The Islands
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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
Photography Contributed By
Gian Lorenzo Ferretti
Video By
Sara Warthen
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Victoria Carlisle
Victoria Carlisle
REAL ESTATE WITH VICTORIA LLC
(386) 518-7743
131 Total Sales
1 in The Islands
$185,000 Price
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Portland Swan
Portland Swan
LMH REALTY LLC
(904) 605-1634
48 Total Sales
1 in The Islands
$390,000 Price
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Donna O'Steen
Donna O'Steen
WATSON REALTY CORP
(904) 569-7631
5 Total Sales
1 in The Islands
$615,000 Price
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Brandon Nunley
Brandon Nunley
Responds QuicklyAnsley Real Estate | Christie's International Real Estate
(888) 625-3998
192 Total Sales
1 in The Islands
$1,299,999 Price
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Melissa Ricks
Melissa Ricks
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ATLANTIC PARTNERS
(904) 849-2672
669 Total Sales
1 in The Islands
$590,000 Price
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Mario Gonzalez
Mario Gonzalez
NAVY TO NAVY HOMES LLC
(904) 664-2136
65 Total Sales
1 in The Islands
$550,000 Price
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Little Talbot Islands State Parks
Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek
Amelia Island State Park
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
Big Talbot Island
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
- Bike Trails
- Boating
- Fishing
Little Talbot Island State Park
Black Hammock Island Park
Transit
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
The Islands Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in The Islands, Jacksonville sell after 8 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in The Islands, Jacksonville over the last 12 months is $247,000, down 50% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$249,000
Median Sale Price
$247,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$543,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$229,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-50%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$214
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
853
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1996
Months of Supply
8.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,311
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,680
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
22,215
Open Houses
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Average Home Value
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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
North Jacksonville
New homes and commercial development are coming to this once-rural area
Oceanway
A fast-growing enclave of suburbs and forests on the city's northside
Eagle Bend
This community has preserves waterfront properties and a handful of new homes
New Berlin
A former fishing village turned industrial corridor along the St. Johns River
Fort Caroline Shores
A community with mostly homes and a portion of the Timucuan Preserve
Gilmore-Beacon Hills
A suburb with nearby parks that is located between downtown and the Atlantic Coast
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