Amelia Island real estate, coastal living northeast Florida
Shopping for coastal homes? If you’re in a position to take advantage of this buyer’s real estate market and are thinking about a Florida beach home, check out Amelia Island real estate – remarkably affordable for island living.
For those who seek a laid-back beach town and want to buy property to fulfill a desire for a leisurely seaside lifestyle, there are homes that can be purchased at the most affordable prices seen in many years for Florida coastal real estate. No matter where you are on this 13-mile long barrier island, the Atlantic coast beachfront is about 2 miles or less away.
For those who have never ventured to this east coast island, explore the less commercialized, small-town “Old Florida” reminiscent of simpler days past. Located on the Florida-Georgia border, Amelia Island is as far northeast as one can go in the state of Florida. If you’d like a home where there’s no worry of snow, yet there’s still some seasonal change, Amelia Island is literally the “coolest” place in Florida.
The appeal of this special place has not gone unnoticed by top lifestyle magazines. The heart of Amelia Island, Fernandina was chosen by Southern Living magazine as one of the South’s “Best Small-Town Getaways” — a town that makes one “feel welcome for a weekend or a lifetime.” Fernandina was also selected by Coastal Living magazine as a “Best Little Beach Town” (both magazine accolades received this past year). Many around here agree. As a transplant from New York myself (arriving here from a Manhattan apartment almost 18 years ago), this Amelia islander left one of the world’s largest cities to land here at the beach.
For those seeking a milder climate offering more outdoor living (and perhaps downsizing from a two to one car household), consider that many neighborhoods are connected with sidewalks and bikability is good when living in many of the island’s communities. Put a big basket on your bike and ride to shopping, downtown historic district, banking, post office, Farmers Market and the beach. More folks are pedaling around the island on bicycles these days, including the unique experience of low tide bike riding right on Amelia’s flat, wide beaches at low tide. One can literally rides for miles along water’s edge on the shoreline itself.
Victorian Vibes: Historic Fernandina
Besides 13 miles of uncrowded Atlantic coast beaches, adding character to this barrier island is the Victorian vibes of the downtown historic district of Fernandina Beach. Plus, being a beach resort island and golf destination with tourism driving the economy, the annual calendar is packed with festivals and events to attract visitors, but also benefit local residents, adding to the appeal of local living.
Particular favorites are the Amelia Concours d’Elegance and the activities surrounding the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Music lovers can attend the Chamber Music Festival, Jazz Festival, and the Blues Festival. History lovers can devour Amelia Island’s intriguing history, preserved Victorian-era architecture, the local museum, two historic districts — downtown Fernandina and Old Town, and its Civil War era fortress, Fort Clinch. A nature lover’s delight, Amelia allows lots of outdoor activities and is home to two state parks, plus Egans Greenway. Amelia also borders wilderness islands — Cumberland Island, Georgia just off its north tip and the Talbot Islands just off the island’s south tip.
For those who dream of island living and a beach house, there’s plenty of opportunity to gaze at coastal abodes, from quaint beach cottages to elite seaside estates. In the digital age with broadband, mobile internet, smart phones, and online conferencing, being able to live just about anywhere while telecommuting is within grasp for many these days. Plus, it’s just a hop, skip and jump to the Jacksonville International Airport to quickly get out of town (or commute to corporate meetings when necessary). The local Nassau County school district earns high ratings in the state, in the top ten public school districts of Florida’s 67 counties.
If you’re looking for a coastal home walkable to the beach or wish to be right on the ocean or the river, Amelia Island is one Florida location that should be on a home buyer’s list for further exploration. Whether seeking a primary residence or second home, take time for on-site real estate research at the beach. Do double duty — complete your due diligence with sand between your toes (a working vacation you will enjoy). A weekend getaway can get you on the road to your coastal abode.
For those seeking a golf community, be sure to take a peek at Amelia National Golf & Country Club. This is one new home community with exceptional amenities for the price per square foot (elegant golf club, resort style pool, fitness center, clay tennis courts, playground). Not to mention a private Tom Fazio golf course — perhaps the least expensive housing in a Fazio golf course community in Florida. Amelia National is located on the mainland, off the Amelia Concourse, just 5 miles from Amelia Island. Re-sale homes are available for purchase, or build new construction with ICI Homes.
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