Explore Northeast Florida’s Top 5 Beach Communities

People come to Florida from all over in search of that perfect little beach town. Some are looking for a safe, family-focused sense of community, others seek access to outdoor activities and many just want to relax. Here on the First Coast, beach-loving homebuyers have the choice between a wide variety of communities.

Explore the Top 5 Northeast Florida beach communities and what makes each of them unique.

1. Jacksonville Beach
When locals say “the beach,” they’re usually referring to Jacksonville Beach, a.k.a. Jax Beach. One of Northeast Florida’s largest coastal communities, Jax Beach offers residents with miles of white sand beaches and plenty to do—restaurants, shopping, bars, pier fishing, festivals, events, you name it—plus residential neighborhoods within walking distance.

What makes Jacksonville Beach special? Unlike many other beach communities, there is no need to hoof it ten blocks to the beach. During the summer months, just jump aboard Jax Beach’s convenient Beaches Trolley and you’ll be on the sand in no time! Pay just $1.50 and catch a ride to anywhere around the beach.

2. Neptune Beach
If Jacksonville Beach had a laid back cousin, it would be Neptune Beach. The quiet, 2.5-square-mile community is home to a little more than 7,000 residents, towering Oak canopies, lovely residential areas and great surf breaks for local surfers and kite boarders. Neptune is flanked by Jacksonville Beach to the south and Atlantic Beach to the north, and includes that neat little restaurant and shopping district at the north end of A1A (Beaches Town Center at 200 1st Street).

What makes Neptune Beach special? Unlike the other coastal communities, Neptune Beach closes its main beachside thoroughfare (1st Street) to through traffic, making for safe and relaxing bike rides and jogs for pedestrians.

3. Atlantic Beach
Tucked into the north end of Duval county’s beaches, Atlantic Beach is ideal for homeowners seeking a quiet neighborhood away from the crowds to the south. Atlantic Beach is home to about 13,000 residents, as well as parks, a golf course and plenty of peaceful, tree-lined streets. Residents love the spacious, wooded yards and well kept homes throughout the community.

What makes Atlantic Beach special? All of Atlantic Beach’s homes east of Mayport Road offer safe walking access to the beach without crossing major roads, which is great for beach goers toting kids, coolers, surfboards and beach chairs. Don’t miss Atlantic Beach’s famous Dune House located on Beach Avenue!

4. Ponte Vedra Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach is home to the PGA Tour and The Players Championship, played each May at the TPC at Sawgrass (click here for tickets to this year’s tournament!), as well as exclusive gated neighborhoods and high end resorts. Ponte Vedra Beach’s 27,000 residents tout its restaurants and shopping, quiet beaches and excellent golf as top community features. Because the town is located inside St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra Beach schools also enjoy an A+ rating by the Florida Department of Education.

What makes Ponte Vedra Beach special? Surprise! Ponte Vedra Beach isn’t just for golfers. Thanks to its location adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and Guana River Wildlife Management Area, the community is the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts, kayakers, fishermen, hikers, boaters and nature lovers.

5. St. Augustine Beach
Anyone who expects an extension of historic St. Augustine’s busy streets when visiting its neighbor St. Augustine Beach will find just the opposite. The coastal town is far more laid back. But, don’t be fooled by this sleepy hamlet; St. Augustine Beach boasts a strong sense of community, soft white sand and excellent surf. Almost 7,000 residents call St. Augustine Beach home along with great eateries (without the St. Augustine crowds).

What makes St. Augustine Beach special? If you want to live on or near the ocean, but without the million-dollar price tags found in other coastal communities, check out St. Augustine Beach. There are numerous houses and condos on the market well within the six-figure mark throughout the community.

Click here to check out homes in these and other communities all around the First Coast!