Letter from the Governor

Welcometo the First Coast Relocation Guide™!

Fernandina Beach, photo courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com

Marzoug (Mark) Al-Amad Founder, Publisher & President

We are so thrilled that you have chosen the First Coast as your new home. This publication will be your go-to resource to help you get to know the First Coast and settle in with ease. For more than two decades, this publication has helped newcomers just like you. Situated in the Northeast corner of Florida, the First Coast is the best place to Live, Work and Play. We enjoy great weather year-round and have access to the most beautiful beaches and waterways. Additionally, our top-rated healthcare facilities are some of the best in the nation. We also have an exceptional education system that accommodates all types of students, exciting sports teams and events, as well as a vibrant cultural and art community. The Live section includes descriptions of the numerous neighborhoods and master-planned communities throughout Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. We have also included a comprehensive section about First Coast apartment living and the current real estate market. You will also find important information in our Getting Settled section such as utility and internet providers. We have a pet section for those with furry family members that includes local dog parks, pet-friendly beaches, and more. The Work section delves into the industries that drive business on the First Coast, including financial services, logistics and distribution, and healthcare. We have also included a list of top employers and an overview of the area’s many successful businesses. Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the United States, covering approximately 840 square miles. As a new resident of the First Coast, it’s important to know the best ways to navigate this vast region. Our Transportation section includes information on major roadways, new toll roads in the area, and the many transportation services around the First Coast. Many active-duty military and veterans call the First Coast home due to the Navy’s strong presence in Northeast Florida. With more than 20,000 military personnel, Naval Air Station Jacksonville is the largest navy base in the Southeast region. Naval Station Mayport is home to the Navy’s Fourth Fleet, the third-largest naval surface fleet concentration area in the country. Last but not least, the Play section includes everything the First Coast has to offer for a day of fun. Our ideal weather makes this the perfect place for spending time outdoors. We have miles of beaches and coastline and the country’s largest urban park system. Residents here can enjoy the benefits of a vibrant city along with many opportunities to explore Northeast Florida’s nature. In addition to outdoor fun, we have endless entertainment opportunities. There is always a thrilling concert or outdoor festival happening here. Catch a Broadway performance or an action-packed sporting event. Get a taste of the First Coast’s delectable dining scene, with restaurants headed by some of the most prestigious chefs cooking up unique culinary flavors. For a night on the town, visit one of our unique bars, breweries or nightclubs. We hope that the First Coast Relocation Guide™ helps connect you with everything that makes the First Coast such an amazing place to Live, Work and Play! We can’t wait for you to see what your new hometown has in store for you. Welcome home!

Notefrom the Editors

Catherine Wysoczanski Lead Editor Monica Fields Editor

Welcome to the First Coast! We are proud to call it home and soon you will too. Jacksonville and Northeast Florida has everything residents could ever want. It has bustling urban areas, rural farmlands, quaint suburbs and gorgeous beaches. Over the past few years, this area has transformed into a destination for business, sports, entertainment, shopping and dining. It is easy to see why so many people want to call the First Coast home. With beautiful beaches just a quick car ride away, you’ll find endless opportunities to soak up the sun and feel the sand between your toes. To keep up with the population influx, new residential and commercial developments have begun to pop up all over the First Coast.

The First Coast is a vast region, encompassing Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Living in such an expansive area means there is always something new to discover, even for longtime residents like us. Whether you are looking for a day with the family or a night on the town, there is something for everyone. If you love the outdoors like we do, there are plenty of places to hike, camp, fish and simply enjoy nature. In Amelia Island, Fort Clinch State Park is a great spot to hunt for shark teeth. The beaches at Big Talbot Island State Park are known for their gorgeous salt-washed driftwood and rich coastal ecosystems. Jacksonville boasts the largest urban park system in the entire country, perfect for those looking for an outdoor adventure. Visit one of our many local nature centers or preserves for a chance to get up close and personal with native wildlife and plants. One of the most unique areas on the First Coast is the historic city of St. Augustine. Bursting with history, St. Augustine is known as the “Nation’s Oldest City.” It features iconic Spanish colonial architecture, charming cobblestone streets, historical landmarks and stunning beaches. You can go on a kayaking adventure, enjoy the history and beauty of the city, and end the evening with tasting tours featuring local cuisine and drinks. There is no shortage of great food here on the First Coast. Our food scene has everything from hole-inthe-wall eateries to elegant restaurants that feature a variety of dishes. Our local chefs take inspiration from all over the globe, creating a fusion of flavors. Our delicious dining scene also has a variety of local farm-to-table choices. Since we live in a coastal town, fresh seafood is a menu staple at many restaurants as well. No matter what you’re looking for, the First Coast is always serving up something tasty. When you need to get some shopping done, head to Jacksonville’s premier outdoor mall, the St. Johns Town Center. There are also one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques throughout the First Coast in neighborhoods such as San Marco, Riverside, Fernandina Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine. The First Coast is a great place for the whole family to have tons of fun! Catch a sporting event or concert in downtown Jacksonville. Take a walk on the wild side at the Jacksonville Zoo’s world-renowned exhibits. Visit the Museum of Science and History and learn about the coastal creatures of Northeast Florida or come face-to-face with amphibians, frogs, snakes and opossums in their native Florida exhibit. While the First Coast has grown and expanded over the years, it still has the welcoming atmosphere of a small town. Here, neighbors are friendly and communities are tight-knit. We are so excited to call you our neighbor. Welcome home!

Amelia Island, photo courtesy of Florida’s First Coast of Golf