Nassau Village-Ratliff offers rural, spacious living near Jacksonville
Nassau Village-Ratliff is a residential community just outside the city limits of Jacksonville. Homeowners enjoy space and freedom in quiet residential settings nestled into the natural landscape of north Florida. The community is located about 5 miles south of the town of Callahan, and bordering the region’s largest city offers convenient access to its jobs and amenities. “You’re right on the Nassau County/Duval County line, so the location is super convenient to Jacksonville, but you can still go to Callahan schools, and it’s still a rural setting, so homes usually sit on more acreage,” says Melissa Jensen, an area resident who works for ERA Fernandina Beach Realty and has sold several homes in the community.
Housing options offer more acreage than subdivision living
Midcentury ranch-style and manufactured homes are the most common options among the community’s housing. Brick-built homes with driveways and attached garages are prominent among offerings built in the 2000s. Most homes are one story, but some higher-priced contemporary homes offer two stories, more living space and amenities such as pools. Several homes are set back from the community’s primary roads, but most of the housing is concentrated on smaller streets in relatively secluded settings that offer a mix of housing options. Regardless of style or type, homes offer spacious lots. “People looking in our area are usually tired of being in subdivisions and are looking for something with acreage,” Jensen says. The community has plenty of mature trees, and its residential streets are walkable, despite no sidewalks. The majority of housing is non-HOA, although some of the contemporary homes can be found in small developments with minimal monthly HOA fees. Prices typically range from about $135,000 to $600,000-plus. The community has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. Residents should expect hot, humid summers and mild winters, although temperatures can drop below freezing in this part of Florida. The community is far enough from the coast that flooding is not an issue, but wind damage can be a significant risk during hurricane season.
Well-rated Nassau County schools attract homebuyers
The community is served by the Nassau County School District, which earns an A-minus from Niche. “A lot of people move to our area because of the schools,” Jensen says. Younger students can attend Callahan Elementary and Callahan Intermediate schools, rated B and B-plus, respectively, by Niche. Older students can attend Callahan Middle and West Nassau County High schools, rated A-minus and B-plus, respectively. The high school offers a variety of scholarships. Eligible students can transfer within the district through an open enrollment program.
Pine Royale golf and entertainment complex features golf facilities
Amid Nassau County’s westward expansion, the community has been tapped as the site of the $63 million Pine Royale golf development. Pine Royale is expected to open a lighted 9-hole golf course and a full miniature golf course in the fall of 2025 on the former site of the Deerfield Lakes Golf Course. The golf facilities will mark the initial phase of a two-year plan that will ultimately result in the addition of a waterpark an RV resort. Hunters, anglers and nature lovers can take advantage of the adjacent Thomas Creek Wildlife Management Area. Thomas Creek is the largest tributary of the Nassau River. Residents can find more outdoor adventures on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, and along the Atlantic coast, about 30 miles away. Closer to home, Ewing Memorial Park in Callahan offers athletic facilities, green spaces and children’s playscapes.
River City Marketplace is a popular regional mall that serves the area
A Dollar General and a handful of service-oriented businesses along the U.S. 1/U.S. 23 corridor connect the community to Callahan and Jacksonville. Callahan offers small-town shopping and dining options, and Jacksonville provides an array of commercial choices. “You’re really close to River City Marketplace,” Jensen says. “It has all your shops and pretty much everything you need.” The regional mall, about a 20-minute drive from the community, features big box-retailers and popular chain restaurants. There’s also an Aldi’s nearby, but the Dunn Village retail center along Route 1 is much closer and is anchored by a Rowes IGA.
Easy access to Jacksonville for work commutes
“A lot of people who work in Jacksonville live in our area,” Jensen says. “It’s close to the airport, too. The Jacksonville International Airport is about 12 miles away. So is the city’s Amtrak station, which is located on U.S. 23 heading into the heart of Jacksonville. Interstate 95 and Interstate 10 converge in downtown Jacksonville, which is located along the St. Johns River about 16 miles from the community. Jacksonville Naval Air Station is about 25 miles away. There are several hospitals in Jacksonville. The military and health care are two of the region’s major employers.
Written By
Matt Pallister
