Duclay - Jacksonville, FL

As Jacksonville grew, people spread out to nearby suburbs, including Ducaly. Originally forest land, the area developed into a rural suburb. However, many forested areas still remain. In the 1960s, the urban sprawl was too much for Jacksonville, and it lost a lot of its population and money. As a result, the entire Duval County consolidated and became part of Jacksonville.

If you enjoy learning about history and science, visit the nearby Museum of Science and History. The museum brings life to science and the regional history. Explore dynamic exhibits, such as The Body Within, Florida Naturalist’s Center and Currents of Time. For art-lovers, the Museum of Contemporary Art serves as an option. Featuring contemporary art, MOCA collects works from the 1960s to the present day, and the permanent collection consists of about 1,000 pieces.

A handful of chain and local restaurants reside in the southeast portion of the neighborhood, near the intersection of Interstate 295 and Blanding Boulevard. For amazing Chinese and Japanese cuisine, head over to Sushi Wok. This charming restaurant presents customers with vibrant and artistically designed sushi in addition to delectable Chinese food, provide full separate menus for each. Try the sweet and sour pork combination plate or the jaguar sushi roll.

Discover a hidden gem tucked away in an average-looking strip mall when you visit Renna’s Pizza. The restaurant creates authentic Italian dishes and New York-style pizzas. Try the sausage, peppers and onions sandwich, homemade lasagna or grab a pizza with your favorite toppings to go.

From the outside, JL Trent’s Seafood and Grill fails to impress, but step through the doors and find a unique restaurant featuring delightful sea-themed décor on every wall. Trent’s strives to give patrons fresh seafood at a reasonable price. Make sure to try some of the Trent’s specialties, such as the homemade baked stuff flounder with krab.

When you want some good music and food in the evening, check out Cheers Park Avenue. This exciting venue has something for everyone. Get a bite to eat or get onto the dance floor, which has state-of-the-art lighting and sound. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with just getting a Jagerbomb or a fireball and listening to the live music.

Residents in Duclay rely heavily on their own cars to travel the neighborhood and reach other parts of the city. The area fails to provide any public transportation. Because most businesses occupy the outer corner of the neighborhood, walking and biking serve as poor transportation options. Plus, few biking lanes reside within the neighborhood, making it unsafe for bikers. For drivers, most local businesses maintain their own free parking for customers. The convenient locations of Interstate 295 and Blanding Boulevard make reaching other parts of the city a breeze. You have the option of taking a cab to your destination, but you must call in advance to schedule a pickup instead of hailing one on the street. For an alternative, consider using Uber.

Although no annual events or activities occur within Duclay, there's still plenty of recreational excitement to be had. For a fun and free day outdoors with your family and dog, Stinson Park lies adjacent to the Ortega River Bridge. Take your kids to play on the playground equipment, or get some exercise by walking the paved trail. Other amenities include benches, bike racks, a canoe launch, a picnic shelter and picnic tables.

Clark House and Park gives you a little history with your outdoor adventure. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Clark House and Park includes a large playground, sand volleyball, nature trails, gardens, a lake, pavilions, grills and amazing views of local fauna.

The cost of living in Duclay runs low to medium, with an average that sits 11 percent lower than the Jacksonville average and 10 percent lower than the national average. The cost of housing plays a major role in this low cost of living, with a standard one-bedroom apartment going for an average $695 a month.

Most other amenities average about the same as the rest of Jacksonville. A pint of domestic beer at a local pub costs about $3.50, or $5.00 for an import. Gas sits at about 9 percent less than the national average, which hugely benefits residents, since no public transportation exists in the area.

Most shops in the neighborhood lie to the south of the neighborhood, including many home decor and remodeling stores. The area fails to yield any high-end and high-value shops, but a few local boutiques inhabit in the area. Plato's Closet sells gently used name brand clothing. Shoppers get the hottest clothing and accessories at a fraction of the retail price. Another resale store, Once Upon a Child buys used clothing, toys and equipment that are in good condition, then sell those items to other customers. They buy only equipment and toys that meet current safety standards, providing a marvelous place to buy safe items for your child at reduced prices. When it comes to shopping for groceries, stop by Publix. Publix places an emphasis on customer service, which it feels is a primary characteristic of being a premier food retailer. Get everything you need here, with fresh prepared foods in addition to your everyday grocery needs. Publix also features online ordering for their deli department, making for a quick and easy pickup when you need something fast. You can also order a sandwich or party platter from your smartphone. An open-air flea market, The Bargain House of Fleas collects many different vendors in one location near Duclay. Purchase fresh, local produce, locally crafted products or used items. The low prices and great selection keeps customers coming back for more.