Jacksonville, FL

How, you may be asking, can one go 'around the world' without leaving the Avondale-Riverside area?

Easy! Yesterday I had the BEST BLT wrap at The European Cafe, and while I was sitting at the counter munching my lunch I noticed that there is a not so large sign over to the right. It states that it will give those who complete their 'Beer Around the World' challenge a year of free beverage (for exact details go and ask them!). Then, after receiving excellent service and a soda to go, I wandered to pay the check. There, on that counter were small little Toblerones (which I have no doubt misspelled, sorry). These little chocolate morsels are yummy and from Europe I believe. They are a treat that my dad used to 'bribe' me with. So, for a mere .59 cents I purchased one----and regretted later not buying three!

The point is this, if we open our eyes and look around opportunity to find 'the World' is out here. Locally. In our favorite restaurants, in our favorite deli's or coffee houses' (did someone say coffee? I need a refill!) Or just hanging out at Memorial Park. If you head anywhere public and take a moment to look around you may be surprised by the multi-cultural diversity in Riverside, and in Avondale. It is what makes this area so unique. It is the area in Jacksonville where, in my opinion, differences are celebrated instead of quieted. Where come as you are, and be who you are is okay. Even my 5 year old has noticed this.

A few weeks ago we visited the Arts Market on Saturday. It is one of our favorite places! There is a small group that we see and they have a snake (or two). He really, really wanted to hold it! Lucky for me the young group was smart and know not to let my child hold their pet! The cool thing is and was that in this area on this Saturday bringing your dog, or snake, or child (okay, I am not comparing children to animals...it's a blog, go with it!) out in public is not an issue, but rather a part of life here. It is part of what I enjoy about Avondale and Riverside. That as we enjoy our lunch, perhaps outside, or take a walk by the river you just never know who or what you will meet! And isn't that why we often go to exotic places on vacation? To see what we do not always see? To experience what we do not always experience?

My challenge to anyone considering real estate in the Riverside or Avondale area is this--go hang out and enjoy the weekend where there are people. See if the international view of this area works for you! And if it does this Realtor would be proud and honored to assist you in finding your next backyard.

Have a wonderful weekend, hope to see you in the park!

Just imagine if one day in your life, in Riverside-Avondale went like this:

Waking up and feet hitting those gorgeous hardwood floors. Newly finished you take a moment to smile remembering the work that went into them, and appreciating the warmth they bring to your room. Big stretch, noticing that ourside your window there are gorgeous mature oaks--the kind you may find a nest in--and as you remember this you begin to look for that nest! Find a squirrel instead and it takes you back to the task at hand--getting ready to get going!

After waking, dressing, and all you head for the kitchen. It has been updated from the 1920's. Keeping some of the old--those lead windows that reflect light differently than today's windows--and much of the new: new countertops that shine, and yet belong in this room; updated appliances that fit so well, and perhaps so unexpectedly. The refinished cabinets, with the secret spots in them--like the cabinet that you give a gentle push to and it raises up so you can use the toaster! (I love that one--)

You decide to enjoy the backyard--after all, it is quiet with the day just starting--and take your breakfast out back to sit on your porch/patio. Again, enjoying the now cooling Jacksonville air. Fall has finally come, and the plan is to enjoy every minute of it! Check your watch, put dishes in that newer dishwasher and walk through to the front door. Turning, pausing, and reflecting on the arched doorways, the hall with it's wooden floors, the fireplace with it's unique mantle that took your breath away when the Realtor showed you this home and you decided you could not live without it forever. Open, close, lock, and off you go!

Imagine living in the Riverside-Avondale area and having the opportunity to enjoy a home in this way. And if you pick it up from 'off you go' you could add that the neighboring homes are all different. Not the cookie-cutter home but rather the historic homes that Riverside-Avondale is known for throughout Jacksonville. Or perhaps the home you enjoy is waterfront and you spend your outdoor time enjoying the river as it drifts by your backyard.

Whatever your preference this Realtor is certain that this area, Riverside and Avondale, will offer real estate options for even the most discerning buyer. And, with that we would enjoy showing you the homes, and being a part of your home buying story! We look forward to serving your real estate needs, one backyard at a time!

