Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach in Nassau County, Florida

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NASSAU COUNTY

Real Estate

	2007	2008	4/2009
Median Price* Single Family Home	$196,500	$180,600	$151,900
Median Price* Condominium	$172,300	$147,200	$107,500

* Median Price of 101 homes sold would be that price which is lower than 50 of the prices and also higher than 50 of the prices. In other words, there are homes and condominiums available in every price range in Nassau County. Median prices shown above are for the Jacksonville MSA. The statistics are meant to give you a feel for the area as compared to others you may be considering and to show the direction of the market.

Taxes

Visit Buy a Home in Florida for comprehensive property tax information.

Weather

Average High/Low in January 65/43, in July 92/73

Nassau County is located in the northeast corner of Florida at the Georgia border, just 30 miles north of downtown Jacksonville. Nassau County comprises 652 square miles and is generally divided into three areas: Hilliard in the northwest region, Callahan in the south mid-west and Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, and Yulee in the east. The county is a wonderful blend of rural, wooded areas to the west and beautiful rivers, sounds, beaches and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Amelia Island IS coastal Nassau County. Thirteen miles long and two miles wide, the northern and southern tips of the island are park preserves, which make up nearly 10 percent of the entire island. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Intra-coastal waterway, strong-currented Nassau Sound and one of the East’s largest and deepest inlets – Cumberland Sound – Amelia Island is edged with natural Appalachian quartz beaches and framed by sand dunes as high as 40 feet. Recently named among the Top 10 North American islands by Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Amelia Island is treasured for its long stretches of quiet beaches, natural beauty, unique history, and charming seaport character.

Once a vibrant, Victorian seaport village, charming downtown Fernandina Beach escaped the mass commercialization of the 20th century and boasts a beautiful 50-block historic district with many original structures dating back to the late 19th century, including many Victorian-style mansions and Victorian cottages.

Yulee is Nassau County's largest unincorporated area is located in the central portion of the County. Residential choices are numerous and range from planned communities, waterfront and small/large private tracts to an emerging rental market. It is the fastest growing residential area in Nassau County.

Events

All year long, Amelia Island offers family-friendly events and festivals that celebrate the island’s colorful past and present – from the Concours d’Elegance in March, featuring rare vintage automobiles, to the Wild Amelia Nature Festival in May, offering a fun and educational look into the island’s biodiversity. In May, the famous Shrimp Festival is an all-out street party pirate celebration in honor of the tasty shrimp and the island’s shrimping heritage. The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival in June and Amelia Island Jazz Festival in October put music in the air.

Parks & Recreation

At the north end of Amelia Island, Fort Clinch State Park has one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country. Sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing are popular activities at the beach. Anglers can fish from the pier or take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park. Self-guided nature trails provide opportunities to learn about and observe native plants and wildlife.

At the southern end of Amelia Island, sits Amelia Island State Park. Beautiful beaches, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests provide visitors a glimpse of the original Florida. Amelia Island State Park is the only state park in Florida to offer horseback riding on the beach; a 45-minute riding tour through the forest and along the Atlantic Coast beach. Although the view from the park is breath-taking in itself, most visitors come for the fantastic fishing opportunities.

Amelia's rich and fish-filled waters create a veritable gold mine for birds and birdwatchers. Birders from across the country bring their binoculars to catch sight of a variety of nature's splendid species not available in most other geographic regions. Also while birding, keep your eyes open for butterflies. Amelia offers some of the most exquisite specimens found anywhere.

Nature-lovers will find few better ways to appreciate the island’s scenic wonders than a trip to Kayak Amelia. Located in Talbot Islands State Park, Kayak Amelia lets you paddle your way to close encounters with Amelia Island’s extraordinary wildlife, including egrets, herons, sea turtles, and manatees.

Visit Your Florida Lifestyle for more information on fishing and our Guide to Establishing Florida Residency for Florida fishing license information.

