Avondale
Mediterranean Revival architecture, legendary dining, and boutique shopping beneath century-old oaks.
Jacksonville’s First Planned Community
Avondale was designed as an upscale residential neighborhood with its own commercial center – and it has never lost that ambition. Today it balances preservation and progress perfectly, with buildings still showcasing their original Mediterranean Revival architecture alongside a dining and shopping scene that rivals any neighborhood in the city.
The Dining Scene
Along St. Johns Avenue, every meal is an occasion. From legendary cake slices to 200-label wine lists, Avondale eats exceptionally well.
Southern Grounds
Small-batch roasted coffee, a seasonally rotating menu, fast Wi-Fi, and a welcoming atmosphere. The top choice for remote workers and neighborhood regulars alike.
Biscotti’s
Over 20 years of serving the neighborhood. Fresh sandwiches, housemade desserts, and indoor-outdoor seating perfect for people watching. Their Famous Cake slices are legendary – big enough to share, though you probably won’t want to.
Bluefish
Some of the best happy hour specials in town, anchored by a beloved Oyster Bar and a dreamy courtyard with a trickling fountain. The ideal gathering spot as the evening sets in.
Josephine
An upscale Italian restaurant with a wine list of over 200 carefully curated selections from around the world. Perfect for special occasions and romantic evenings in Jacksonville.
Boutique Shopping
The Shops of Avondale date to the mid-1920s. Nearly a century later, they remain a destination for those who want something you cannot find at a mall.
Jane Doe Boutique
A curated collection of unique designer pieces selected personally by the owner. Every item is intentional – a guaranteed alternative to anything you would find at a department store.
Parks & Hidden Escapes
The Riverside Avondale Historic District boasts 26 parks covering more than 75 acres – one of the most park-rich neighborhoods in all of Jacksonville. A few standouts worth knowing:
Boone Park
The signature park of Avondale. Massive oak trees stretch across several blocks with walking paths, playgrounds, tennis courts, and open green space. This is where you get those iconic Avondale canopy shots.
Memorial Park
Sitting directly on the St. Johns River with some of the best skyline and sunset views in Jacksonville. Features the historic Life sculpture and was designed by the Olmsted Brothers.
Fishweir Park
A neighborhood gem centered around Fishweir Creek with a wooden boardwalk, kayaking access, and wildlife sightings. A beautiful reminder of Avondale’s connection to nature and water.
Willowbranch Park
A stunning live oak canopy, a winding creek, a historic library, and shaded walking paths. It feels like old Jacksonville at its finest.
Built to Last a Century
At every turn you find Mediterranean Revival mansions from the 1920s and Craftsman bungalows lining oak-canopied streets. For those seeking riverside living, Riverview Apartments offer luxury amenities including a riverfront pool with panoramic views of the St. Johns River.
Living Here
The average Avondale home value sits at $430,379 as of April 2026, down 4.1% over the past year – a rare opportunity to buy into one of Jacksonville’s most walkable, charming, and character-filled historic neighborhoods.
This Is Avondale
From shopping to dining to dreamy architecture – Jacksonville’s most charming historic district, and it has been for a century.