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.

Downtown Jacksonville Florida

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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If you've lived here a while, you've probably noticed the orange tape and wooden stakes popping up on our beaches. That means sea turtle season is officially underway!

Sea turtle hatchling headed to the ocean

From now through October, our beaches transform into a nursery for loggerheads, greens, and the occasional leatherback. These massive turtles haul themselves onto the same beaches where they were born decades ago, dig nests under the cover of darkness, and head back to the ocean before sunrise. About two months later, baby turtles the size of your palm emerge and make a run for the water.

It's honestly one of the coolest things about living at the coast. And there are a few simple things we can all do to help these nests succeed. 

The Basics

Female sea turtles come ashore at…

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by Jennifer Heller

Just about 20 minutes north of the city, the tall buildings of downtown Jacksonville give way to the A1A Ocean Islands Trail. This is where you’ll find the Talbot Islands. While most of Florida’s coastline has been built up with condos and hotels, Little and Big Talbot have remained almost entirely untouched. They are sister islands, but they couldn’t be more different.

Boneyard Beach

Little vs Big:  Which One Should You Visit?

Think of Little Talbot as your classic, sprawling beach off the Atlantic. It’s got five miles of wide, white sand perfect for those long walks or a day of surfing and sun. If you want to camp, use a real restroom (always my preference), or let the kids run wild in the waves, this is sure to be your spot.

Big…

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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.

THE PLAYERS Championship golf course and clubhouse view in distance

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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by Jennifer Heller

 

Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach is entering a new era of growth and refinement with a $55 million Capital Improvements Plan designed to elevate every aspect of the member experience. Recently approved by the club’s membership, this initiative marks one of the most significant upgrades in Sawgrass’s five-decade history — blending tradition, luxury, and innovation to ensure the club remains one of Northeast Florida’s premier clubs.

The comprehensive enhancement plan includes a full renovation of the club’s 27-hole championship golf course, a 7,347-square-foot expansion of the fitness center, and a modernization of the Beach Club Pavilion and dining spaces. The Tennis Pavilion will also receive major updates,…

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At the Parisi Speed School inside the PVB Performance Center, kids aren’t just learning how to run faster—they’re learning how to believe in themselves. This nationally known program has trained more than a million athletes, but here in Ponte Vedra Beach, it feels like family.

Take it from local parents Brittany and Billy Horschel, whose 8-year-old daughter Colbie has been training as part of Girl Power NFL Flag Football for almost a year: “She gets incredible coaching on nutrition, strength, speed, and even flag football technique. But honestly, the best thing she’s gained is self-confidence.”

PVB Performance Center

A Community Built on Performance and Character

Parisi is open to kids from about age 7 through high school, with programs tailored to match where they…

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By Graci Flaherty

Just when you think you have a place all figured out, it finds a way to surprise you.

Ponte Vedra’s most historically significant neighbor, St. Augustine brings to mind less sneakers and races, and more museums and forts. But look close enough and you’ll find a thriving running community, from the Flagler Cross Country team to the Ancient City Road Runners. Growing up in St. Johns County, I thought I knew the area like the back of my hand, but after spending the past 2 years falling in love with running, I can attest to the fact that St. Augustine feels entirely different when you experience it on foot So, download Strava, grab your Garmin watch, and start chasing pavements!

ROUTES

From Bridge to Bridge and Back (6.5 miles)

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by Gwinn Volen

Is it cut-through traffic that clogs Palm Valley Road? Has construction in Nocatee and St Johns County caused increased commuter congestion on A1A?

The Citizens Traffic Task Force in Ponte Vedra/Palm Valley commissioned a study to understand where traffic originates for some of our more congested roads. Since I moved here in 2006, traffic has definitely picked up, and yet, having lived in large cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, and DC, the traffic still feels pretty minimal to me, albeit sometimes annoying.

A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida


Using Streetlight data, which pulls from cellular carriers, car movement and where the car came from can be tracked.  Here's a link to the report, and here are the key findings on where the traffic comes…

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by Jenn Heller


Having a late November birthday always felt like I got cheated when I was growing up. Without fail, my “special day” ended up doubling as a joint celebration with either my cousin or my dad for their birthdays.  On top of that, it also falls on Thanksgiving every couple of years.  It was like a two-for-one deal I didn’t sign up for. Yes, I know—what a selfish brat. Feel free to roll your eyes; I’ve come to terms with it.

Jenn and Dad celebrating birthday me and Dad celebrating our birthdays in 1990.
Don't I look thrilled?

This year, though? My birthday, my rules. I declared it a "me" day, and my better half (bless his soul) was game for the ride. He survived a marathon of not one but TWO local artisan shops (Atlantic Beach Art Market and Seaside Shoppes), dinner…

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by Jenn Heller

Did you know that approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters annually?  As a passionate pet lover, that statistic truly breaks my heart.

Animal Care & Protective Services in Jacksonville, Florida

In addition to the animals in shelters, there are also thousands upon thousands of pets being fostered at any given time while awaiting their forever homes. Fostering plays a crucial role in the adoption process, with an estimated 3.2 million shelter animals finding new homes each year thanks to the dedication of foster families. 

In the Jacksonville area, there are several animal rescue organizations that I admire and support on a regular basis. One such organization is Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) where we adopted our sweet boy Joker, formerly known…

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