9 Reasons to Live in Atlantic Beach FL

9 Reasons to Live in Atlantic Beach, FL

If you are looking for a seaside community in Florida with a small town ambiance and an abundance of amenities and attractions, consider Atlantic Beach. Atlantic Beach is one of the best places at the Beach in the Jacksonville Florida metro area. With a population of just 13,404 you get get a dense "old beach" surburban feel of cross streets and very few planned neighborhoods and condos.

You will find Atlantic Beach directly east of Jacksonville and just north of Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach. In fact, Atlantic Beach is the most northern beach of the Jacksonville metro area. You can't go any further because you will run into the mouth of the St. Johns River flowing out to the ocean.

Here are a few reasons to shop for Atlantic Beach real estate and call this North Florida,Duval County city your new home.

1. Beautiful beaches with easy access

Naturally, when you are moving to a community called “Atlantic Beach,” you want to be close to the Atlantic Ocean. This sun-soaked city does not disappoint. Living in Atlantic Beach, you will be able to enjoy the sand and surf at beaches through the public beach access points up and down the oceanfront. (However, there are less beach access points then in Neptune Beach and Jax Beach.)

What is more, you will discover that the majority of the Atlantic Beach homes for sale that put you within walking distance of the beach. You do not have to cross a major road, making it safe and easy to get to the ocean shore for beach fun. This availability for beach access to this area makes Atlantic Beach very popular but also more expensive then Neptune Beach & Jacksonville Beach

Traffic noises are minimal since A1A veers away from Atlantic Beach. So you can let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep every night as opposed to the Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach area.

Ocean waves and beach

Which side of Florida is nicer?

The sand on the West Coast is softer and whiter On the East coast, the sand is a darker brown. However, East Coasters of Florida think the West Coast ocean looks like a boring placid sea. On the East Coast you get enjoy the roar of the waves, the changing vistas of the ocean as the wind kicks up and views of the surfers & boogie boarders enjoying those waves.

2. Parks and preserves

Atlantic Beach is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Head out on a hike or walk your dog on miles of trails in natural havens like Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Howell Park, Tidal Views Preserve, and Dutton Island Preserve. "The Poles" at Hanna Park are a popular and semi-famous surf spot known throughout. Hannah Park also features trails great for bringing your bike or just putting on your hiking boots.

hiking in the woods

3. Amazing weather year-round

Thanks to Atlantic Beach’s balmy climate, you will be able to enjoy sunlight on an average of 223 days per year. Summer highs can peak above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but you will have the breeze off the ocean to keep you comfortable. In fact, this beachside location has more comfortable summer weather than inland Jacksonville and Central Florida due to this seabreeze. Winter lows only drop down into the mid-40s, so you can continue to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. So don't be surprised if you see people walking their dogs along the beach in shorts in the winter.

Walking along the ocean edge at the beach

4. Special events

Atlantic Beach is home to special events such as the Annual Fall Festival, the Artisans’ Faire, Holiday Tree Lighting, and a range of other seasonal events, concerts and festivals. There is also a regular farmers market where you can go to pick up produce and crafts from local merchants. This brings a real sense of community to the area. You will see your neighbors and make new friends when seeing them at these popular local events.

5. Neptune/Atlantic Beaches Town Center

Adding even more to the value of Atlantic Beach, Florida real estate is this community’s popular Beaches Town Center. Stroll Atlantic Boulevard, savoring the salty sea breezes while you take advantage of amenities such as boutique shops, restaurants and fitness centers.

Don't be suprised if you see your friends walking and biking up to the The Atlantic Beach | Neptune Beach city center for a morning coffee, some amazing seafood, to see a local band, enjoy a local brewed beer or even fine dining. People from all over the city come to The Atlantic Beach Town Center to enjoy some of the top restaurants in the Northeast Florida Jacksonville metro area.

6. A walkable and cyclist-friendly community

If you prefer to leave your vehicle parked at home, you will be delighted to know you can get around Atlantic Beach easily by walking or cycling. Numerous safe and pleasing routes exist to help you get to and from work, shopping and other destinations. The roadways even have low MPH speed limits for safety.

Walk to Beach Property Searches:

7. The Atlantic Beach Country Club

Enjoy heading out on the fairway? The Atlantic Beach Country Club is a beautiful course designed by course architect Erik Larsen, who is from Atlantic Beach himself. Wide open green spaces dotted with graceful trees offer a sense of serenity that harmonizes beautifully with the challenge of the sport. Plus you will find the full country club experience complete with tennis courts, pool, social events & more.

If you want to live as close as possible to the course, you can look for Atlantic Beach Country Club homes for sale.

Duval County Golf Course Communities

8. Employment opportunities

If you are in search of abundant professional opportunities, you will appreciate Atlantic Beach’s thriving economy and high wages. According to the US Census, the median household income from 2017 through 2021 was $92,056, with the per capita income at $64,350. Both of those are significantly higher than the nationwide average. The city also has a low poverty rate.

There is no individual state income tax in Florida, so realistically speaking, these average wages are even higher than they might initially appear.

Additionally, Atlantic Beach shows a swift rise in job growth: 44.4%, compared to the 33.5% US average, giving you plenty of options to grow your career.

9. A quick commute to Jacksonville and all of its attractions

Atlantic Beach is only about a half-hour drive away from downtown Jacksonville. Not only does this bring even more possible job opportunities within reach, but it also puts you close to a ton of additional attractions. Plus you are just over 30 minutes to the Jacksonville International Airport if you have to travel.

On your days off, you can pay a visit to destinations throughout Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville and the surrounding area. Check out the Southbank Riverwalk in downtown Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Shipwreck Island Water Park, Tree Hill Nature Center, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).

Football fans will enjoy heading to TIAA Bank Field to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars. While that is the sole major league sports team in Jacksonville, you may also enjoy cheering for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Jacksonville Giants, Jacksonville Icemen, and other local teams.

Do you enjoy theater, dance and live music? Venues such as the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, the Fine Arts Center, the Artist Connection Theatre, and Players by the Sea will keep you entertained. Or stay in your backyard and enjoy the Atlantic Beach Experimental Theater (ABET).

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Atlantic Beach offers everything you could hope for in one location: sandy beaches, countless amenities, events and attractions, and a friendly and welcoming community where you can put down roots and grow.

Whether you are looking for Atlantic Beach, Florida condos for sale or are interested in single-family homes, luxury estates or waterfront ocean properties, we can help you find your dream property and negotiate your offer. We look forward to calling you our neighbors here on the beautiful Florida coast. Please call 904-273-0125 to schedule your free consultation.