Ponte Vedra Focus Blog - Gwinn Volen

Jacksonville's Beaches Guide to Hurricane Preparation

Living at the Beach? ’Tis the Season to Have Your Hurricane Season Game Plan Ready 

Living at the beach in Northeast Florida comes with incredible perks, yet hurricane season is part of the reality. The good news is, with the right preparation, you can stay safe, protect your home, and avoid the last-minute scramble. 

Hurricane Season Basics 

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The most active stretch is usually mid-August through October, when storms are more likely to form and strengthen. 

Know Your Evacuation Zone 

If you live in Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, or Atlantic Beach, you’re likely in an evacuation zone—most commonly Zone A.  Evacuation zones generally break down like this: 

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Moving to Jacksonville or Ponte Vedra: How to Find the Right School Fit

Relocating to a new city is about more than just finding a house with the right number of bedrooms; it’s about finding the right environment where your family can truly thrive. In Northeast Florida, one of the first and most important questions we hear from families is: "How do I choose the right school?"

Beyond the Rankings

While Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra have some of the highest-rated schools in the state, the "best" school isn't always about a number on a ranking site. It’s about alignment.

Every child is different, and every family has unique values. What works for one student might not be the ideal environment for another. Whether you are looking at the top-tier public options in St. Johns County or the prestigious private schools in…

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Redefining 55+ Living in Northeast Florida

by Gwinn Volen

There’s a quiet moment of clarity that happens for many of us. You realize you’re no longer looking for —more square footage to clean, more obligations to juggle, or more noise to filter out. Instead, you’re looking for better.

Better mornings. A better pace. Better conversations. A better way of living.

Along the sun-drenched coastline of Northeast Florida, stretching from the master-planned serenity of Nocatee to the prestigious shores of Ponte Vedra Beach, and through the vibrant "Beaches" of Jacksonville, Neptune and Atlantic Beach, that shift doesn't feel like a compromise. It feels like a long-awaited promotion.

A Rhythm, Not a Routine

In this corner of the Sunshine State, your days don’t need "filling." They unfold…

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Jacksonville Ranked #4 Best Market for Homebuyers in 2026

If you've been watching the national real estate headlines, you've probably seen the news: Jacksonville just landed at #4 on Zillow's list of the most buyer-friendly housing markets in the entire country for 2026.

That's not "top 10 in Florida." That's top 10 in the nation. Out of the 50 largest U.S. metros, Jacksonville beat out major markets like Miami (#8), Tampa (#9), and Pittsburgh (#10). Only Indianapolis, Atlanta, and Charlotte ranked higher.

For those of us who live and work in Northeast Florida, this isn't exactly surprising. But for buyers who are considering a move to the area - or who've been on the fence about Jacksonville - this is validation from one of the most trusted names in real estate data.

Let's break down what this…

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THE PLAYERS Championship Info and FAQ

Every March, Ponte Vedra Beach becomes center stage in the golfing realm as THE PLAYERS Championship brings golfers, fans, and media to our coastal town.  Welcoming this annual tradition is nothing new to residents of Ponte Vedra Beach, as the PGA Tour has called Ponte Vedra Beach home to this tournament since 1974.  This event brings hundreds of thousands of fans to our community annually for this world-class golf event. If you haven't purchased tickets yet, it's not too late! We've got you covered with ticket information, newer fan experiences, and some important Frequently Asked Questions, so you know before you go.

TICKETS

Stadium Pass - A Stadium Pass ticket is for general grounds access and all public areas of the Tournament.  Tuesday’s…

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What Does Waterfront Living Look Like in Ponte Vedra Beach?

By Gwinn Volen

“Waterfront living” in Ponte Vedra Beach is far different than simply “a house by the water.”  Of course, we have the ocean, which is in a class by itself.  But we also have Intracoastal living, which means access to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) - aka boating, fishing, and other water sports - all from your backyard.

Why the ICW Matters

This stretch of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Ponte Vedra offers relaxed boating, jet skiing, fishing, and deep water ocean access, enhancing both the lifestyle and long-term value of a home.  Picture a dock, a boat lift, and deep water.  

Where Is the Waterfront in Ponte Vedra Beach?

Roscoe Boulevard 

Homes and land on Roscoe and its adjacent streets are incredibly unique -…

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What Luxury Buyers in Northeast Florida Really Want

Current Trends, Real Listings, and Smart Takeaways from The Volen Group

When conversations turn to real estate in Northeast Florida, the focus often lands on prices, market shifts, and sought-after neighborhoods like Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and the Intracoastal.

But behind every purchase decision is something more personal: a vision of how life could feel in the right home.

At The Volen Group, we help buyers turn that vision into reality—strategically, seamlessly, and with zero guesswork. Here's a closer look at what today’s high-expectation buyers are actually prioritizing, plus examples of how these preferences are showing up in real listings.

What’s Trending Now in Coastal Home Design

Whether relocating, upgrading,…

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Wire Fraud in Real Estate is on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself

by Karen Tyrrell

Buying a home is no question one of the largest financial decisions individuals and families will make. Unfortunately, it has also become a prime target for cybercriminals. In recent years, wire fraud in real estate transactions has skyrocketed, leaving many homebuyers and sellers devastated.

Scammers often pose as real estate agents, title company representatives, or lenders. They send fake emails or texts with fraudulent wiring instructions, tricking buyers into sending their down payment or closing funds to a criminal's bank account. Once the money is sent, it’s often impossible to recover.

How Wire Fraud Happens

Email hacking: Criminals hack into a real estate agent’s or title company’s email account and monitor…

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Marshfront Estate with Dual Water Access in Harbour Island, Ponte Vedra Beach

Dual Water Access. Elevated Living. Iconic Setting.

112 Newport Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

For boating enthusiasts, this is more than a home—it’s a waterfront lifestyle realized. Set on a private marshfront homesite overlooking Cabbage Creek, this Harbour Island estate offers two rare privileges: a brand-new private dock behind the home (completion expected September 2025) and a coveted 60-foot slip in the Harbour Island Marina. With direct access to the Intracoastal, your coastal adventures begin right at your doorstep.

The Residence

Spanning more than 6,700 square feet, this stately home blends architectural grace with modern comfort. Soaring ceilings, custom coffered details, and rich millwork create an atmosphere of timeless elegance,…

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Jacksonville Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

By Gwinn Volen

Q1 2025 home sales in the Jacksonville area were down 7% from Q1 2024. Economic uncertainty, triggered by increasing mortgage rates and a volatile stock market, is suppressing buyer demand.

Housing and financial experts are starting to release their projections for the balance of the year.

Mortgage Rates Expected to Dip Slightly

While a major drop isn’t expected, forecasters call for a slight drop in rates in the months ahead as the economic outlook becomes more certain. Should rates drop, more buyers would likely enter the market.

Currently, 30-year mortgage rates are averaging 7% nationally. The chart below shows where 5 major real estate players predict mortgage rates will be by year-end 2025. Even a small decline would be…

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