Regency - Jacksonville, FL

Regency lies within the Arlington area of Jacksonville, one of the United States’ first areas visited by Europeans and home to the French Fort Caroline between 1564 and 1565. Around the 19th Century, plantations began to crop up along the St. Johns River, which were replaced by residential developments following the American Civil War. Matthews Bridge, constructed in 1953, brought further growth, slowly transforming Arlington into Jacksonville’s fastest growing area.

Art, history and culture aficionados head west for Jacksonville’s museums and galleries, including the Alexander Brest Museum and Jacksonville University art gallery, the Jacksonville Fire Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Alternatively, go northeast for the Fort Caroline National Memorial, home to a replica of the Fort, or south for the nation’s oldest continually operating professional dinner theater, Alhambra Theatre and Dining.

While Regency’s eating and drinking options consist largely of big chains such as Cracker Barrel and Ruby Tuesday, customers enjoy knowing what they’re going to get and trusting that they’ll leave satisfied. The occasional lesser-known or independently-owned restaurants do exist, though, many of which come highly rated by locals.

For a more exotic experience, try Fuji Sushi. Have your fill at the restaurant’s sushi bar, and enjoy authentic fares such as bento boxes or noodle soups. The fast, friendly service and reasonable prices sweeten the deal, ensuring locals return time and time again for their customary Asian feast..

For more evening and entertainment options, head back south, where the neighborhood treats bar hoppers. Options include O’Charleys, for American staples and a full bar and Miller’s Ale House, a relaxed pub with TVs and good drinks specials.

With Interstate 295 and State Roads 113 and 115 all intersecting the neigborhood, Regency residents easily connect to Jacksonville, south to Florida and north to the state of Georgia. Those without access to a private car simply get a ride with Uber, which operates in the city and surrounding area, or one of the taxi services nearby. As for parking, since the majority of the neighborhood’s turf lays claim to commercial and retail destinations, cars usually park on-site.

Having a high number of non-residential areas, means those who do live in the neighborhood don’t have to walk for long before coming across a restaurant or shop, and sidewalks, as well as a public transport system, help them to do so. A number of bus routes serve the area, with the biggest choice of options located around Regency Square Mall. These routes take passengers west into downtown Jacksonville as well as all other directions, allowing residents to reach surrounding neighborhoods when needed. Regency also serves bikers well, with dedicated bike lanes running through the neighborhood and directing roadies in both east and west directions.

The Regency community enjoys 120 acres of open, green space at Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. This popular attraction provides much-needed peace and quiet in the form of stunning lush scenery, urban woodland, nature trails and a stabilized walkway circling the lake. Rustic hiking trails meander through an ecological wonderland, and benches provide tranquil resting points along the way. Open seven days a week, the gardens are frequented by walkers, joggers and dog owners, who keep their furry friends on a leash. A non-profit facility, visitors need not pay admission, however an annual fee ensures discounted or free admission to events and programs, as well as the knowledge that you’re contributing towards the maintenance of a natural neighborhood gem. Events often take place here, such as nature walks, outdoor adventure kids boot camps, photo hiking and the Arbor“EAT”um Wine and Food Fest with food, drink and live music.

Next door, the more developed 9-acre Sunny Acres Park provides visitors with plenty of facilities for sports and activities, including baseball, basketball, swimming and picnicking, which are well-equipped with grills, tables and shelters. Established in 1964 and funded by a local organization, you can also make use of a playground, community center, restrooms, a drinking fountain, benches, bike racks and car parking.

The cost of living in Regency is about equal to that of the general Jacksonville average, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom residence costing $770. The price of gas sits at around 3 percent more than the national average, a bus to the city costs $1.50 and a beer at the local pub sets you back by about $5.

Regency's great shopping selection focuses on the big dogs, its land hosting abundant retail chains synonymous with American shopping. Find shops and shopping centers scattered throughout the neighborhood, providing both residents and visitors with recognizable brand names and designer labels. Mega center Regency Square Mall presents shoppers with over 100 stores specializing in clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children, from Foot Locker to Victoria's Secret. While the mall's reputation has had its highs and lows over the years over issues relating to crime and safety, a great many choices still exist and cater to those in need of retail therapy.

Also in this area, Michaels faithfully supplies locals with a range of useful arts and crafts supplies - so much so, that newbies quickly learn to keep their eyes on the specials in order not to miss out. Browsing here can turn into a lengthy experience, but helpful staff ensures you leave satisfied with your purchases.

Regency's grocery stores provide shoppers with plenty of choices, and large and spacious stores, including Walmart Supercenter and Publix Super Market Plaza, sell a full range of products.