Discover Jacksonville 2017

HOUSING
Based on rate of population gains, the U.S. Census reported St. Johns as No. 11 on the list of the fastest growing 100 counties in the United
States. One new development in the area, Shearwater, offers homes from Florida Bungalow and Spanish Craftsman to Coastal Traditional
and Florida Farmhouse designs. (Jacqueline Persandi/Florida Times-Union)
For sale: New, historic
and affordable homes
Signs of growth
are obvious in all
directions in and
around Jacksonville.
New communities throughout
Northeast Florida draw families,
professionals and retirees. Existing
communities and historic districts
are attracting a new audience with
renovations and infill construction. It
all points to a steady comeback from the
economic downturn that slowed growth
for a few years.
Home values are on the rise with the
five-county average of $177,751, below
the state average of $194,200, but still an
increase of 3.4 percent. Median housing
costs by county from low to high are
$146,300 in Duval, $194,500 in Baker,
$199,50000 in Clay, $229,800 in Nassau,
and $273,400 in St. Johns.
Analysts often rank Jacksonville high
in job growth and housing affordability.
Based on rate of population gains, the
U.S. Census reported St. Johns as No.
11 on the list of the fastest growing 100
counties in the United States. St. Johns
County showed an increase of 4 percent
over last year, compared to a 2.1-percent
average growth rate in the five-county
area, 1.9-percent rate in Florida and a
1.9-percent rate nationwide.
With positive economic news
coming from many angles, there are no
imminent factors to prepare for beyond
the typical seasonal drop-off. Analysts
agree the area is in the midst of one
of the healthiest housing markets in
the past 15 years. In conjunction with
the improvements in the economy, an
anticipated interest rate hike is expected.
The Office of Economic and
Demographic Research estimates that
Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns
counties have nearly 598,490 housing
units, including single-family residences,
condos, apartments and manufactured
housing. Nearly 65 percent of those are in
Duval County.
Single-family housing in the area
is available in all price ranges. From
handyman fixer-uppers below $100,000
to more than $10 million, homebuyers
have choices. Homes in many upscale
communities start in the high-$100,000s
22 | 2017 DISCOVER JACKSONVILLE