New construction is an exciting option for home buyers in Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida. From choosing finishes and floor plans to enjoying newer systems and modern features, there is plenty to love about buying a brand-new home.
But before you walk into a model home or visit a builder's sales center, there are a few things you should know.
One of the most important? The builder's sales representative works for the builder.
Having your own real estate agent involved from the beginning can help you understand your options, ask the right questions and make informed decisions throughout the new construction process.
1. Talk to a Real Estate Agent Before Visiting the Builder
If you're considering new construction in Jacksonville, connecting with your own real estate agent before visiting communities is a smart first step.
The sales representatives you meet at a new construction community are there to represent the builder and sell the builder's homes. Your real estate. ...

 




Some of the best summer plans are the ones that do not require tickets, reservations, or an uncomfortable conversation with your bank account. Every Thursday evening, Concerts in the Plaza brings free live music to the heart of downtown St. Augustine. With music playing beneath the oak trees and historic buildings surrounding the crowd, it is a simple summer tradition that feels perfectly suited for the Nation’s Oldest City.
The concerts are held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the gazebo in Plaza de la Constitución. Located between Cathedral Place and King Street, just west of the Bridge of Lions, the Plaza has served as a public gathering place for more than 400 years. The gazebo itself has stood in the center of the Plaza for nearly a century, making it a fitting stage for an evening that brings locals and visitors together.
This Thursday, August 20, Glory Tributes will perform popular songs made famous by female artists. Bring a chair or blanket, arrive e ...

One of the best parts about buying a home in Northeast Florida is the variety. You can fall in love with a historic bungalow filled with character, tour a brand-new home with modern finishes the same afternoon, and suddenly realize your home search has become a little more complicated.
So, which one is right for you?
When searching for a home in Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida, choosing between an older home and new construction often comes down to your lifestyle, priorities, budget, and what you want your homeownership experience to look like.
The Appeal of Historic and Established Homes
Northeast Florida has no shortage of homes with personality. Areas throughout Jacksonville and St. Augustine feature homes from different architectural eras, giving buyers plenty of opportunities to find something that feels unique.
Historic and established homes may offer features such as:

Original architectural details
Mature landscaping
Established surroundings
Unique flo ...

 




For six years, Kitchen 251 was one of those Amelia Island spots where the food, the people, and the waterfront sunsets all seemed to work together. Tucked inside the Amelia Island Marina, it became a favorite for locals and visitors looking for fresh seafood, comforting Southern dishes, and a little Cajun flavor.
Now, Kitchen 251 has traded its marina views for historic charm, a much larger dining room, and plenty of room to grow.
The restaurant officially opened its new location at 801 Beech Street in January 2026, settling into the historic William Bell House in downtown Fernandina Beach. While the setting may be different, the familiar food and welcoming atmosphere that built Kitchen 251’s loyal following have made the move right along with it.
The new space is a major change from the restaurant’s former marina location, which only had a small number of indoor tables. Kitchen 251 can now welcome approximately 140 guests inside, with additional seatin ...

If you’re thinking about moving to Northeast Florida, one of the biggest questions may not be whether you want to live here, but where you want to call home.
From the energy of Jacksonville to the historic streets of St. Augustine and the laid-back communities along the Atlantic coast, Northeast Florida offers a little bit of everything. The right place depends on what matters most to you, your home search, and the lifestyle you picture outside your front door.
At EXIT 1 Stop Realty, we believe finding a home is about more than bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. It’s about finding the place that feels right for you.
The Bold City: Jacksonville
Jacksonville is big, and that’s part of what makes living here so interesting.
Instead of one single lifestyle, Jacksonville offers a collection of communities, each with its own character. You can find historic homes, new construction, established suburban communities, condos, waterfront properties, and plenty in b ...