Ponte Vedra Beach

On the edges of city limits, the Northside offers a variety of residential communities for every budget and preference. Shopping, attractions, and nature preserves never come in short supply in these areas.

Just a short drive toward the coast from mainland Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach is synonymous with golf – though it offers many alluring attractions. Ponte Vedra is home to The PGA Tour and The Players Championship. Both of these highly anticipated events are hosted at the renowned golf stadium course, TPC Sawgrass, home of the famous 17th-hole island green. But don’t forget that the word "beach" is part of this destination’s name. Ponte Vedra Beach’s 40-foot sand dunes are among the highest in Florida. From their peak, they race down to white sand beaches made from Appalachian quartz and ancient coquina. Seaside resorts and private escapes, such as the famous and AAA, 5-diamond rated Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, can be found in the twisted oaks and hammocks of the wild palmettos. Miles of fresh-water streams, creeks and lagoons course through the natural area of Ponte Vedra Beach. Of course, elegant shopping and fine dining in Ponte Vedra Beach also are widely available.

Situated six miles southwest of Ponte Vedra, Palm Valley is home to luxurious residences that overlook Florida’s intercostal waterway. Nicknamed “Paradise Valley,” Palm Valley began as a Native American village. Spain captured the area in the early 1700s and eventually developed it into fertile farmland. During Prohibition, the valley thrived as a moonshine producer. The abundant water supply and deep woods were ideal for the concealment of illegal whiskey distilling. Today, Palm Valley is a quiet golf-club community that is ideal for anyone looking for a higher quality of life.

Ponte Vedra and Palm Valley are located in one of the best school districts in Florida, St. Johns County. As one of only three A-rated districts in Florida, St. Johns rank amongst the best on its low teacher turnover rates and the high test scores of its students according to Forbes. Some of the top schools include Bartram Trail High School, Creekside High, Fruit Cove Middle School, Cunningham Creek and Durbin Creek elementary schools.