Voted the best place to retire in Jacksonville by CNN’s Money Magazine in 2007, Avondale offers chic riverfront living with picture-perfect homes, condos and apartment buildings constructed to historic architectural standards and surrounded by sleepy oak and cypress trees.
Avondale is located immediately south of Riverside on the western banks of the St. Johns River minutes from Downtown and about 30 minutes from the beach. You’ll find riverside mansions alongside mediterranean and prairie-style homes and plethora of more modest bungalows, the choice for middle class families who flocked to Avondale after lots were carved out at the turn-of-the-century.
Avondale Shopping
The neighborhood is anchored by The Shoppes at Avondale on St. Johns Avenue, home to some of the city’s most cosmopolitan specialty stores, restaurants and art galleries, all packed into one strip of early 1900s era, single-story commercial buildings. Spruce up your living room with a one-of-a-kind painting or have one framed at R. Roberts Gallery, which according to The New York Timesdraws clients from around the globe. Or decorate with a piece from Hooshang Oriental Rugs. There’s also fine jewelry from Underwood’s, flower arrangements that look just as good as they taste at Edible Arrangements, or footwear courtesy of Thompson’s Fine Shoes.
Avondale Restaurants
Some of the most sought after tables can be found in Avondale’s restaurants. The Brick offers a wide range of menu options from Asian Baby Back Ribs to Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes to the 16-ounce Prime Rib, all accompanied by live music. ‘Town prides itself on dishes made with farm fresh, local ingredients like specialty cheeses from cows raised in southern Georgia, served in a casual dining area open to the kitchen.
Avondale residents looking for less American delicacies frequent Ruan Thai Cuisine for fine dining and authentic Thai flavors. Biscottis is another local favorite for brunch, lunch and dinner with specialty pizzas, an extensive wine list and catering services.
Avondale Arts and Entertainment
The Avondale Gallery, formerly the Frame Shop Art Gallery, has been the hallmark of the local arts community since 1985. It boasts a trio of nationally and internationally commissioned portrait artists and ever-changing gallery displays in styles that include impressionism, realism and modern. Avondale Artworks offers art classes, framing and printing services as well as a venue for local and regional artists.
One of Avondale’s most frequented recreational venues is Boone Park, where the Jacksonville Fine Arts Festival takes place each year. The event, sponsored by the Avondale Merchants Association and Shoppes of Avondale, is dedicated to the enhancement of art appreciation citywide with proceeds going to select nonprofit organizations. The other big event each year is the Riverside Avondale Preservation Society’s Spring Tour of Homes. Boone Park also features a playground, walking paths, a creek and 24 picnic tables, plus two concrete tennis courts and 14 clay tennis courts operated by the USTA and available to members and the public for a nominal fee.
Many other “pocket parks” dot the waterfront in Avondale, most notably Fishweir Park named for Fishweir Creek. Like Willow Branch Park further west in Avondale, Fishweir has a playground, basketball courts, plenty of picnic tables and a softball diamond. Willow Branch, however, includes the Willow Branch Public Library.
Avondale Schools
Near Fishweir Park is Fishweir Elementary, built in 1917. It’s a B-rated school but functions as Duval County School District’s magnet program for performing arts. Avondale’s other elementary school, Ruth N. Upson Elementary, carries an A rating from the State of Florida.
