As one of Jacksonville’s most scenic neighborhoods, the Jacksonville Riverside area attracts an eclectic mix of people from 20-something artists to middle-aged working families to some of the area’s wealthiest residents like Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver. The diversity of its population is mirrored in the area’s historic architecture, eateries and bars and its abundance of recreational pursuits.
Riverside in Jacksonville spans about 4 square miles on the western bank of the St. Johns River immediately south interstates 10 and 95, and northeast of McDuff Avenue. It features sidewalk-lined streets with an abundant tree canopy – which draw joggers, bikers and dog walkers most evenings – a handful of parks, including the riverfront Memorial Park, seven laundry mats and a Publix grocery store. The Riverside area of Jacksonville is most known for its historic, turn-of-the-century homes and apartment buildings, said to be the result competition among aspiring architects after the Great Fire of 1901.
The neighborhood, just outside of Downtown Jacksonville, has won national recognition for its historic preservation efforts, spearheaded by Riverside Avondale Preservation. The nonprofit’s RAP logo can be found on many of the Victorian, Bungalow, Prairie and Tudor style homes in the area.
Riverside’s 17 Christian churches, the largest built with classic Gothic architecture, adds to the neighborhood’s richness, both visually and spiritually.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Fidelity Investments and Haskell are the largest employers in Riverside.
Riverside Schools
There are three public elementary schools, one A-rated and two B-rated, as well as the public Robert E. Lee High School, which received a D-rating from the state in the Riverside area. Keep in mind there are several great Private Schools St. Paul’s Catholic School teaches up to the eighth grade and Riverside Presbyterian Day School through the sixth grade. Riverside’s only school for higher education is Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Kent Campus.
Riverside Restaurants
Riverside’s array of cuisine and entertainment venues is only rivaled by the urban core that has Everbank Field, home of the Jaguars, the Main Library and nightlife at The Landing. But that’s all just 10 minutes from Riverside.
Some of the more popular restaurants in Riverside tickle patrons taste buds with Japanese (Sake House), Irish (O’Brothers Irish Pub) French (Orsay) and Spanish (13 Gypsies) cuisines, though Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean and American, i.e. barbecue, eateries call Riverside home too.
Among the chain options: Starbucks, Einstein Bagels, Larry’s Giant Subs, Firehouse Subs and Wendy’s, which is the only fast food drive thru.
Riverside Entertainment
Riverside has some unique entertainment hot spots that regularly pull visitors from around Jacksonville.
Atop that list is the Riverside Arts Market, or RAM, which launches each March and wraps up in the winter under the Fuller Warren Bridge at the entrance to the St. Johns River Southbank Riverwalk. The Saturday market features art, craft and produce vendors alongside live music and street performers.
Just south of RAM is the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, which also overlooks the river. The beauty of its picturesque landscaped greenery is equally matched by that of the periodic exhibits shown inside.
For some air-conditioned entertainment, with a side of beer or pizza, residents take in a show at the 5 Points Theatre. Its single screen shows new studio releases, but throws in cult films, holiday-themed movies and sporting events as well.
