $1 million. There are a lot of modular homes inland, but some are near the water," Reynolds says. "The houses are more affordable here. You'll pay at least twice as much in Amelia Island across the water." In the Pumpkin Hill section of the region, modest homes range from $300,000 to $500,000. New constructions to the south begin at $400,000, while large waterfront estates can cost over $1 million. The entire community has a potential flooding risk during storm surges and severe weather. Crystal Moyer, a Realtor with Peninsula Properties Realty Inc., says locals affectionately refer to this section of The Islands as the North Florida Keys, calling it "a beautiful, laidback island retreat."

The Islands have some of the most beautiful riverfront homes in the whole Jacksonville area.
The Islands have some of the most beautiful riverfront homes in the whole Jacksonville area.
Coastal themed homes are common in The Islands.
Coastal themed homes are common in The Islands.
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Dining on locally caught seafood

The Islands lean heavily toward seafood restaurants. The riverside spot, Palms Fish Camp offers freshly-caught entrees and outdoor seating along the water. Chowder Ted's is an unassuming diner that serves beer on tap. Old Soul Donut, planted in the middle of an industrial complex, has breakfast sandwiches and baked treats. Locals venture outside the community to reach grocery stores and supermarkets. Northpoint Village Shopping Center includes a new Publix location. More retail options are found down Yellow Bluff Road. Reynolds says the surrounding shopping center is seeing even more development, such as additional restaurants and storefronts. River City Marketplace is a popular destination for locals spending the day out shopping.

Palms Fish Camp offers shaded outdoor seating all year round.
Palms Fish Camp offers shaded outdoor seating all year round.
Chowder Ted’s is a popular dining spots for fresh seafood in The Islands.
Chowder Ted’s is a popular dining spots for fresh seafood in The Islands.
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Off the beaten path

Most locals choose to live here for seclusion, and access to major highways is limited. Residents must travel along stretches of roads to reach the city. Commuters on the far edges of The Islands can access Interstate 295 in less than 15 miles. The nearest major medical centers, UF Health North and the Jacksonville North Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, are about 15 miles away.

The UF Health North is the closest medical center to The Islands.
The UF Health North is the closest medical center to The Islands.
The bridge on the A1A connects Amelia Island to the neighborhood The Islands.
The bridge on the A1A connects Amelia Island to the neighborhood The Islands.
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Students travel to learn

The community is far off the beaten path, so students travel 10 to 15 miles to reach the nearest school. New Berlin Elementary, has a B-plus from Niche and Oceanway School, opened to middle schoolers has a C-plus. The school partners with Project Lead the Way to introduce computer science skills for industry certifications. First Coast High receives a C and allows students to earn an associate degree before graduating.

The New Berlin School is a few minutes away from The Islands.
The New Berlin School is a few minutes away from The Islands.
Oceanway Middle School is a 10 minute drive from The Islands.
Oceanway Middle School is a 10 minute drive from The Islands.
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Events in the great outdoors

For over 40 years, anglers have gathered at Sister Creek for the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, a well-loved summertime tradition in the region. The 7 Creeks Fest, a free event hosted by the 7 Creeks Partners, features live music, a scavenger hunt, guided tours and hikes throughout the preserves.

Ashley Kennedy
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
Gian Lorenzo Ferretti
Photography Contributed By
Gian Lorenzo Ferretti
Sara Warthen
Video By
Sara Warthen

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Leslie Riser, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Jacksonville International

32 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime The Islands US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$655,000
Median Single Family Price
$670,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$337
Number of Homes for Sale
16
Last 12 months Home Sales
30
Months of Supply
6.40
Median List Price
$699,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-18%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
857
Median Year Built
1996
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,308
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,680
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
24,829

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Leslie Riser, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,904
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$102,579
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$110,806

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.6%
College Graduates
25.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.4%

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®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

0 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
The Islands