A couple miles southwest of Jacksonville, you will find the idyllic Clay County nestled along the St. John’s River. If a slower life and small-town feel is what you are looking for, then relocating to Clay County may be the right move for you. The county is known for its scenic nature trails, bodies of water and abundant wildlife, making it paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Clay County includes several towns and neighborhoods, so if you’re wondering which one to buy a property in, see whether any of our suggestions fits the bill.

Why buy in Clay County

With inflation rates pushing property prices up to record highs around Florida, buyers are searching for locations to buy homes which offer better value for their money in neighborhoods that offer them all the amenities they need close by. While places such as Sarasota have had their property values shoot up by over 17%, property prices in Clay County have remained stable with an increase of just 2.9% in the past year. This makes buying in Clay County much more affordable with the average asking price being just under $350k.

The county boasts a selection of great schools, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and shopping centers in close proximity to residential areas, so residents don’t need to waste time and money travelling.

Fleming Island

If the name gives you visions of an idyllic island town that looks like something straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel, you’re not far off. Referred to as the “gem of Clay County,” Fleming Island has a lush, green landscape and sparkling lakes, with friendly locals that will become like family. Despite its small-town vibe, the island has great shopping venues and several restaurants, coffee shops and bars. By night, the bustling downtown area is a hive of activity, offering entertainment for all ages. With so many outdoor activities to enjoy, holiday festivals and markets on the go, Fleming Island is a wonderful place for families to settle.

Green Cove Springs

The community of Green Cove Springs has a rich history dating back to the World War II era when the area served as a key port and airfield. Nowadays, you will find beautiful parks, nature trails, campsites and hiking trails to feed your hunger for adventure. For the cultured home buyer, the Military Museum, numerous art galleries and antique stores are a big draw. The city boasts two pristine golf courses and a country club which you’ll no doubt want to become a member of to enjoy all the perks that come with prestigious club memberships. Green Cove Springs also hosts the annual Agricultural Fair at the Clay County Fairgrounds, a fun event for the whole family to attend.

OakLeaf Plantation

If you are looking to settle into a community that puts family first, then buying a property in OakLeaf Plantation is a no-brainer. The idyllic city has a real small-town appeal while offering all the amenities you need close to home for a comfortable life. With family values at its core, OakLeaf Plantation offers five schools, two village centers, a public library, championship golf course and plenty of commercial retail space to encourage local business development. The city also has two world-class athletic centers complete with lap pools, fitness centers, soccer fields, basketball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds and a waterpark. You really won’t ever have to leave this tight-knit community when everything you need is just a stone’s throw away.

Orange Park

Orange Park is one of Clay County’s most well-known towns, offering quick access to big city amenities while maintaining the small town feel it is well-loved for. It is another very family-friendly town with plenty of art shops, cafes and restaurants to enjoy. Living up to its name, Orange Park has a very park-like look, with an abundance of trees, grassy areas and shrubbery. The Eagle Park Golf Club will delight avid golfers with absolutely lush and beautiful grounds to tee off on. With so much to see and do, plus good schools for the kids, Orange Park is another town that is well-suited to families.

Closing thoughts

Deciding where to live is one of the most important decisions you will make. There are so many factors to consider including proximity to amenities, lifestyle and nearby schools if kids are in the picture. If Clay County has been on your list of places to potentially relocate to, we hope you now have a better picture of the type of life the best towns of Clay County can offer you and your family.