Atlantic Highlands - Jacksonville, FL

Turbulent times in Europe during the 16th century brought many explorers to the shorelines of the New World. In 1562, a small group of French travelers settled close to the area of Arlington, on the south bank of St. John’s River. However, soon after in 1562, the Spanish destroyed their fort. For the next 200 years, Spaniards stayed on the land, converting natives to the Catholic faith.

When the Seven Year War ended in Europe, Spain gave control of this territory to Britain in order to keep the city of Havana. The British built plantations along the river, growing rice, indigo, cotton, and vegetables. In 1821, when Florida became an official U.S. territory, plantations became the most important economic centers in town.

Arlington’s galleries and museums provide a feast for the eyes and senses. Check out the contemporary art collection at MOCA, or tour the fine exhibits at Cummer Museum.

From elegant bistros to fish camps and everything in between, Atlantic Highland's restaurant scene harbors a fine collection of tasty cuisine.

Azurea Restaurant, the area's only outdoor eatery, features a sophisticated and breezy setting. The menu includes a collection of contemporary coastal cuisine inspired by European and Caribbean flavors. Start with the pan-seared Hudson, a house-made cinnamon brioche with apple butter and cider glaze. Move on to the ranch strip loin, a tender steak fermented with garlic and herbs. For dessert, try the roasted pumpkin semifreddo with gingersnap.

For the finest USDA prime steak in town, check out III Forks Steakhouse on Tapestry Park. This modern steakhouse sizzles with style, taste and a fully energized bar. Favorites include the 22-ounce USDA prime boneless ribeye and gigantic 32-ounce tomahawk ribeye. Order a side of the delightful lobster mac and cheese or salmon Caesar salad to accompany your steak.

An award-winning wine list complements a superb menu of locally produced food, pastas, meat and poultry at Marker 32. The staff here bakes the bread in-house and delivers it fresh to your table. Breathtaking views of downtown Jacksonville remain visible from every vantage point. Don't skip the Portuguese-style crispy octopus served over olive oil, saffron, tomatoes and Italian herbs. Sample one of the Southern classics, like the seared blue crab cakes, which come with crushed potatoes and collard greens.

Once the sun goes down, enjoy Broadway-style shows with a fine-dining experience at Alhambra, the nation's oldest operating dinner theater. Many of the performers in this establishment have worked on Broadway and participated in national and international events.

Although not a true dance club, The Dance Shack offers dance lessons for salsa, swing and ballroom styles. If you want a great place to party, downtown Jacksonville contains plenty of venues for nightlife, live music and DJ-inspired beats.

Jacksonville International Airport sits just 30 minutes from town and delivers nonstop flights to over 30 U.S. cities. Once visitors land, they can pick from a variety of rental car, shuttles and taxi services, including Uber. Plenty of parking spaces stand available within the community, most of them free.

Located at the crossroads of Interstate 95 and Interstate 10, Atlantic Highlands provides drivers with access from any direction. The Riverside Trolley, which connects Downtown to Riverside, provides access through various Arlington neighborhoods. The 2.5-mile Skyway delivers traffic-free transportation between the north and south sections of Downtown. Additionally, more than 30 public buses take passengers throughout Jacksonville and the beaches.

Pedestrians have plenty of ample streets for walking inside the village. Clearly marked bike lines line the majority of roads, which makes cycling a fun and safe option.

Hike through 46,000 acres of wetlands, hardwood forests and salt marshes at the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Other activities here include biking, hiking and wildlife-observation opportunities. Visit the nearby Fort George Island for a lesson on boating through tidal waters.

Learn about local wildlife and plants at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Educational and fun exhibits keep the kids engaged and learning. For a more active time, take the little ones to the splash ground area, which features a tree house, mazes, penguin tunnel and other interactive activities. Stop by nearby Confederate Park and bring your dog for a stroll in the adjacent dog area. Work up a sweat at Ed Austin Regional Park, which includes soccer fields, baseball fields and a community center operated by the Police Athletic League.

The cost of living in Atlantic Highland is slightly higher than the Jacksonville average, but it also offers top-of-the-line comfort and loads of recreational options. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,035 per month. A ride on one of the public buses or Skyway costs you $2 for a one-way trip. Gas prices here sit about eight percent higher than the national average, and a pint of beer in a local bar costs you about $5.

Shop, browse and dine in Atlantic Highland’s world-class shopping malls. Find fashionable deals and upscale designer brands at St. Johns Town Center. This outdoor mall includes over 150 retailers, such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, and Nordstrom. Take a shopping break in the gorgeous outside setting, which features an artificial waterfall and a Koi fishpond.

The Avenues Mall features 1.1 million square feet of shopping. This multilevel indoor mall stocks unique boutiques and major retailers like JCPenney and Dillard’s. Apricot Lane Boutique sells celebrity-inspired apparel as well as affordable jewelry, handbags and accessories. Zensation Boutique has a unique selection of oriental clothing and home furnishings.

Residents shop for groceries at the Publix on Atlantic Boulevard, a long-time supermarket chain that includes a deli, bakery and butcher shop. Budget-minded buyers prefer Rowe’s Supermarket on Beach Boulevard, which stocks ethnic foods and fresh cut meats at affordable prices. Pecan Park Farmer’s Market sells organic produce, fruits, salads and fresh sandwiches on the weekends.