Which Jacksonville Beach Town is Right for You?

Disclaimer: Please note that on this blog we do occasionally share paid affiliate links or receive a free product in exchange for our reviews. Please know that we only share things we absolutely believe in and recommend.

If you’re dreaming about life near the ocean, you’re not alone. Jacksonville, Florida and its surrounding beach towns offer an incredible mix of laid-back living, family-friendly neighborhoods, stunning beaches, and unique local charm. As a Jacksonville Realtor and interior designer, I love helping families that are relocating find the perfect community to match their lifestyle and budget.

This guide will walk you through eight of the most popular coastal towns in Northeast Florida, so you can get a feel for which one might be your future home sweet home. 💛

But first…

Not Sure Where to Start?

Take my quick quiz: Which Northeast Florida Beach Town is Right for You? Discover your best-fit neighborhood in under 2 minutes!

1. Amelia Island / Fernandina Beach

  • Budget: $500K–$2M+

  • Beach Access: 13 miles of pristine coastline

  • Vibe: Historic, charming, and relaxed

  • Activities: Boutique shopping, golf, boating, horseback riding on the beach

  • Family-Friendly: Yes! Top-rated schools and lots of local festivals

2. Atlantic Beach

  • Budget: $600K–$3M+

  • Beach Access: Steps away with walkable beach entries

  • Vibe: Trendy and surf-town cool

  • Activities: Surfing, local shops, art festivals, music

  • Family-Friendly: Definitely. Great community feel and schools

3. Jacksonville Beach

  • Budget: $400K–$2M+

  • Beach Access: Direct access to wide, sandy beaches

  • Vibe: Energetic, social, and fun

  • Activities: Beach volleyball, nightlife, concerts, skate parks

  • Family-Friendly: Yes, especially a few blocks inland

4. Ponte Vedra Beach

  • Budget: $700K–$5M+

  • Beach Access: Private and public options

  • Vibe: Upscale coastal luxury

  • Activities: Golf (home of THE PLAYERS), spa, fine dining

  • Family-Friendly: Very! Highly rated St. Johns County schools

5. Nocatee

  • Budget: $400K–$1.5M+

  • Beach Access: ~15 minutes to Ponte Vedra Beach

  • Vibe: Master-planned and family-focused

  • Activities: Splash parks, golf carts, trails, community events

  • Family-Friendly: 100%. One of the top family spots in the area

6. Vilano Beach

  • Budget: $500K–$2M+

  • Beach Access: Quiet, natural beach settings

  • Vibe: Laid-back and low-key

  • Activities: Paddleboarding, fishing, chill beach days

  • Family-Friendly: Yes. Peaceful and close to St. Augustine schools

7. St. Augustine

  • Budget: $350K–$1.5M+

  • Beach Access: Both historic and beachside living options

  • Vibe: Historic, charming, artsy

  • Activities: Ghost tours, local shops, food scene, museums

  • Family-Friendly: Yes! Educational and fun all-in-one

8. Palm Coast

  • Budget: $300K–$900K+

  • Beach Access: Long stretches of scenic coastline

  • Vibe: Quiet, natural, and affordable

  • Activities: State parks, kayaking, hiking

  • Family-Friendly: Absolutely. Space, affordability, and nature


 

Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?

Still unsure which beach town is calling your name? Head over to the quiz and let it do the matchmaking for you! Then come back here to learn more about the area that matches your lifestyle. 🏖️

Or, if you’re ready to talk about next steps, reach out directly:

Sarah Chancey

ERA Fernandina Beach Realty
Jacksonville Realtor (Amelia Island to Palm Coast)

Relocation + Investment + New Build
📞 912-590-2215
📧 info@costierorealestate.com
🌐 www.costierorealestate.com
📱 Instagram: @sarahashleyfl
📺 YouTube: @sarahashleyflorida

Share this post

Welcome!

I'M SARAH, A licensed Real Estate Agent with ERA, serving amelia island to st augustine. With a BFA in Interior Design and over a decade in marketing and project management, I have a passion for clear communication, organized processes, and FLORIDA real estate!

This blog is my place to share local insight for buyers and sellers, as well as, a creative space to share coastal entertaining, design, decor and family travel. I hope you feel inspired here.

RECENT POSTS

Which Jacksonville Beach Town is Right for You?

Amelia Island is known for its stunning beaches, charming downtown, and, of course, its incredible dining scene. Whether you’re a local or visiting for a beach getaway, there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants to explore. From fresh seafood to unique international flavors, here are some of the best restaurants in Fernandina Beach, FL, and family-friendly restaurants on Amelia Island that you won’t want to miss.

Read More »

The Best Restaurants in Fernandina Beach, FL

Amelia Island is known for its stunning beaches, charming downtown, and, of course, its incredible dining scene. Whether you’re a local or visiting for a beach getaway, there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants to explore. From fresh seafood to unique international flavors, here are some of the best restaurants in Fernandina Beach, FL, and family-friendly restaurants on Amelia Island that you won’t want to miss.

Read More »

Get the look

search the site

featured posts

post categories

Free Design Guide

Our free design guide covers everything from the very best coastal paint colors, to pre-designed furniture layouts for your space, and rug size guides.  So, you can stop overthinking your space and get back to your beach plans!

popular posts

Which Jacksonville Beach Town is Right for You?

Amelia Island is known for its stunning beaches, charming downtown, and, of course, its incredible dining scene. Whether you’re a local or visiting for a beach getaway, there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants to explore. From fresh seafood to unique international flavors, here are some of the best restaurants in Fernandina Beach, FL, and family-friendly restaurants on Amelia Island that you won’t want to miss.

Read the Post

The Best Restaurants in Fernandina Beach, FL

Amelia Island is known for its stunning beaches, charming downtown, and, of course, its incredible dining scene. Whether you’re a local or visiting for a beach getaway, there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants to explore. From fresh seafood to unique international flavors, here are some of the best restaurants in Fernandina Beach, FL, and family-friendly restaurants on Amelia Island that you won’t want to miss.

Read the Post
Scroll to Top