Riverside/Avondale

Originally settled by some of Jacksonville’s wealthiest citizens, Riverside/Avondale is notable for its spacious Southern Mansions. From 1895 to 1929, architects and builders sought to outdo one another with impressive Colonial Revival, Georgian, Queen Anne and Tudor homes built along the St. Johns River. There are even some Frank Lloyd Wright inspired homes in the mix. The area was designated as a historic district in the late 1990s and close watch is kept on all new developments and renovations to preserve the historic character of the neighborhood.

Today, luxurious new condominium and town home projects are being built along the river in this community just south of downtown Jacksonville. In addition, architects and homeowners are restoring some of the region's most beautiful old houses to their former glory. Although there's no land available for significant new single-family home development, there are a handful of boutique multifamily projects which have recently been completed or are under construction.

With the opening of the $8 million Riverside Market Square retail center in 2002, Riverside/Avondale residents can now walk to a Publix Supermarket as well as to a great variety of restaurants and shops. The nearby Five Points retail district is comprised of funky boutiques, hip nightspots and an old fashioned newsstand offering newspapers and magazines from around the globe.

Other neighborhood retail areas include St. Johns Avenue in Avondale, the intersection of Park and King streets in Riverside and the intersection of Edgewood Avenue and Post Street in Murray Hill. Riverside/Avondale is also home to several public parks, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and St. Vincent's Medical Center.

Riverside and Avondale
This community is bordered to the west by Highway 17 and the river to the east, between Interstate 10 to the north and theOrtega River to the south. These are well-established, historic neighborhoods on the west bank of the St. Johns River. There are five public schools located within walking distance of both neighborhoods. Riverside has become an attractive spot for young professionals who want a short commute to work. Homes include modest duplexes to elegantly restored historic residences and waterfront estates. Avondale is a traditional neighborhood with small boutique-type shopping, quaint streets and small-town charm. There are over a dozen parks with tennis courts, softball fields, and paths for jogging, walking or biking. Its close proximity to downtown makes it a great location for short commutes.

Ortega
Bordered on the east by the St. Johns River, to the north and west by the Ortega River and south of Riverside, this community is a peninsula on the river. Convenient private schools, area churches, and small parks along the river contribute to Ortega's charm. The Florida Yacht Club and Timuquana Country Club offer private social and recreational opportunities. Worth Magazine ranked Ortega 46th among the nation's top 50 wealthiest neighborhoods. The area offers just about any style of architecture and homes range in size from average sites to stately, sprawling estates. The 1920s Ortega River Bridge is one of the oldest functioning drawbridges.

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Riverside and Avondale Demographics and Community Information