Southside
Southside Area Jacksonville and Intercoastal West, Florida
Located in the northeastern corner of Florida, you will find the city of Jacksonville. Not only is Jacksonville the most populated city in Florida, but it is the largest city in the contiguous United States. Southside is a major section of Jacksonville that is located in the southeastern portion of the city. The Intercoastal West area can be found along Southside's western coast.
History of Jacksonville
In about 1562, the first Europeans arrived in the area that is known as Jacksonville today. Two years later, Rene Laudonniere founded the first settlement near St. Johns River, which he named Fort Caroline. A Spanish force from nearby St. Augustine attacked the fort in 1565 killing nearly all of the French settlers.
The Spanish then renamed the fort San Mateo and maintained its control until the French and Indian War in 1763. It was at this time that they turned the fort over to the British. After the American Revolutionary War, Britain ceded the territory back to Spain. However, Spain turned it over to the U.S. in 1821.
Upon acquiring the land, American settlers founded a town, which they named Jacksonville after Andrew Jackson. During its early years, the town was a main supply point for cattle and hogs that were being shipped from Florida.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that the region began to be developed into resorts. The railroad brought even more growth to Jacksonville. After World War I, real estate developers started building homes in the Southside and Intercoastal West Jacksonville area. Today, Jacksonville is a thriving city that offers a vast array of businesses and attractions.
Parks and Recreation
When you become a Southside and Intercoastal West Jacksonville home buyer, you will have access to dozens of parks where you can have fun and unwind. One of the more popular parks in the area is Southside Park located on Hendricks Avenue. In this park, you will find such terrific amenities as playground equipment, picnic shelters, basketball courts, a multipurpose field and clean restrooms.
Many of the homes in the Southside and Intercoastal West Jacksonville area are near the Drew Park Soft Ball Complex. This fenced in park makes players feel like professionals with bleachers and concession stands. When there isn’t a game, families can picnic or enjoy the playground.
The Dog Wood Park makes even the furriest residents of Southside /Intercoastal West area happy. Dogs can swim and play with their owners on the 25 fenced in acres. The park is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Weekend hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm.
The 9A/Baymeadows Regional Park has a large fishing lake that encircles the entire place. Shoreline fishing can be enjoyed while other family members picnic or take advantage of the playground.
Another great park located near Southside and Intercoastal West Jacksonville real estate is Forestry Tower Park, which you can find on Beach Boulevard. This park offers such amenities as a playground, picnic tables, barbecue grills and paved walking trails. A few other parks in the area include Brackridge Park, Lovelace Park, Bee Street Park and Glynlea Park. "
Attractions and Activities
Not only are there several terrific parks near real estate in Southside and Intercoastal West Jacksonville, but there are many exciting attractions as well. If you are looking for family-oriented fun, be sure to visit the Jacksonville Zoo, Lunar Mini Golf, Atlantic Beach, and St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum. Looking for a nearby museum? Check out the Museum of Southern History or the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Southside and Intercoatsal West area home buyers will enjoy Jacksonville’s Riverside District. This historic area includes the Cummer Museum of Art, Riverside Arts Market, and Five Points shopping.
There are many attractions for area home buyers to enjoy. The Museum of Contemporary Art is a great place for area residents to enjoy a bit of art and culture.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is another great area attraction. The zoo features 73 acres of wildlife, a carousel, train ride, and butterfly hollow.
Southside and Intercoastal West Jacksonville FL homes are just minutes from a number of nature-oriented attractions as well. Some of the more popular ones include Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Crooked River State Park and Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Do you enjoy golfing? If so, you will love Marsh Landing Country Club, Hyde Park Golf Club and Windsor Parke Golf Club. Events
Homes for sale in the Southside Area and the Intercoastal West area of Jacksonville have the added benefit of being in a city that holds numerous annual events. Over 30 countries are showcased in their yearly World of Nations Celebration. Metropolitan Park turns into a multi-ethnic marketplace each spring with crafts, food, and entertainment.
Jacksonville is a city where you will find many fun celebrations, and one that takes place just minutes away from Southside and Intercoastal West Jacksonville properties is the Annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival. This event is held in May and highlights live entertainment, an art show and sale, a jazz piano competition, and a youth jazz talent showcase.
Another special event that is held near Southside and Intercoastal West Jacksonville homes is the Earth Day Festival and Ecology Fair. This event takes place in April and features such fun as live entertainment, face painting, educational booths, children's crafts, and prizes for the kids. Other events near Southside and Intercoastal West Jacksonville homes for sale include Holiday at St. James (December) and the Annual Veterans Day Parade (November).
Residents can also enjoy time with the family at the Movies! Moonlight Movies are held during the summer. Both older classics and new favorites are shown on screens. This family friendly event is free.