Marietta

About 15 miles from downtown Jacksonville, locals get a small taste of country living in Marietta. This westside neighborhood has southern-style barbecue, access to locally grown produce, and lush preserves brimming with salty wetlands and local history. "Marietta is a rural community that is close to the city. It is only twenty minutes from downtown, but you'll see big lots, older homes, chickens in the yard, and horses," says Ron Williams, a Realtor with Watson Realty Corp. The homes also have a rustic nod, leaning heavily toward ranch abodes.

The community has an even mix of dwellings from the second half of the 20th century to more contemporary homes built within the last ten years. Newer subdivisions include move-in ready houses with masonry facades or lapped siding. Some sections show modest manufactured homes and sturdy brick houses on spacious plots with generous setbacks. "The neighborhood retains mostly long-term homeowners, and properties don't tend to stay on the market for long," says Julie Morrow, a broker and owner of Julie Morrow Premier Realty Inc. Morrow says potential homebuyers can expect an average price range from $300,000 to $400,000. However, smaller homes around 1,000 square feet can list for under $200,000.

Young ones may spend the school day at Whitehouse Elementary. Opened in the 1920s, locals say that the elementary has a small-town schoolhouse feel. Kindergarteners through fifth graders may also attend Thomas Jefferson Elementary, which earned a "B" on Niche. The nearby middle school, Joseph Stilwell, is a military academy focusing on leadership. Some students may continue to the Edward H. White High School magnet programs. Dedicated students can earn college credits toward an associate's degree before graduation. Locals of any grade level may attend the faith-based private Old Plank Christian Academy.

When residents are ready to play, they can go to Whitehouse Park's tennis and basketball courts. During the summer, you may hear water splashing from the pool at Thomas Jefferson Park or crowds cheering at youth league games during baseball season. To stretch your legs and enjoy nature, visit the 1,200 acres of swampy wetlands at Bulls Bay Preserve. The space was made accessible to locals in 2019 and contains the only natural waterfall in the city. Wanders may stroll down the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, a 14-mile pathway along an abandoned CSX line. The trail offers a safe route for locals to explore and travel away from congested traffic. History buffs should head to Camp Milton Historic Preserve. Once the site of a Civil War encampment, the grounds contain replica structures and walking paths.

"Marietta has an interesting dynamic. You have a mix of older and newer homes and the industrial side with warehouses in the working district," says Realtor Williams. This corridor, known as Commonwealth, is one of the city's manufacturing hubs. The surrounding commercial roads bring residents to many shopping plazas and local businesses. When you're ready to restock the refrigerator, visit one of the many Rowes IGA locations within the community.

The area also contains restaurants, such as local favorite Gators BBQ, where pulled pork, brisket and fried green tomatoes are frequently ordered. Another down-home spot is Ashley's Place, a classic diner that opens early for breakfast. Sunrise Caribbean Gourmet serves Jamaican-style comfort food like flavorful stews and jerk chicken. Those looking for a nighttime hangout spot may try The Roost, a laid-back bar with dark lighting, billiard tables and darts. Although the sign outside says "Country Bar," the DJ is known to play a variety of Billboard Hot 100 songs on weekends.

When you want farm-fresh fruits and veggies on the weekend, travel to the longstanding Ramona Flea Market. The shopping place has indoor and outdoor sections lined with various crops, clothing, vintage decor, and other second-hand items. The western side of Marietta is more sparsely populated, containing naval auxiliary landing fields and a motocross race park. Some may say Marietta has an identity crisis due to its mix of suburban, rural, and industrial traits, but for residents, it's simply a cozy place to call home.

Written By

Ashley Kennedy

Photography Contributed By

Gian Lorenzo Ferretti

Video By

Kellan Beaver