Living in Jacksonville | Riverside & Avondale Neighborhood

All about Riverside & Avondale

Homes in these neighborhoods are dating back to the late 1800s, and there are even some newer homes sprinkled throughout the area. As you’re driving through, you will notice lots of sidewalks, shaded by large beautiful trees. Thrown in are some palm trees, my favorite is the jelly palm. They are slow growers, so when you come across some that are very tall, you know they have been there for a long time.

Can’t write about Riverside Avondale without talking about the Riverside Avondale Preservation. RAP for short. They are a non profit organization, founded in 1974. Their goal is to make sure these historical areas stay that way, without losing the historical charm. Back in the 70s, the residents were seeing historical buildings torn down and they did not want that to happen, so led by Dr Wayne Wood, those folks took action. I’m glad they did. While I enjoy modern amenities as much as the next person, driving through Avondale Riverside, and seeing the beautiful homes and historical buildings, just makes me giddy. Yes, I said giddy.

I should also mention that Ascension St Vincent Hospital is in Riverside off of Shircliff and Riverside Ave. Avondale has less commercial properties, while Riverside has more businesses on the main roads.

 

Homes For Sale in Riverside Avondale

Things To Do in Riverside Avondale

There are 26 parks in the Riverside/Avondale area. Some are just little pocket parks with a bench or two, giving people opportunities to just sit and chill. Some have playgrounds or other amenities like basketball. Memorial Park is right next to the St Johns River on Riverside Ave. It’s a 6 acre park, which kinda of surprised me that it was that big. This is a perfect spot to take a lunch. Go across the street, grab you a Publix sub and sit on a blanket in the grass and enjoy the moment.

A Saturday favorite is the Riverside Arts Market, right under the Fuller Warren bridge.  Rain or shine it is from 10am-3pm. There are artist, farmers, food trucks and even performers playing some music for the shoppers.  Bring your pooch, they are welcomed too. Located at 715 Riverside Jacksonville 32204. Parking (Fidelity/Black Knight Financial Building) is free and admission is free.

The Cummer Museum is located at 829 Riverside Ave in Jacksonville 32204. Established in 1958, it is the largest fine arts museum in Jacksonville. Not only is there art inside, but there’s a 2 1/2 acre garden out back. If you get an appetite from enjoying the beautiful artwork, stop in the Cummer Cafe.

Shopping in Riverside & Avondale

You’re probably thinking you have to drive a ways to get to any shopping centers, and if you’re thinking Walmart, then you would be correct. There isn’t any room for them. There is a Publix right across from Memorial Park, which isn’t the only place to shop. That plaza is called Riverside Market Square on Margaret Street. There’s a Starbucks, Happy Nails Feet and Tan, H & R Block, a UPS store and alot more. Click here to see the other stores.

The Shoppes of Avondale, is a strip of stores located on St Johns Ave, in…you guessed it…Avondale. You’ll find the Blue Fish Restaurant, Underwood jewelers, Avondale Gift Boutique and more. Check out this article by the Jaxson on the Shoppes of Avondale, which includes some history and pics.

5 Points is an eclectic part of Riverside, where 5 roads meet at a mini round about. There’s some cool stores you can check out, along with the Sun Ray Cinema, which is the oldest movie theater in Jacksonville. Enjoy 5 Points Vintage, Midnight Sun Imports, Edge City and more!

Where to eat in Riverside  & Avondale

I didn’t forget about you food lovers! If you’re looking for a good burger, Carolina Jax is the place for you. There’s Barrs Street Eats, right behind Carolina Jax. Both are across from the hospital. Mixed Fillings Pie shop is off of Oak St. There’s the new Anejo Cocina Mexicana off of Riverside Ave, just past the Fuller Warren Bridge. Here’s a local website that offers reviews on the various restaurants, and they break them down by areas. Avondale, 5 points & Riverside. If you want to see what the locals recommend, check out the The Scoop with Jax Restaurant Reviews.

 

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