Looking for the best areas to live in Jacksonville, FL? Look no further than the southside, riverfront neighborhood of Mandarin! Frequently described by locals as an urban-tropical paradise, Mandarin is a sun-kissed oasis in the middle of a busy city. Residents delight year-round in breathtaking views of the iconic St. Johns River and spend countless hours enjoying the best seaside entertainment in Jacksonville by the marina-friendly Julington Creek. Mandarin permeates with a laid-back yet urban feel that attracts thousands of tourists, young professionals, big families, and retirees every year. Learn more about what makes this neighborhood a top Florida destination for sightseers, homeowners, and savvy apartment renters alike.
There’s nothing more infamous about the always-on-the-go city of Jacksonville than all the congested roads and never-ending concrete jungles. Get away from it all — live in one of the greenest neighborhoods in the city, Mandarin, Jax’s premier destination for nature enthusiasts, featuring more green spaces than you could ever visit. Enjoy a plethora of city gardens, walking trails, sports fields, museums, and seaside landmarks, all poignantly decorated by the neighborhood’s most iconic tree — the ancient oak. Once you’re comfortably settled in your new Jacksonville apartment, check out these outdoorsy highlights for nature-lovers to enjoy:
Unlike neighborhoods such as Five Points and Riverside, Mandarin has a greater selection of modern Jacksonville apartments that won’t break anyone’s bank. Young renters looking for high-tech amenities within an urban, sophisticated community don’t need to look anywhere else. The Waterford at Mandarin provides tech-savvy and industrious residents with the features they need to get ahead in today’s workplace. In addition, nothing beats living amidst hundreds of small boutiques, independent artisan eateries, specialty stores, and riverside entertainment spots. Besides offering residents the chance to live in a highly sought-after and convenient location, The Waterford at Mandarin provides residents with all the creature comforts you would expect in modern apartments, including:
Don’t give up your commitment to a healthy diet over a lack of healthy shopping options. Mandarin features several upscale boutiques and organic grocers, including well-known brands such as Earth Fare and The Fresh Market. Besides providing residents with the option to shop for organic and local produce, some supermarket chains, including Whole Foods, also provide Mandarin residents with a space for community building in the form of regular live performances, wine and beer tastings, as well as monthly food drives. Once you’ve worked up a sweat at the 24-hour gym included with our community amenities, drive down to these specialty grocers for a healthy snack.
Mandarin is home to some of the best elementary, middle, and high schools in Jacksonville, with plenty of magnet-designated schools for top-class students to choose from. Leading the community’s test score averages are Stanton College Preparatory and Paxon School for Advanced Studies, both offering AP and IB curriculum for students wishing to get a head start for college. For those moving into apartments in Jacksonville with a big family, here is a rundown of some of the best private and public schools available in the area.
