The city also boasts superb medical facilities, many with outlying centers to better meet the needs of residents everywhere. The city is home to Shands Jacksonville, Mayo Clinic, Nemour's Children's Clinic, and Wolfson's Children's Hospital, all of which are recognized nationally for their superior service and specialties.

Part of what creates Jacksonville's well-rounded atmosphere is its focus on attractions and tourists as well as its firm dedication to families. The city operates the largest urban park system in the United States - more than 350 parks spread over 6,000 acres - to accommodate growing requests for family environments. The appeal is heightened by the city's many museums, more than 100 golf courses, a beautiful historical history and, of course, an average of 220 sunny days yearly.

Recent commendations have designated Jacksonville one of the best cities in America today. Since the year 2000, Expansion Management magazine ranked Jacksonville as the "Hottest City" in America for business relocation four times. Entrepreneur magazine also ranks Jacksonville high on the list, rating it second as a best big city for small business.

St. Johns County
Quality of life in St. Johns County is unmatched. Rich in heritage and texture, St. Johns County offers a rare combination that inspires corporate and residential neighbors alike. Originally popular for St. Augustine's historic qualities, tourist attractions, fine dining and entertainment, and is now well-known for its variety of lifestyles, from beaches to historic areas to family oriented communities.

Luring in both tourists and families is the strong golf presence in North Florida. The sport continues to grow in popularity among young families. As a result growing communities now offer excellent courses and clubs as part of their features. World Golf Village in St. Johns County has become a major growth area, as has the world class golf and country club, Cimmarone. Additional popular golf communities include South Hampton and St. Johns Golf and Country Club. This region of St. Johns County is expanding rapidly and is a golfing paradise with six championship courses within a 15 minute drive and many more just a slight distance further.

St. Johns County also caters to the growing family. In the Northwest region, many planned communities are designed with the family in mind and include parks and club amenities inside their developments. Julington Creek Plantation and Bartram Springs are some of the better known among these communities. The list of benefits to residents here is long, including highly rated schools and the proximity to superb medical facilities in addition to shopping and well known attractions.

This area is one of Northeast Florida's most prestigious addresses. Ponte Vedra has the finest homes to be found anywhere in the North Florida area. It is home to miles of beautiful beaches and natural wetlands. 

Many exclusive communities are available in Ponte Vedra, including Marsh Landing, Sawgrass, and The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach. These communities offer Intracoastal, lagoon, lake and marsh views. Ponte Vedra has dramatic beachfront homes situated along the A1A. Single family homes in Ponte Vedra are priced generally higher than other areas in St. Johns and range from $150,000 to several million dollars.

In addition to its stunning waterways and stately homes, Ponte Vedra remains popular because of its nearness to Jacksonville and St. Johns County. Here residents will find the attractions, medical facilities, shopping and historic districts many find so exciting, while still coming home to a private, quiet community.