Hyde Park - Jacksonville, FL Area Guide

Established in the late 18th century, Jacksonville and its surrounding neighborhoods, including Hyde Park, were settled by British colonies. Throughout the Civil War, the area served as the hub for hogs and cattle. By 1940, the neighborhood housed a major port for the U.S. Navy. In 1960, the area began transitioning into one of the most populated cities in America.

A local favorite, the Museum of Science and History features changing exhibitions and a planetarium. The museum also hosts events, one of the most popular being Odyssey's Shipwreck. The museum is open daily except for some holidays, and admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and young adults, and $6 for children ages 3 to 12.

For a taste of authentic Southern soul food, check out the Potters House Soul Food Bistro on Lenox Avenue. Praised for its fried chicken with macaroni and cheese, Potters offers smothered pork chops and collard greens that locals say are out of this world. Set up as a traditional cafeteria-style restaurant, the decor creates a cozy vibe. Complement your meal with the stellar cornbread, and wash it down with sweet tea. With plentiful servings and low prices, this spot is considered by locals to be a neighborhood gem.

If you crave something a little on the fancy side without breaking the bank, try Pasta Market Italian Restaurant. Customers rave about the chicken Parmesan and lasagna, though the pizzas and veal francaise come in at a close second. Bottomless, homemade garlic bread accents every meal. Choose from a variety of desserts; the tiramisu, cannoli, and cheesecake come highly recommended. With an atmosphere that makes you feel as though dining in Sicily, this restaurant provides nothing short of a decadent experience.

Olio serves up the most creative sandwiches in town. Known for the duck grilled cheese, jerk-pork special, and bacon-cheese fries, the restaurant provides an experience that proves to be worth every sinful bite. Serving breakfast and lunch and open seven days a week, the restaurant makes a killer chocolate-chip bread pudding.

Though the neighborhood proves walkable, you may have to drive to your place of work. For those who prefer public transportation, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority provides superior bus and shuttle services. Transporting riders via 56 routes, the buses serve popular areas such as Arlington and surrounding beaches. Regular bus and shuttle fare runs $1.50 for adults and free for seniors. For those who ride often, Star Card passes allow you to load money onto the card for quicker payment purposes.

Though fairly easy to hail a cab in downtown Jacksonville, calling and scheduling a pickup in the Hyde Park neighborhood proves more efficient. Uber and Lyft serve as cheaper taxi options. With over 15 bike trails, the area accommodates bikers and encourages green living. The streets have biking lanes, as well.

Many establishments provide customers with free parking, although plenty of parking garages exist if needed. The Water Street Garage, located between Pearl and Broad, provides event parking for between $5 and $10. Other parking garages can be found on Hogan Street and East Adams Street. Parking meters stand along Independent Street and West Forsyth Street. Meters cost 25 cents for every 30 minutes and are free on weekends and city holidays. Major highways, such as Interstates 95, 295, and 10, all prove easily accessible for residents of Hyde Park.

Perhaps the most popular park in the area, Hanna Park on Wonderwood Drive houses a camp site, kid's splash park, and 60-acre lake. Here, visitors can canoe, kayak, and fish. With a 1.5-mile sandy stretch of beach, this park is popular for surfing. Perfect for walkers, runners, or bikers, the park has over 20 miles of trails. Featuring picnic areas and barbecue pits, the park serves as an ideal location for gatherings such as family reunions. Dogs are permitted in designated areas of the park but must be on a leash at all times. The park has seasonal hours, and admission costs $3 per person or $5 per car.

Huguenot Memorial Park houses camping and a nature center. The nature center permits visitors to explore wildlife along the beach. The center also has interactive games that help explain the plant and animal life. The entry fee costs $3 per individual and $4 per vehicle.

Every April, Jacksonville hosts Jacksonville Springing the Blues Festival. Although this event is not located directly in the Hyde Park neighborhood, residents of the neighborhood participate. Striving to bring about a sense of community, the festival features various blues bands that play throughout the day. Food and drinks can be purchased as well. Tickets are required for the event.

The cost of living in the Hyde Park neighborhood costs 2.7 percent less than the Jacksonville average and 1.9 percent less than the national average. For an individual to travel to the city center via public transportation, it costs about $1.25. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hyde Park runs about $518 per month. Gas prices run 3.2 percent higher than the national average.

Orange Park Mall houses over 50 shops, including major department stores such as Belk and Dillard's. From clothes to shoes and accessories, Orange Park Mall serves as a popular one-stop shop. Shoppers can take a break and grab a bite at a number of restaurants and kiosks, including Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Moe's Southwest Grill. On top of great sales, the mall also hosts the Kidgits Kick-off, which consists of kids dance classes, games, and crafts. Selling traditional Indian clothing with a modern twist, Sanskriti Boutique carries intricate sarees, designer and economical salwar suits, and dance costumes. A cultural gem, the boutique houses one-of-a-kind styles for reasonable prices. Ornamental and vibrant, the clothing caters to a unique taste. Another favorite, jAshley Boutique, sells stylish women's clothing and accessories. From purses and wallets to coats and dresses, the boutique has superior customer service, too.

Rowe's IGA Supermarket houses fresh meats and produce as well as basic household needs. A popular stop, the market sells quality foods at low prices. For a more authentic grocery experience, locals go to Indian Grocery Store on Baymeadows Road. The store sells authentic Indian foods and spices. Located on West Beaver Street, the Jacksonville Farmers Market serves as the area's oldest market. Selling local and fresh produce and goods, this spot provides everything locals desire.