Up and coming residential community on Jacksonville's northside
Bordered by conservation spaces and marshlands, Forest Trails is a largely undeveloped community in north Jacksonville experiencing significant growth. The neighborhood is home to pockets of suburban streets and stand alone homes surrounded by nature preserves and the Trout River, to the south. "Before, it was pretty sparse, but now the neighborhoods are developed more for the community," says Kyle Ford, local Realtor at Hometown Realty of Duval with over six years of experience in the Jacksonville area. The community is mostly quiet, with the exception of planes arriving and departing overhead from the Jacksonville International Airport, about five miles away.
Newly developed community in the Forest Trails neighborhood.
A row of single family homes in Forest Hills.
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New subdivisions full of New Traditional styles
The majority of homes are situated in the southern half of the neighborhood and owned by residents. The community is experiencing significant growth, and some of the newest homes are in the Dunns Creek and Westport Landing subdivisions. "It's very up and coming," Ford says. "Some builders are even offering discounted interest rates." Although many developments have sprung up in the last few years, locals can still live a more rural lifestyle. Outside the subdivisions are spaced-out properties and undeveloped lots to build a home from the ground up. Midcentury subdivisions, such as Forest View Estates, contain ranch styles that often list between $200,000 and $400,000. New Traditional styles range in price from $300,000 for homes from the 1990s to $500,000 for new construction. The Trout River and its tributaries flow throughout the community, and residences along the water have a moderate risk for flooding.
Cul-de-sac of newer homes in the Forest Trails neighborhood.
Ranch-style home in Forest Trails with a covered front porch.
Bright blue home within the Forest Trails neighborhood.
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Hiking trails through local wildlife preserves
To the south of Forest Trails, the Dinsmore Boat Ramp along Trout River awaits. Here, residents can fish from shore or the dock. Locals say the ramp is most suitable for launching smaller boats during high tide. Tucked away behind Interstate 295 is Bethesda Park, a nearby greenspace for fishing and kayaking on the lake. Those looking to enjoy Jacksonville's natural landscapes can visit the Thomas Creek Wildlife Management Area, a conservation park full of unpaved hiking trails through tall forests and floodplain swamps.
Trout River offers scenic views for Forest Trails residents.
One of the trails at the Thomas Creek Conservation in Forest Trails.
Bethesda Parks trails are nice for some after work excercise.
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Learning in Jacksonville's northside
The neighborhood is zoned for several elementary schools. Dinsmore Elementary receives a B grade from Niche and offers a science magnet program. Students may also attend Biscayne Elementary or Garden City Elementary, earning B-minus grades. Highlands Middle, rated a C-minus, provides an Aviation and Military Sciences Program. These students can move on to the Aviation and Criminal Justice Academies at Jean Ribault High, which has a C-minus. High schoolers can earn industry certifications and college credits toward a future degree. The high school was recently demolished to make room for a new, state-of-the art facility. High school students will attend classes inside Jean Ribault Middle until construction is complete. Florida State College at Jacksonville North Campus is just beyond the neighborhood.
The Dinsmore Elementary School is a top-rated school in Jacksonville.
The entrance of the Jean Rebault High School, minutes away from Forest Trails.
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Field days and fish fry nights at Congaree and Penn
Congaree and Penn, a local farm just outside Forest Trails, hosts periodic events like Friday Night Fish Fry, Canine Field Days, and Chef's Tastings. These events bring locals together to enjoy the scenic vineyards and grassy plains. The annual Luminaria is an opportunity to enjoy s'mores and live music as paper lamps illuminate the whole farm for the holiday season.
A tractor parked in one of the Green Legacy Farms fields in Dinsmore.
The vineyard of the Congaree and Penn farm produces wine for the on-site restaurant.
There are many farms close to Forest Trails.
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Highway access 13 miles from Downtown Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority's 81 Bus Line runs along Dunn Avenue, but most residents opt to drive. Locals can take Florida State Road 23 into Downtown Jacksonville, about 15 miles away. "The Northside has seen a lot of growth since I was a kid. But it still has an out-of-the-way feel from the rest of Jacksonville. I-295 is right there, so you can get just about anywhere because it circles the middle of the city," says Trinity Lewis, a previous Forest Trails resident. Nearby hospitals include UF Health Emergency and Urgent Care Center and Baptist North Medical Campus.
The Forest Trails neighborhood is surrounded by lush greenery.
The Thomas Creek Conservation Area seen from above.
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Small local eateries on Dunn Avenue
Residents head to the small retail space, Dunns Village, to grocery shop at Rowe's IGA supermarket and order takeout at the local Hot Wok. Celestia's Coastal Cuisine has comfort food staples like shrimp and grits, snow crab legs and karaoke on Fridays. But those looking to cook their own shellfish can order freshly caught shrimp and crawfish at Jenny Lynn Seafood Co. Shoppers can also explore other major retail options by traveling further along Dunns Avenue or heading about 10 miles away to the regional shopping center, River City Marketplace.
Residents in Forest Trails enjoy eating at Celestia's Coastal Cuisine.
It is Karaoke nite at Celestias Coastal Cuisine, and people enjoy the food and music.
You can get all of your staples at Rowes IGA.
Another happy customer at Arble Bakery, were the cookies are made from scratch.
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
Melissa Ricks,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bethesda Park
Garden City Park
Machaba Balu Preserve
Trails
Nature Center
Botanical Gardens
Dinsmore Playground
Dinsmore Sports Association
Dinsmore Boat Ramp
Transit
Airport
Jacksonville International
17 min drive
Bus
Dunn Ave. & New Kings Rd. (Onsite)
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.05 Reviews
4.0Niche User
6/1/2016Niche Review
Everyone watches out for each other. Like say i forget to close the garage door they will call and let me know so i can close it. Or say they hear a gunshot they will call to make sure we are alright.
Are you familiar with the Forest Trails neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Forest Trails
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Forest Trails Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Forest Trails, Jacksonville sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Forest Trails, Jacksonville over the last 12 months is $334,490, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Ricks,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
7,532
Median Age
39
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
26.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$85,290
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$93,587
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94%
College Graduates
19.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
54''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°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.
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.
