Intracoastal West Homes For Sale


	Intracoastal West Houses for Sale

Intracoastal West

The proximity to the ocean and a relaxed lifestyle is what makes this community so attractive. Downtown Jacksonville is only forty-five minutes away, with business parks on the Southside even closer. The most popular and closely located beaches are Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach.

Residents have a year round calendar of sporting events and leisure activities to enjoy. Try a day at the beach, soar high above the city in a hot-air balloon, play a round of golf, take a picnic in the park, grab some bait and a fishing pole or buy a ticket to see professional football, hockey, soccer, golf, tennis or baseball. It can be fast paced or as laid back as you desire; there are ample activities to match every mood and preference.

Golfers have the privilege of playing on some of the finest courses in the country. There are numerous private, semi-private and public facilities to experience. Nearby Ponte Vedra Beach is home to the PGA National Headquarters. The association of Tennis Professionals (ATP Tour) is headquartered in St. Johns County. St. Johns also hosts the ATP Tour Classic each October.

Naturally, the St. Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean and the many rivers and lakes lead residents toward a water-oriented life. The weather is mild enough to enjoy water sports all year long. The city operated pools as well as private club pools add to the year round opportunities for swimming. There are 19 public boat ramp and docking facilities in Duval County along with the numerous marina and additional public ramps. Sailing is also popular -- the 42-mile-long mug race from Palatka to Jacksonville is the longest river sailboat race in the world.

Fresh water fishing is abundant and includes bass, blue fish, bream and catfish. Saltwater catches include snapper, grouper, dolphin, marlin, sailfish and kingfish. In July, the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament is held and offers more than $500,000 in cash and prizes.

In the winter, birding is excellent, with shore and aquatic birds clustering for the season. Of particular note is the endangered whooping crane. The Intracoastal Waterway harbors the only colony of these magnificent birds.

The importance of good education is an area of focus for citizens of the Intracoastal West. They are constantly striving for a better system and superior facilities to develop the Coasts’ future leaders. Whatever your child's needs, the local school system will accommodate you.

More than 126,000 students, 6,200 teachers, 4,500 support staff and 154 schools comprise the Duval County School System. Of the 154 schools, there are 103 elementary schools serving kindergarten through fifth grade, 23 middle schools serving sixth, seventh and eight grades, 18 high schools, three exceptional child centers, three vocational skills centers, and four special need schools. All have earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Duval County is one of the largest school systems in the United States, yet has an exceptional student/teacher ration of 20 to one.

At the heart of the community is a true affection and dedication to culture and art. Those moving to the area will discover a wide variety of visual, cultural and performing arts and many festivals celebrating its diversity and history. For museum dwellers, there are a variety of spots not to be missed. Located in the Jacksonville area, The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a world-class museum with a permanent art collection of nearly 4,000 pieces with origins ranging from 200 BC to present. The Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art concentrates on the contemporary visual arts. The Museum of Science and History specializes in hands-on science and history exhibits for all ages. At the Alexander Brest Planetarium, one can enjoy multi-media astronomy shows set to music.

The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is considered one of the finest orchestras in the Southeast. The JSO performs in the state of the art Robert E. Jacoby Hall and offers a broad range of programs with many featured guests. Its Starry Nights concerts in Metropolitan Park are a city tradition. The St. Johns River City Band is the official band of Jacksonville and the state of Florida, and delights resident with many free concerts during the year. Held in metropolitan Park, the annual Jazz Festival attracts top artist in the jazz and blues.