One would normally think that San Francisco and Riverside-Avondale may not have a lot in common. I beg to differ on that opinion. As a child of the 80's growing up in an area just north of San Francisco, and spending much of my young adulthood in the ‘City by the Bay' I have found quite a bit in common. As a matter of fact, it was one of the determining factors when my husband put forth where we could transfer with the U.S. Navy.

Yes. We, and our little family of 6, yes-6 were living in Oak Harbor Washington on the west coast of the United States. My beloved husband was due to transfer and we had choices. I was DYING to get back to the city. Oh, real vegetables again. Culture. Art. Museums. Football teams. A REAL CITY! I was ready. Jacksonville here we come! And here we are. Five years have passed. Good years, years spent going to the museum, watching football, enjoying art, finding the outdoor vegetable vendors for fresh produce, and other good things. Much like life in San Francisco.

So much in common: Outdoor eating opportunities. The parks. Paths that lead one along water. Roller blading or skate boarding. The nightlife, and the opportunity to shop during the day! The boutiques that have unique items, and the small business' that are only found in these cities. Bungalows and mansions, found much in the same way in both the areas. These two cities are so much alike that there are times that I can simply sit in Memorial Park and appreciate the quiet by the water and relax. If I close my eyes I can go back to Shakespeare in the Park on a summer day in Golden Gate Park-it may have been long ago, but the memory is still there, and we are making memories here as well!

And perhaps that is the point. Two cities on opposite coasts. As seemingly different as it would be and yet as alike as can be-who would have thought? And perhaps that is the point of Riverside-Avondale, a city that is much like the ‘bigger' cities and yet not really a city at all, but an area just outside of the City of Jacksonville, which is after all the largest (total area) city in the United States. Riverside-Avondale is an experience, and living in the experience is, for some, part of the American Dream. The question is this---is it YOUR American Dream, and can I serve you in achieving it.

In todays Jacksonville Fl Time Union newspaper. No names have been posted yet:

A crackdown on mortgage fraud has resulted in indictments of 24 Jacksonville-area real estate professionals in connection with at least $244 million in loan amounts for 200 pieces of property, federal authorities said today.

The people indicted worked during the housing boom in positions such as small business banker, title company employee and owner, mortgage broker, mortgage banker, employee of a real estate development company, real estate agent, Realtor, home builder, real estate investor, title and closing agent, and real estate appraiser.

They are among about 100 people being prosecuted by federal authorities after an intensive, nine-month investigation of mortgage fraud in the Middle District of Florida, spanning the metropolitan areas of Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Ft. Meyers.

“You will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will be sentenced to significant jail time,” U.S. Attorney Brian Albritton said today at a news conference in Jacksonville.

Riverside-Avondale is a community, a community for you! ‘They' say it takes a village, or in this case a community. I once read that it takes two full years to fully settle and appreciate the new space you have moved to-so, if this is the case then may I suggest diving into the community of Riverside-Avondale. It will certainly take more than two years to find all there is to do, see, and experience!

After the boxes are unpacked, the kitchen cabinets have been put up, the linens are placed away, and the furniture has been rearranged at least once it may be time to venture out and meet your new neighbors! And this is the good news. Riverside and Avondale is home of some of the friendliest people you may ever meet. Venture out to your neighborhood in the evening and no doubt you may meet some folks walking for either fun or exercise. Or perhaps having a cold beverage on their front porch. Stop to chat and you may run into your new dentist, doctor, or perhaps just a new friend to hang out on the porch with!

If getting out and going out are more your style than perhaps venturing out to the Riverside-Avondale nightlife may be your thing! With clubs and live music, fantastic restaurants offering many varieties of foods and environments a social person can be busy every night of the week! Or, perhaps World Adult Kickball is your thing...as it is for this Realtor! Enjoy yourself playing this extremely fun sport with other adults in the Riverside-Avondale area.

The bottom line is this, whatever you consider community you will more than likely find in this diverse community!

Riverside-Avondale is a community full of diversity. Diversity of spirit. Diversity of activity. Diversity of people. And this diverse community is ready for YOU! Which home will you make yours today, and join this community tomorrow?