Jacksonville North Estates - Jacksonville, FL

The city of Jacksonville's history is long and diverse. The city was named for its first provisional governor, Andrew Jackson, and was originally inhabited by the Timucuan Indians. European settlers came in the early 1500s and established infrastructure for trading the valuable North Florida resources. Florida became a possession of the United States around 1820. Originally, the land was used for plantation farms but quickly developed into other industries as use of the St. John's River brought opportunities to the area.

The Museum of Contemporary Art lies in downtown Jacksonville, along with the Museum of Science and History. The city hosts several annual events, such as The Player's Championship golf tournament in Ponte Vedre, the St. Patrick's Day festival and the Southeast Boat Show.

An extensive list of dining options awaits eager restaurant goers near Jacksonville North Estates. From national chains ,such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Pollo Tropical, to smaller local eateries, the options in the area delight all palettes.

Located within the River City Marketplace, Green Papaya Pan Asian Cuisine combines several Asian cooking styles to create dishes that intrigue your taste buds. Fans of spice enjoy the Thai chili tamarind seafood, a mixture of fresh shrimp, scallops, calamari and mussels tossed in the chef's special seafood sauce. For dessert, order the fried cheesecake with a crisp exterior that gives way to warm, creamy cheesecake.

Millhouse Steakhouse offers large portions and perfectly seared steaks. For starters, try the jumbo stuffed mushrooms that are flash-fried and seasoned with cream cheese. The bone-in ribeye makes mouths water with perfectly marbled cowboy cuts seared to lock in the juices.

At night, residents head to nearby River City Marketplace. Movie theaters, restaurants and bars line the outdoor retail plazas. Boston's Restaurant and Sports Bar and Fast Freddie's Bar and Grill give sports enthusiasts somewhere to catch the game and enjoy the atmosphere. When you want to hit the dance floor, head south to downtown Jacksonville near the St. John's River, where clubs such as Sidecar and BB's Restaurant & Bar bring in young party goers.

Jacksonville North Estates maintains several public transportation options for residents and visitors. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority provides bus service in the area. Taxi cabs and Uber are available in all parts of Jacksonville, with fares costing around $30 to reach downtown Jacksonville. Public parking can be found at retail and dining locations and along the residential streets at no charge.

Many of the roadways see heavy commercial and personal vehicle traffic, making biking and jogging difficult in specific areas, but in residential areas south of Airport Road, the streets see less traffic and allow for more outdoor activity along the roadways. The close proximity and ease of access to Interstate 295 and Interstate 95 make the area ideal for commuters.

Exercise and outdoor enthusiasts must travel beyond the limits of Jacksonville North Estates to reach public parks. To the south lies Ray Greene Park, and to the east sits William F. Sheffield Regional Park.

Free entry and numerous recreational activities make both parks worthy of a visit. Ray Greene Park includes several athletic fields, tennis courts and a picnic area. The park closes for youth BMX practice and races on Tuesday and Friday evenings.

William F. Sheffield Regional Park contains walking and hiking paths, small boat and fishing activities, a skate park, picnic pavilions and athletic fields.

Leashed animals can visit both parks, but no specified play areas exist for your four-legged friends. Annually, the parks host youth sporting competitions, and Ray Greene Park holds several biking competitions for youngsters in the area.

The cost of living in Jacksonville North Estates runs around 3 percent less than the Jacksonville city average. Public buses grant you access to downtown Jacksonville for $1.50 one way, and cab or Uber service to downtown costs around $30. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs $918.

A pint of beer sets you back $3 at local bars, with many offering daily and nightly specials. Gas prices in the area run about 1 percent higher the national average.

Residents of Jacksonville North Estates benefit from numerous retail outlets and clothing boutiques in close proximity. River City Marketplace is the premier shopping mall in the area. This outdoor retail plaza houses Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Gander Mountain and Lowe's Home Improvement store.

Shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind fashions make the short trip south to visit Sally Ann Handmade Fashion. The shop custom tailors clothing specifically to the individual's measurements, which makes for the perfect fit. Complement the outfits you buy from this boutique with personalized accessories, such as handbags.

Several major grocery chains service the area, including Publix, Winn Dixie, Walmart and The Fresh Market to the south. The Jacksonville Farmers Market, located near downtown Jacksonville, hosts local growers who sell fresh fruit and vegetables, along with homemade goods.