Beaches

A favorite island pastime for visitors and locals alike is to canvas Amelia's sandy shores and surf line in search of seashells. Winds and waves reveal a marvelous variety of shells along the island's pristine shoreline, many unbroken and unworn. Easy to collect and identify, most shells can be found along the high-tide line. Along her 13-miles of shoreline, Amelia Island has a variety of public beaches and parks.

For comprehensive information on all Florida beaches and gift certificates for the best Florida restaurants on or near them, check out The Florida Beach Book!!

Golf

Amelia Island is truly a golfer's paradise. Named "Silver Medal Golf Resort" by Golf Magazine, Amelia Island Plantation boasts 54 championship holes. Amelia Links,designed by Pete Dye and Bobby Weed, offers 36 holes on two signature courses, Oak Marsh and Ocean Links. Long Point, home of the Amelia Island Plantation School of Golf, is designed among primal marshlands and the towering sand dunes of the Atlantic. The Golf Club of Amelia Island on Summer Beach features and 18-hole championship course located next to Ocean Place. Designed by Mark McCumber and Gene Littler, the course takes full advantage of the natural terrain offering spectacular views.

There are several good municipal courses in Fernandina Beach. The Fernandina Beach Golf Club one of the most popular municipal golf courses in the southeastern United States. Vast improvements to the golf course as well as the addition of a new clubhouse in 2000 make it one of the finest municipal golf clubs in the country. Make a Full Golf Membership at Fernandina Beach Golf Club your means to enjoy our 27-holes of golf throughout the year.

Visit Your Florida Lifestyle for additional golf information.

Hospitals

Baptist Medical Center www.e-baptisthealth.com/nassau

Visit Florida Medical Resources for comprehensive information including Florida hospital ratings.

Colleges

Florida Community College, Yulee www.fccj.edu

For information on Lifelong Learning, visit Your Florida Lifestyle.

Airports

Jacksonville International Airport www.jia.aero.

Shopping

On Amelia Island, the urge to shop is happily satisfied among an eclectic collection of local stores, shops, galleries and boutiques, as well as a few familiar retailers.

Down and around Fernandina Beach’s charming historic Centre Street you will find a delightful shopping experience that spares you heavy hand of mass commercialization. The quaint shopping district blends local flavor and modern convenience with its Victorian past, offering a little something for every taste.

Nassau County, Florida, Cities & Towns

Incorporated

Town of Callahan
City of Fernandina Beach
Town of Hilliard

Unincorporated

Additional Resources:

Amelia Island Tourist Information www.ameliaisland.com

Nassau County Government http://www.nassaucountyfl.com/

Featured Towns/Cities

Fernandina Beach

The city of Fernandina Beach, at the north end of Amelia Island is Florida’s northernmost beach town on the East Coast. Charming is the word most often used to describe this Victorian seaport village that is the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. The skill of netmaking is still a handcrafted specialty.

Fernandina's Centre Street in Old Town is lined with a collection of antique shops, boutiques, fine restaurants, historic homes and late Victorian Inns. Old Town consists of 50 blocks and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Island living usually means high prices in Florida, but housing in Fernandina Beach is quite reasonable. New construction: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 936 square feet @ $119,000. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2629 sq. feet, 2 car garage on a wooded lot @ $219,990. $619,000 buys a 2 year old 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3 car garage, 2808 sq. foot home on .27 acres on a lovely pond, very close to the beach. Newer condos and townhouses range in price from $125,000 to well over $1 Million.

Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island are worthy of your consideration if you are looking for serenity, a beautiful natural environment, historical significance and a change of seasons.

If you would like to get a feel for home prices in Fernandina Beach or Nassau County, visit www.zillow.com and search for recent homes sold.

If you would prefer to save precious time and would like personalized assistance, call or email us today to take advantage of our free Florida Relocation Services. We’ll answer all of your questions and if the timing is right for you, we’ll introduce you to one of the best real estate agents in Fernandina Beach who can provide detailed information and professional assistance.