Atlantic Boulevard Estates - Jacksonville, FL

First inhabited by native peoples, then colonized by the French and subsequently taken by the Spanish, Jacksonville was eventually sold to the United States and named after General Andrew Jackson. It first became a major destination late in the 19th century when its sunny weather and picturesque beaches began to draw tourists from colder climates. The Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center celebrates the role of the surrounding waters in shaping the history of Jacksonville. Explore art and interesting exhibits reaching back to the arrival of those first French ships in the 1500s to the Naval carriers that have come to port here. Jacksonville houses a handful of other historical museums and cultural attractions, including the Jacksonville Fire Museum (near the Heritage Center) and the renowned Ritz Theatre and Museum.

Atlantic Boulevard Estates residents enjoy close proximity to a host of dining options, many of which can be found clustered on and around Atlantic Boulevard. Epik Burger on Atlantic satisfies your carnivorous cravings with a huge selection of unusual and amazing burgers. The Epik burger is a masterpiece made with pancetta, brie and a balsamic mayonnaise. The Vietnamese burger bursts with distinct flavors such as cilantro and jalapeño. This burger joint even has yummy vegan burgers and chicken sandwiches, and you can choose bison instead of beef for any burger. This little gem sits nearly hidden inside of a strip mall, so don’t miss it when you pass by.

Check out Hana Yori on Beach Boulevard for fresh sushi creations and an extensive hibachi menu. The hibachi chicken with teriyaki sauce never disappoints, and people talk about Hana Yori’s special lava fries for miles around. Share an order of the surprisingly scrumptious crab-topped French fry dish with a friend.

You can find several good night spots near Atlantic Boulevard Estates. Heading east to the beaches or west into downtown Jacksonville opens up a variety of options for a fun night with friends. About 20 minutes away in Neptune Beach, The Lemon Bar offers a beach-side oasis that attracts locals and tourists on a daily basis. Sit with your toes in the sand, enjoying the view while you sip an exotic cocktail. If you get hungry, Lemon serves plenty of tasty pub fare, such as hot wings and fried mozzarella sticks. Be aware that this popular night spot often starts to fill up even before the sun sets.

The sheer size of Jacksonville makes commuting between its districts by bike or on foot impractical. Most residents use their personal vehicles or the metro bus system to get around. While you can generally flag down a cab from the roadside in downtown Jacksonville, expect to have to call for one to pick you up in Atlantic Boulevard Estates. You can also use Uber to find and pay for local driving services. Parking in suburban Jacksonville is easy to find and free. Downtown gets a bit more crowded, so expect to pay for secure parking at most major attractions and events.

Runners and other fitness buffs living in Atlantic Boulevard Estates flock to Ed Austin Regional Park for the great running trail and open fields for playing Frisbee, soccer, softball and basketball. Local sports leagues practice and compete here, and you can usually sign up to play on a community team if you want to get in on the action. The park also features playgrounds for the kids and areas for picnicking. Bring your pooch to mingle with other dogs off-leash in the fenced dog area. Locals also patronize the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens on Millcoe Road. Take the family — and the dog — to explore the area’s natural splendor. Hike on the nature trails and interact with local wildlife as you explore wild habitats on 120 acres of woodland. There’s even a lake in the center. If you’re looking to get out of the heat and crowds, a trip to this park is the ideal excursion. Every step offers a new photo opportunity, so keep the camera handy. The arboretum and gardens are free to the public and open seven days a week.

The cost of living in Atlantic Boulevard Estates is just slightly higher than in Jacksonville as a whole, putting it barely above the U.S. average. Gas prices run about 3 percent higher than the national average. A one-bedroom rental in this neighborhood averages $727 per month. Bus and trolley fares start at about $1.50. Getting your hands on a cold beer in Atlantic Boulevard Estates and the surrounding areas sets you back about $5.

It’s easy to find familiar department stores like Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl’s around Atlantic Boulevard Estates — along with a few home-grown shopping options. Grocery stores can be found along Atlantic Boulevard and elsewhere in the area. Besides national supermarket chains such as Winn Dixie and Fresh Market, you can also find specialty markets. If you like a good farmers market, the one held in Jacksonville is Florida’s oldest. Open every day of the year near downtown, the bustling atmosphere and wonderful selection of fresh-picked produce continue to draw hordes of visitors. Take a drive to Atlantic Beach for a coastal shopping experience at AshleGryre. Find trendy clothes and upscale accessories, along with lots of gifts and trinkets. Just browsing can be an experience in itself. Even the fitting rooms provide a luxurious retreat from everyday stress. Everything here is top-shelf, and prices run the gamut, so you can find a budget-friendly gift or splurge on something sensational.

Gardeners delight in the personalized service and awesome selection at locally owned and operated Earthworks. If you want to gift someone a pretty potted plant, this is your place. If you have a big landscaping job ahead of you, find all your supplies here.