Since World War II, the Jacksonville Navy base has been an essential military installation. With Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax), and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay all located within 50 miles of one another in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia, chances are good that numerous Navy personnel will live in northeast Florida. If you plan to stay awhile, here are some neighborhoods near each base to consider.
NSB Kings Bay
Just over the state line north of Jacksonville lies Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. Many people choose to live in Florida and commute for the short thirty minutes to the base in Georgia. Some are lured by the absence of Florida state income taxes for working spouses. Others are lured by access to beaches.
If you choose to live in Florida and commute, there is a variety of communities to choose from. For luxury living, consider Amelia National Golf and Country Club. Amelia National has large homes within a gated community with access to championship golf and a large amenities center. Scheduled club activities provide everyone with an opportunity to interact.
If entry-level homes fit your budget better, other communities in the Yulee-Fernandina area include Heron Isles, Timber Creek Plantation, and Hickory Lakes. The Yulee-Fernandina Beach area is also conveniently within commuting distance of Kings Bay, Mayport, and NAS Jax.
NS Mayport
Since the Navy plans to bring a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to Mayport, the area is set to expand yet again with contractors and service personnel. These newcomers have a number of communities close by to choose from.
On the higher end, Sawgrass Country Club offers championship golf, racquet club (Sawgrass was ranked in the “50 Best” by Tennis Magazine), a brand new 680-square-foot fitness center, and an oceanfront beach club. Sawgrass is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, just 30 minutes from the main gate of NS Mayport.
There are a number of resales available throughout Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach, ranging from oceanfront cottages to old style bungalows built in the 1960s. Finding one that fits your budget should not be difficult.
NAS Jax
Jacksonville’s Westside neighborhood is home to NAS Jax. How far away you want to be from the noise of P3 Orions taking off and landing will dictate where you should live.
Large waterfront homes can be found just north of NAS Jax in the Ortega area. These are large homes on large lots with old oak trees lining the streets. Most homes have docks extending into the St. John’s River where you can moor your boat.
For a more modern feel, check out Eagle Harbor in Orange Park. Eagle Harbor has golf, an extensive amenities center, and a three-bay concrete boat launch on Doctor’s Lake, adjacent to the St. John’s River.
More affordable homes, from starter homes to mid-level homes, can be found around Eagle Harbor along U.S. 17 and C.R. 220. Most of these have been constructed in the last 15 years.
Once you have received orders to report to a Jacksonville Navy base, finding a new home in these neighborhoods and communities should be easy.
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