Lakeside is a census-designated place about 20 miles southwest of Jacksonville, home to more than 31,000 people. It is a more established community than several other parts of Clay County, says lifelong resident and Realtor William Saunders of Keller Williams First Coast Realty. Some homes date back to the 1960s, much earlier than communities in the county that were not formed until the 2000s. “There’s a lot more neighborhoods and decent-sized lots,” he says.
Lakeside also has a sizeable population of military families because of its proximity to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, just 10 miles away.
A nice-sized yard and long-time residents are what you will find in many areas of Lakeside.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly with the skies of Jacksonville to a record crowd- at Naval Air Station Jacksonville .
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Single-family homes built between the 1970s and 1990s most common in Lakeside
The median price in Lakeside is about $396,000, on par with the national median but a little higher than the $310,000 median in nearby Jacksonville. Single-family brick homes built in the 1970s through 1990s are common. Some newer construction homes are also available. Buyers can find some townhomes in the area, with smaller ones available for as low as $140,000. Homes with waterfront access to Doctor’s Lake sell for more than $1 million. Saunders says Lakeside neighborhoods are also less likely to have homeowner’s associations and related fees and regulations.
Older areas are where you will find beautiful brick homes in Lakeside.
There are many waterfront homes with docks that reach out to Doctors Lake in Lakeside.
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An A-rated public school district and other school options
Lakeside is served by the Clay County School District, which has an A rating from Niche. St. Johns Country Day School is a popular private school in the area. St. Johns Classical Academy is a free charter school with two campuses in the area.
St. Johns River State College also has a campus in Lakeside that offers multiple associate degree programs and a handful of bachelor’s programs.
Orange Park High School is one of the high-rated high schools in Clay County.
St. Johns River State College offers various degrees, such as liberal arts and computer programming.
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Big-box retailers along Blanding Boulevard and local restaurants near the water
Many shopping centers with chain restaurants and big-box retailers sit along Blanding Boulevard, the main thoroughfare, which cuts through Lakeside diagonally. A few locally owned restaurants can be found sprinkled around town, including along the water. The Sunset Tiki Bar and Whitey’s Fish camp, both in neighboring Fleming Island, are popular with locals, Saunders says, and often have live music. Grumpy’s, a regional diner, is also a favorite.
Lakeside residents appreciate having a WalMart close by.
Grumpys is a favorite for breakfast and lunch in Lakeside.
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Sports complexes and nearby beaches
Lakeside has a few community parks, including W.E. Varnes Park, which has a playground and pickleball courts. Moody Avenue Park is a sports complex with multipurpose fields, a playground and picnic areas.
Residents who enjoy the water are just a short drive away from Atlantic Coast beaches and the St. Johns River. The Lakeshore Boat Ramp in Fleming Island is the nearest public area with a boat ramp and kayak launches.
The Thrasher Horne Center is a performing arts venue on the campus of St. Johns River State College. It hosts numerous events and shows each year.
Lakeside residents enjoy the newly rehabbed pickle pall courts at W.E Varnes Park.
The Lakeshore Boatramp and pier allow you access to Doctors Lake, which feeds into the St. Johns River just a few miles from Lakeside.
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Warm Florida weather with minimal flood risk
Lakeside enjoys year-round warm weather, like most of the state. It is considered at minor risk of flooding, with about 13% of properties in the area at risk of flooding over the next 30 years, according to the climate modeling website First Street. “For the most part, if you don’t live on the water, it’s not going to flood,” Saunders says.
Lakeside residents enjoying a waterfront lunch on Doctors Lake.
Its the beautiful weather that has people coming to Whietys Fish Camp for outdoor dining, just a few miles from Lakeside.
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More to know about Lakeside
Baptist Medical Center Clay and Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County are two hospitals that serve the area. Both have more than 100 beds.
The nearest airport is Jacksonville International, about 30 miles north.
According to data from the Florida Department of Health, Clay County's violent crime rate in 2023 was 91.7 per 100,000 residents, much lower than the state rate of about 150.7 that same year.
Ascension St. Vincents is one of the newest hospitals in Clay County and can serve the residents of Lakeside.
The police in Lakeside strive to keep the citizens safe.
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Written By
Nour Habib
Photography Contributed By
Lori Smith
Video By
Colleen Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cheri Phillips LaVigne,
an experienced agent in this area.
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