Argyle Forest - Jacksonville, FL

After suffering economic and property damage during the Civil War, Jacksonville enjoyed a period of revitalization thanks to its location as a port city. By the late 1800s the area drew 70,000 people seeking respite from cold northern climates every year. In 1910, the city built the first paved road connecting Jacksonville to the beach, and growth spread from the downtown area into outlying areas throughout the 1920s.

In 1968, Jacksonville merged with the county of Duval to improve how services were delivered by forming a single governmental unit. This resulted in the current city of 900 square miles, the largest city in land area in the United States.

Delve deeper into the past at the Jacksonville Museum of Science and History, about 20 minutes away from Argyle Forest. Nearby, immerse yourself in the arts at the Cork Arts District, an 80,000 square foot warehouse dedicated to showcasing local artists.

Enjoy a variety of flavors from the restaurants in the southeast corner of Argyle Forest. Little Saigon Cafe provides a place to satisfy your Vietnamese cuisine cravings, with large servings of fresh pho, as well as a full vegetable plate garnished with mint and Mongolian chicken with fried rice. Wash it all down with Boba tea while enjoying views of the fish tank.

Bring your date to Carrabba's for a fine Italian meal of seafood. Try not to fill up on the complimentary fresh bread, herbed oil and salad. Start out with an appetizer of perfectly cooked crab cakes and red pepper sauce. Order off the grill, or try the wondrous fettuccine topped with fresh shrimp.

Grab a classic burger and a beer at Ted's Montana Grill, but consider making it a bison burger at this popular joint. If you prefer fish, enjoy the best in Jacksonville when you order the cedar plank salmon.

At night, dance to fun music from the '50s to the present and toss back great drinks at Fifty Seven Heaven. Nearby, catch a new movie at the nearby AMC theater.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority services the city of Jacksonville and all its surrounding suburbs and neighborhoods. The JTA serves neighborhoods including Argyle Forest with community shuttles, which work like traditional buses but use smaller vehicles and more flexible routes. A well-used shuttle runs along Argyle Forest Boulevard and connects the neighborhood library to the Argyle Shopping Center and the Orange Park Mall.

Consider registering with Uber to request a fast, safe shared taxi at anytime of day or night from any part of town. Instead of waiting to hail a cab or calling hours ahead of time, simply order and pay for taxis from the convenience of your smartphone. The nearest cab pulls up within ten minutes.

Bike safely through Argyle Forest in the designated biking lanes on Collins Road, and feel free to get out your walking shoes in the more walkable southeast corner of the neighborhood.

Those with cars enjoy convenient access to Interstate 295, which borders Argyle Forest. Downtown Jacksonville has more than 43,000 public parking spaces, including garages, metered street parking and peripheral parking. Nevertheless, expect to walk a couple of blocks to your destination after parking. Pay a quarter every half-hour for street parking during the week, and enjoy free parking on weekends and after 6 p.m.

The city of Jacksonville operates the largest system of urban parks in the country, with over 300 parks available to residents and visitors.

In Argyle Forest, swing your tennis racket at the neighborhood park, Oak Grove Park. Although some of Jacksonville's more elaborate parks require an entrance fee, enjoy Oak Grove free of charge. Round up a group to play a game of baseball on the ball diamond, or enjoy a family picnic on the open field. Feel free to make your dog's day and bring your best friend along for a romp.

Jacksonville's sunny climate serves residents with year-round opportunity for outdoor recreational activities, so be sure to keep updated on Jacksonville's changing program of events in parks all around the city. Check out local and nationally famous shows at the Jacksonville Metropolitan Park, about 20 minutes away from Argyle Forest.

Set your money worries aside in Argyle Forest, and enjoy a cost of living 19 percent lower than Jacksonville's metro average. Rent a one-bedroom residence in this neighborhood for an affordable average of $660 per month.

Pay $2 to ride express to Jacksonville's city center from Argyle Forest or $4 for a day pass on public transportation. A local beer costs you $4, while neighborhood gas prices run 4 percent lower than the national average, making driving an even better option.

The southeast corner of Argyle Forest houses a variety of staple department stores, including Bed Bath and Beyond, JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels and Best Buy located in the Argyle Village Shopping Center. About a mile south of this cluster of stores, the Orange Park Mall constitutes another handy collection of businesses including clothing stores, jewelry boutiques, athletic-ware, home goods, food venues, large department stores and a movie theater to relax and enjoy yourself in after shopping.

Nearby, browse the new and old selection at Crazy Dave's Music Outlet. Trade in your music and DVDs, find that old vinyl you've been searching for, register for music lessons or rent a cello from this funky little shop. Sift through more local consignment shops for great steals and attractive new-to-you outfits. Check out Haven Hospice Attic Resale to the south and support a worthy cause with each purchase, or head to Plato's Closet to the north.

Neighborhood grocery stores include Publix Supermarket, Kangaroo Express and Sam's Club. The outdoor Jacksonville Farmers Market also operates year-round, about 20 minutes away from Argyle Forest in downtown Jacksonville.