Deerwood - Jacksonville, FL Area Guide

The lumber business thrived in the Deerfield area prior to the Civil War. In 1880, tourism boomed when wealthy northerners made it their winter escape. In the 1890s, Richard Skinner purchased 50,000 acres in North Florida, 900 acres of which was turned into a luxurious residential community with amenities that attracted international golfers and tennis professionals.

In 2000, the first historical park in the city, the Walter Jones Historical Park, was opened. The park includes a farmhouse, barn, sawmill and nature trail along the riverfront. Explore how this area transitioned from farming, timber and citrus cultivation to modern day business by visiting the Mandarin Museum. See the wreck of the Union steamboat Maple Leaf, as well as art by local artists at the rotating gallery.

Visit the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade along the St. Johns River in November to see dozens of boats decorated with holiday lights.

Dotted with numerous cafes, grills and bakeries, Deerwood allows you to indulge in French pastries, smokehouse barbecue, Greek fare or some good old pizza.

Enjoy some complimentary fresh baked bread with olive oil and herbs while you mull over the menu at The French Pantry. Try the chicken panini and the rare roast beef with boursin. For dessert, order the wedding cake which comes with a strawberry puree. Lines can get long so come early to avoid the crowds.

For satisfying barbecue, head to 4 Rivers Smokehouse and savor the St. Louis style ribs, messy pig with coleslaw, collard greens and smoked jalapeños. Order sides such as the cheesy grits and mac and cheese, then stop by the sweet shop to choose from the ample dessert menu.

You won't be short of entertainment in Deerwood with its numerous nightclubs, dance clubs, bars and pubs. Dance the night away at the Pure Night Club with a live band. Smoke some cigars, choose from an impressive drink menu and relax at the tiki bar in the Island Girl Cigar Bar. Free wi-fi, happy hour, lots of TVs for sports fans, and live music at night makes this bar a great local hangout. Ovinte serves up delectable tapas and wine in a casual atmosphere. Amazing finger foods, desserts and live music on Sundays adds to its popularity.

Owning a car seems a necessity in this neighborhood where a vast majority of people commute to work in private vehicles, although a small percentage carpool with co-workers or neighbors. Interstates 95 and 295, easily accessible from Deerwood, link the neighborhood to Jacksonville and the neighboring state of Georgia.

Public parking lots, on-street parking and private lots make parking easy in Deerwood. Buses operated by the Jacksonville Transit Authority connect Deerwood to Jacksonville and the beaches. Taxi services include Lyft, A-Team Taxi and Ez Airport Shuttle. Uber also serves Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.

Deerwood has trails and parks where residents can enjoy biking and walking, though the absence of bike lanes and limited number of sidewalks can make it dangerous to try to commute by foot or bike.

Parks in Deerwood range from playgrounds to trails and boating docks by the St. Johns River. Some parks such as the Walter Jones Historical Park even offer a glimpse of this region's history.

A cool place to hang out with friends, Brackridge Park has a soccer field, picnic shelters and a well-maintained playground. Umbrellas over the playground equipment keep kids cool on hot summer days.

Launch a jet-ski or sailboat at Mandarin Park, or simply walk onto the dock over the St. Johns River. Children can play in a well-maintained play area and watch water fowl in the nearby lake. Scenic trails, tennis courts and covered pavilions add to the appeal of this park.

Dogwood Park provides 42 acres of fenced-in spaces for your dog to romp around. This park charges a fee of $11 to enjoy the pond for dogs to play in and seating for the owners.

Enjoy live music and entertainment at the Funk Fest next to the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville in May.

The cost of living in Deerwood runs higher than the cost of living in Jacksonville with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $1050. A bus trip from Deerwood to Jacksonville costs $1.50, and a mug of beer costs $5. Gas prices in Deerwood are 3 percent higher than the national average.

Deerwood has plenty of upscale shopping and dining options, including outdoor malls such as the St. Johns Town Center and the indoor Avenues Mall with its specialty stores.

Find team gear, Vera Bradley creations and Swarovski items at Catwalk, located on Southside Boulevard and specializing in jewelry, beads, accessories and gifts.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Town Center Parkway makes chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-covered popcorn, gelato, chocolate pizza and chocolate-covered Ritz crackers. Expect great customer service and sample some new chocolate creations in this specialty store.

Major grocery stores such as Publix and Whole Foods Market serve Deerwood. For a health food store with a hot lunch bar, fresh juices, and gluten-free and organic products, try Native Sun Natural Food Market.

The St. Johns Town Center hosts its very own farmers market every Friday afternoon. Locals can buy fruits, vegetables, jewelry, paintings and clothing. The market also has food stalls and face painting for kids.