Get to know…Jacksonville Beaches

The water is calling your name, and you're looking for a change. Why not go where the sand and surf stretch as far as the eye can see? The Jacksonville Beaches, known simply as "The Beaches," make up a distinct section of town, separated from the greater Jacksonville area by the Intracoastal Waterway (which locals refer to as "The Ditch"). From Atlantic Beach to Ponte Vedra Beach, homes and apartments near Jax Beach abound, putting you near everything you could need to call The Beaches your home. Bonus: you get to live where everyone else vacations.

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JACKSONVILLE'S BEACHES ARE FOR EVERYONE

The Beaches have areas for every level of income, so you'll have no trouble finding apartments near Jacksonville Beach that fit your lifestyle. In a matter of blocks, you'll find beach huts turned into multi-family homes and high-rises that come complete with the perfect ocean view offering floor plans ranging from one bedroom apartments up to four bedroom apartments. Due to the growing number of people moving to The Beaches, businesses are moving into the area too. Locally owned specialty stores sit in shopping centers next to big box department stores; from cobblers to caterers, you'll find all sorts of business to ensure that you have everything you need without crossing the Intracoastal.

From sun up to sun down, there are plenty of activities for individuals, groups and families. During the summer, you can catch a late-night showing at the Beaches Amphitheater, a weekend beer festival or enjoy Dancing in the Streets, a block party featuring local cuisine and the best of local artistry. In a short walk or bike ride on your beach cruiser from your Jax Beach apartment, you can dine on delicious Tacos at TacoLu, enjoy some seafood at Safe HarborRestaurant, or indulge in a cocktail with an ocean view at Lemon Bar, all while wearing your beachwear.

DINING IN JAX BEACHES

On that note, when you live in the apartments near Jax Beach, you have access to some of the best restaurants and bars in the area. Not only can you find a killer brunch at Maple Street Biscuit Company, but The Beaches also offer some awesome seafood - it helps to be right next to the ocean. Check out Salt Life Food Shack and North Beach Fish Camp if that's what you're in the mood for.

If you're looking for a great drink, there are plenty of options too. Popular spots include Surfer The Bar, brought to you by the folks behind SURFER Magazine, as well as Monkey's Uncle Tavern and Pete's Bar. There are also several local breweries if you want a true "taste" of The Beaches.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS AT JACKSONVILLE BEACHES

For starters - the beaches! Just minutes away from your Jacksonville Beach apartment, you can go swimming, surfing and paddle boarding. The locals also enjoy riding their bikes around the beach. The Beaches are perfect for family fun and group parties, but you could also bring your crew to Adventure Landing or Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park to really show them a good time.

If you want to get out on the water without getting wet, be sure to drop a dollar at the Jacksonville Beach Pier, as well as stop to say hello to all the fishermen. For a day on the links, stop in at the fabulous Ponte Vedra Golf Course.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE JAX BEACHES

These are some things that you just can't miss! When you want to step out of your Jax Beach apartment, you should be sure to check out...

TRAFFIC AND DRIVING IN THE BEACHES

J. Turner Butler Boulevard, Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard route tourists and locals looking for beach time toward The Beaches from the greater Jacksonville area, while historic A1A winds you along The Beaches north to south.

Parking can be a big complaint for those living in or traveling to the Beaches. Unless your Jacksonville Beach apartment offers off-street parking, you'll likely be fighting for parking spaces wanted by those that don't live in the area. If you don't live and work in The Beaches, you could be looking at a long commute. During rush hour, it could take 30 minutes or more to make it to the heart of Jacksonville or the Northside, depending on which part of The Beaches you live in. You have to share the road with bicyclists too, so be alert.

It's also important to note that driving isn't allowed on the beach, so you'll want to walk or bike to the beach from your apartment.

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of RentJax.com or any of our advertising partners.