The San Jose neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida, is a riverfront suburb known for its mid-century properties and a blend of architectural styles [1] [2]. It is situated off the banks of the St. Johns River, approximately eight miles south of Downtown Jacksonville [1] [3].

According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI: The development of San Jose began with plans as early as 1914, initiated by the San Jose Company with Claude Nolan as president, who envisioned a community fostered by the automobile [4]. However, these plans were delayed by World War I [4]. The project gained momentum during the Florida land boom when the San Jose Estates Company, led by Charles W. Strickland, purchased 1,000 acres of the former San Jose Plantation in 1925 [4]. Noted city planner John Nolen designed the community with a radial street pattern, Spanish city names, and a landscaped parkway, aiming for a self-contained suburban environment with amenities like hotels, country clubs, schools, retail, and churches centered around Plaza del Sanchez [4]. The architectural style was predominantly Mediterranean Revival, with initial sales being very strong [4]. Despite early success, the Florida real estate market declined, leading to the failure of the development by the end of 1926, with only 37 structures completed [4]. The luxurious San Jose Hotel, intended as the centerpiece, closed in 1928 and was later acquired by philanthropist Richard J. Bolles, becoming an all-boys' military academy in 1933, which is now The Bolles School [1] [4]. After World War II, much of the original vision was re-platted, and while Nolen's street network was largely preserved, mid-20th-century infill architecture, including mid-century modern and ranch styles, became prevalent, creating a unique architectural mix [4]. The construction of I-95 further east redirected commercial and industrial development, helping to preserve San Jose's residential character [4].

As of November 2025, the average home value in San Jose is approximately $366,986, with an average price of $199 per square foot [1]. Homes typically sell after 49 days on the market [1]. The median sale price for homes over the last 12 months was $305,000, showing a 1% increase from the previous 12 months [1]. Architectural styles vary widely, from mid-century modern ranch-style homes to larger four-bedroom residences and grand Mediterranean Revival-style estates, especially along the riverfront [1]. Two-bedroom condos can range from $150,000 to $300,000, while riverfront three-bedroom condos in gated communities can exceed $1 million [1]. For renters, the average apartment rent in San Jose is $894 for a studio, $1,118 for one bedroom, $1,500 for two bedrooms, and $1,819 for three bedrooms, with a slight decrease of 1.1% in the past year [3].

Local amenities and lifestyle features include a strong sense of community, with 69% of locals reporting that kids play outside and 64% noting a holiday spirit [5]. The neighborhood is considered dog-friendly by 77% of residents and has sidewalks (72%) [5]. While 83% of locals believe a car is needed, 51% find it walkable to grocery stores [5]. Parking is generally easy (70%), and streets are well-lit (60%) and quiet (61%) [5]. For recreation, residents can visit Crabtree Park, which has basketball courts, or Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk Park, offering walking trails and a kayak launch site on Goodby's Creek [1]. The John T. Lowe Boat Ramp provides access for larger vessels [1]. The San Jose Country Club offers an 18-hole golf course, bocce courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and hosts various social events [1]. Dining options include local favorites like The French Pantry for sandwiches and baked goods, and Mojo Bar-B-Que for Southern-style dishes [1]. Grocery shopping is available at Publix Supermarket and Winn Dixie [1].

Education in San Jose includes Kings Trail Elementary School and San Jose Elementary, which is a Spanish/English Dual Language Magnet School [1]. Middle school students may attend Alfred Dupont Middle, also offering a dual language program [1]. High school options include Englewood High, known for its Sports, Recreation & Entertainment Marketing program, and Samuel W. Wolfson High, a college preparatory magnet school with International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement tracks [1]. The A-plus-rated Bolles School, a private K-12 boarding and day school, is located within San Jose and is recognized for its extensive athletics programs [1].

San Jose is conveniently located off Interstate 95, providing easy access to Downtown Jacksonville (9 miles) and Atlantic coast beaches like Ponte Vedra (19 miles) [1]. HCA Florida Memorial Hospital is about 5 miles away, and Jacksonville International Airport is approximately 25 miles distant [1]. The neighborhood is in Duval County, Florida, and its time zone is Eastern Daylight Time [2].


Authoritative Sources

  1. San Jose Neighborhood. Homes.com
  2. San Jose, FL. MapQuest
  3. San Jose Apartments for Rent. Apartments.com
  4. The Creation of San Jose. The Jaxson Mag
  5. San Jose, Jacksonville, FL. Trulia

Sign up for free to save this answer and access it later

Sign up →