Had the National Lead Company’s Colonel Joseph C. Stehlin not sought out a more luxurious sounding name for his company’s new resort, the city of Ponte Vedra Beach may very well be named Mineral City today. The area had previously been given the industrial-sounding name when it was abuzz with mining operations leading up to the end of World War I—but the Colonel felt a resort of the stature he hoped to develop deserved a swanky name to match. Stehlin and his wife found “Pontevedra” on Spain’s coast at nearly the same latitude, and the name stuck.
Fast forward nearly 100 years, and the city of Ponte Vedra Beach—and nearby Ponte Vedra—has grown into a dynamic community and one of the gems of Florida’s First Coast. For someone considering a relocation to the area, the reasons to make the move are nearly endless, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top five reasons to move to Ponte Vedra.
1. The beach is a dream
Would you expect us to lead off with anything different? With miles of sparkling coastline that punctuates a postcard-perfect backdrop, Ponte Vedra Beach is one of the most beautiful you’ll find in Florida. In fact, CNN once included it as one of “22 can’t-miss U.S. beaches.” Cruise down scenic A1A, and you’ll find a number of access points with ample parking and easy throughways to the beach. Once you’re there, you’ll be blown away by the 40-foot sand dunes that lead to the sugary soft white sand.
Locals know that Ponte Vedra Beach and adjacent beaches like those approaching St. Augustine offer a more peaceful experience than nearby Jacksonville Beach, which is full of fast-paced activities. Ponte Vedra Beach is great for catching the sunrise, working on your tan, leisurely swimming and scouring for shark teeth. It’s perfect for people of all ages.
2. The school system is outstanding
The St. Johns County School District is consistently ranked among the top in all districts in the state of Florida and has several standout schools. At the high school level, Ponte Vedra High School and Allen D. Nease Senior High School have graduation rates above 96% and rank high in a compilation assembled by U.S. News & World Report.
The district also boasts a unique K-8 setting in multiple schools, a structure that many parents love because it eases anxiety and apprehension for kids making the transition to middle school. These schools, like Valley Ridge Academy and Palm Valley Academy in the master-planned community of Nocatee, are highly acclaimed with tremendous parent involvement and participation.
3. It’s a golfer’s paradise
In golf circles, Ponte Vedra is nearly considered hallowed ground because of everything it has to offer for fans of the sport. Its biggest draw is the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass, known locally as TPC at Sawgrass. This world-renowned course hosts one of the PGA Tour’s signature events, The Players Championship, lauded for the “Island Green” on 17. The tournament is a huge event for the town, and tons of people swarm Sawgrass for a chance to watch their favorites. But perhaps the most fun part of the course is that amateurs can play a round when the tour isn’t in town. Because of its popularity and history, just know that tee times can be hard to come by.
Just up the road in St. Augustine, you’ll find the World Golf Hall of Fame, a single site that honors the best men and women to ever hit the links. There are both permanent and temporary exhibits that pay homage to the sport. And because the weather tends to be favorable, locals will take advantage of the many public and private golf courses throughout the entire First Coast area to get in 18 holes.
4. The weather is fabulous
What would a trip to the beach or the golf course be without sunshine? Fortunately, the Sunshine State lives up to its name for residents in Ponte Vedra. Summers give you beautiful mornings, and Winters give you temperatures that just dip low enough to wear your favorite sweaters.
5. There are all different types of homes
The Ponte Vedra area has a little bit of something for everyone. Young families flock to the Nocatee community for its new construction and abundant resident amenities that include multiple water parks, pools, jogging trails, neighborhood events and community paddle launch. Meanwhile, Ponte Vedra Beach has some established, stately neighborhoods with mature trees that offer up a taste of old Florida. Large homes and select condo sites also dot the waterfront up and down the coast for people who want to be within a stone’s throw of the Atlantic.
The post 5 Reasons to Move to Ponte Vedra first appeared on Real Estate Jacksonville.
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