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The Islands

The Islands

Suburban Neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida

Duval County 32226
$691,623 Average Value
$396 Average Price per Sq Ft
20 Homes For Sale

An overview of The Islands

The Islands is a coastal, outdoor community on the northern border of Jacksonville, Florida. Locals enjoy a relaxed lifestyle near small islands and protected wetlands. Homes are generally more affordable than those on nearby Fernandina Beach, and buyers can find waterfront houses and secluded subdivisions. The area has a few casual restaurants, but locals must drive at least 15 minutes to reach a major highway or retail center.

Many waterfront homes in The Islands include private docks extending into nearby waterways.
Many waterfront homes in The Islands include private docks extending into nearby waterways.
Driftwood Beach on Big Talbot Island is known for its weathered shoreline scenery.
Driftwood Beach on Big Talbot Island is known for its weathered shoreline scenery.
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Outdoor living and waterfront views define The Islands

William E Ramos, an experienced broker and the owner of Integrity Key Realty LLC., says that The Islands is a very outdoorsy neighborhood. "The area is peaceful and not too crowded. There are a lot of parks, beaches and waterfront properties," Ramos says. The area is home to one of the last undisturbed marshlands and coastal hammocks along the Atlantic Ocean. The community is settled on the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, a 46,000-acre protected space that includes the 7 Creeks Recreation Area.

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve spans 46,000 acres of wetlands and waterways.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve spans 46,000 acres of wetlands and waterways.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve protects coastal habitats surrounding The Islands.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve protects coastal habitats surrounding The Islands.
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A diverse selection of homes and pricing for The Islands

Many homes are hidden behind natural shrubbery, fanned palmettos and tall pine trees. Sometimes, locals are seen riding around in golf carts. Several houses on the water come with their own private docks that stretch out into the bays. The neighborhood features well-maintained houses from the first half of the 20th century, ranch styles and more recent custom builds. Homes in Black Hammock Island are isolated and usually run on septic tanks; solar panels are also common. Shell Bay subdivision, on Little Marsh Island, has an HOA and residences from the early 2000s. There are also several empty lots and fixer-uppers throughout the community.

"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," says ANGELA REYNOLDS, a resident and Realtor with INI Realty. "The houses are more affordable here. You'll pay at least twice as much in Amelia Island across the water." Inland homes usually sell between the lower $400,000s and the mid $600,000s.

A brick-accented waterfront home reflects the custom builds found in The Islands.
A brick-accented waterfront home reflects the custom builds found in The Islands.
Colonial-style homes are found among the established residences in The Islands.
Colonial-style homes are found among the established residences in The Islands.
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The Islands has many public beaches and parks

"One of the main parks is Huguenot Memorial Park. There are lot of peaceful spots where you can canoe and fish," Ramos says. Visitors can drive on the beach, have a seaside picnic or use the primitive camping sites. Locals also enjoy the beachfront at Little Talbot Island State Park and Big Talbot Island State Park. There are public boat ramps at Jim King Park and Joe Carlucci Sisters Creek Park. Hikers and horseback riders can explore multiple miles of trails from the Black Hammock Island Trailhead and Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve. "The community has the most beautiful sunsets over Pumpkin Hill Creek with egrets, blue herons and other wildlife. People really love living here!" Reynolds says.

Little Talbot Island remains one of Florida’s few largely undeveloped barrier islands.
Little Talbot Island remains one of Florida’s few largely undeveloped barrier islands.
Jim King Park and Boat Ramp offers public access to Sisters Creek.
Jim King Park and Boat Ramp offers public access to Sisters Creek.
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Feeder patterns and public school options

The Islands is a part of the Duval County Public Schools system. Students are zoned for the top-rated New Berlin Elementary School, which feeds into Oceanway Middle School and First Coast High School. The district also offers multiple school choice options for children to attend out-of-zone schools, including magnet programs, high school acceleration pathways and a lottery process.

First Coast High School serves as the zoned high school for students in The Islands.
First Coast High School serves as the zoned high school for students in The Islands.
New Berlin Elementary School serves younger students living in The Islands area.
New Berlin Elementary School serves younger students living in The Islands area.
Oceanway Middle School is part of the Duval County feeder pattern for The Islands.
Oceanway Middle School is part of the Duval County feeder pattern for The Islands.
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Dining on Hecksher Drive and trips to shopping destinations

Most restaurants are on Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, known locally as Heckscher Drive. Palms Fish Camp and Sandollar Restaurant have outdoor seating and live music along the river. Billy Jack's BBQ serves brisket and southern-style comfort food. The Publix at Northpoint Village Shopping Center is generally a 15 to 20-minute drive away. The shopping center is on Yellow Bluff Road, where ongoing construction can cause traffic congestion. River City Marketplace is a large retail hub with national stores; depending on where you're coming from, it's typically a 15 to 30-minute drive.

Publix at Northpoint Village Shopping Center is a primary grocery option for The Islands.
Publix at Northpoint Village Shopping Center is a primary grocery option for The Islands.
Palms Fish Camp on Heckscher Drive is known for casual seafood and river views.
Palms Fish Camp on Heckscher Drive is known for casual seafood and river views.
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How locals travel around Jacksonville

Locals have limited access to highways and must travel by car. Commuters on the far end of the community drive about 15 miles to reach Interstates 95 and 295. The nearest major medical centers, UF Health North and the Jacksonville North Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, are also about 15 miles away. The St. John River Ferry, also called the Mayport Ferry, carries vehicles and pedestrians from Fort George Island to Mayport Village.

Important flooding and evacuation information

Many parts of the neighborhood are inside FEMA flood zones, which can increase insurance costs. Sawpit Road, the main entrance to Black Hammock Island, can flood during heavy rainfall. The community is located within Duval County's evacuation zone A, with an evacuation route along Heckscher Drive.

Ashley Kennedy
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
Gian Lorenzo Ferretti
Photography Contributed By
Gian Lorenzo Ferretti
Houston Knight
Video By
Houston Knight

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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Jacksonville International

32 min drive

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime The Islands US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

The Islands Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$739,000
Median Sale Price
$649,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$700,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
31
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-3%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$396

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
858
Number of Homes for Sale
20
Median Year Built
1996
Months of Supply
7.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,316
Above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,680
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
22,215

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 8
    10am - 12pm

    9022 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226

    $595,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,696 Sq Ft
    • 9022 Heckscher Dr

    A true fisherman's retreat on the St. Johns River, offering direct access to the Atlantic Ocean with no HOA and an unbeatable waterfront lifestyle. Launch straight from your private dock, watch cruise ships glide by, spot dolphins in the river, and enjoy spectacular sunrise views from the sunroom or expansive deck overlooking the water.Designed for life on the river, the home features a newly

    SAVANNAH ELAM BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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
Above the national average
$79,601
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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Nathanael Riggs
SOMEDAY HOMES REALTY, LLC.
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