Christa LaFarlette

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.

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?

I am completely passionate about the Riverside-Avondale communities, and here is my Top 10-Letterman-Style-Reasons-Why

Are you ready? Get set. Here we go!

Number 10: The parks. I have not found another area in the greater Jacksonville area where the parks are as diverse as the people. Want a place for the dogs? No problem! For the kids? No problem? Tennis? We have it! Avondale and Riverside is all about parks!

Number 9: People walking their dogs. I know, but I really like dogs-all kinds of dogs. Small dogs, big dogs, middle sized dogs, and those crazy super huge dogs! And people really do walk their dogs at all times of day along the river. It is a community event!

Number 8: The alley behind the homes. Really-this is sort of an older theme. You have the street that your mailbox is on, then on the back of the property is the alley, this is where you would access the garage, take your trash can out to, and your recycling! The alley behind the home. I am certain there is a word for it, but I am unaware of the term!

Number 7: I LOVE coffee! Coffee is good. Enough said.

Number 6: The European Café. Lunch is also good. This brings back all the old fashion German everything that my German aunts used to send my family every Christmas (really, not kidding). On occasion you can also drive by and see a sign for $4.00 wine sales-all good stuff!

Number 5: Restaurants. Best in town! Okay, do you see the trend? Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Really, we have the best in town. Outdoor seating is often offered as well as indoor. Great full menus with lots of diversity, just like the Riverside-Avondale area.

Number 4: The architecture. With such diversity and history is it any wonder why the architecture makes number 4 on the list? With real estate available for everyone, you cannot miss out! Amazing. Wonderful. Fantastic. The RAP (Riverside Avondale Preservation) makes certain that the integrity of this area is upheld. Large job for and they do it well! Kudos to RAP!

Number 3: The Cummer Art Museum. With so many programs it is no wonder that The Cummer makes number 3. Recently Nick and I painted in their ‘Art for 2' class designed for young people and their adult person. Fun, educational, and cultural. The Cummer Art Museum brings delight and culture to the Riverside Avondale greater area!

Number 2: The 5 Points Theater. Horror Nights to the Classics. 5 Points Theater offers it all and then some more. I have enjoyed many a movie at this wonderful theater and encourage all to do the same! Your life will be the better for the experience! Located in the heart of Riverside Avondale.

Number 1: The Riverside Avondale Art Market. Located under the Fuller Warren Bridge and open on Saturdays throughout the year this open air market brings diversity to the masses. Need fresh vegetables or fruit? This is the place for you! Want to view cutting edge jewelry and meet your jeweler, as you walk around you cannot miss their amazing art. With much to see please plan your time accordingly!

Riverside Avondale has many sights to see, things to do, and places to go. However, the best part is that when you live here you don't have to do it all in one weekend, just take your time and take it easy! One day at a time, one weekend at a time, and one wonderful experience at a time-the essence of Riverside-Avondale is just that, one wonderful experience! Live the experience-this Realtor believes you will not be disappointed!

That's RIGHT! Jacksonville Florida has homes with history in the Riverside-Avondale areas! Located just outside the City of Jacksonville proper, and west of the St. Johns River these historic areas will take you back to bricked streets and hardwood floors!

These homes, some of which are fondly known as bungalows, are nestled among mature trees, ample parks, and walking trails. But don't be fooled, along the river you will find many of the mansions formerly known as ‘The Row'. Whether the mansion is your style, or the bungalow, both may offer features like hardwood floors-perhaps worn over time, but still beautiful and of quality workmanship. Or a fireplace (or two) that may take your breath away! While these were once used for heat, and you will certainly want to have it inspected prior to use, our modern electricity takes that need away and allows us to enjoy the fireplace on those cool December evenings. These Riverside-Avondale homes have history which lends to their character, each property telling its own unique story, each having its own features, and each having its own place-be it on a bricked street (you can still get replacement bricks, stocked by the city for repairs), one of the many one-way streets, or perhaps closer to the river for your maritime enjoyment.

And that is the beauty of Riverside-Avondale! Close enough to the city to enjoy all that Jacksonville has to offer, urban enough for even this California transplant, and yet set back enough to enjoy a quieter lifestyle if desired. The choice is yours-and the home choices are yours! With the history and homes and culture offered by the Riverside-Avondale areas this Realtor is CERTAIN you will not be disappointed!