Arlington Homes for Sale — Affordable Value, St. Johns River Waterfront & Jacksonville's Best-Kept Secret

Arlington is one of Jacksonville's four major sections and one of its most historically significant — site of the French Fort Caroline in 1564, one of the earliest European settlements in the United States. Today, Arlington delivers something increasingly rare in Jacksonville: solid brick and block homes on generous, tree-covered lots at prices well below the city average, just 5 miles east of downtown via the Mathews Bridge and 12 miles from the beaches along historic Atlantic Boulevard — Florida's first modern highway (1910).

Home to Jacksonville University, the 50-acre Tree Hill Nature Preserve, and St. Johns River waterfront neighborhoods, Arlington is undergoing a revitalization that smart buyers are paying attention to. Explore the latest listings below.

Single-Family Homes Waterfront Under $200K $200K–$350K Over $350K Renovated Homes Pool Homes Condos & Townhomes Investment Properties New Listings

Explore Nearby Communities

Arlington sits between downtown Jacksonville and the beaches, surrounded by diverse neighborhoods. Browse nearby areas for different styles and price points.

Ft. Caroline

East Arlington. 15+ subdivisions, Hidden Hills golf, Charter Point waterfront, Belmont Lakes, newer construction, slightly higher prices.

San Marco / San Jose

Across the river southwest. Walkable dining district, historic architecture, riverfront estates, San Marco Square, A-rated schools.

Southside

South across the Arlington Expressway. St. Johns Town Center, Tinseltown, wider price range, major employers, condos to gated communities.

Atlantic Beach

12 miles east via Atlantic Blvd. Walkable oceanfront village, Town Center, local dining, beach lifestyle at higher price points.

Jacksonville Beach

14 miles east via Beach Blvd. Largest beach community, pier, nightlife, 4.1 miles of shoreline, condos to oceanfront homes.

Intracoastal West

Southeast. 24+ subdivisions including Tamaya, eTown, Queens Harbour. Newer gated communities, higher prices, closer to Intracoastal.

Mandarin

South Jacksonville. Family-oriented, larger lots, mature trees, St. Johns River access, established suburban character.

Baymeadows

Southeast. Deerwood and Deercreek gated golf communities, country club living, major employers, central convenience.

Arlington Community Snapshot

Jacksonville's original suburb — where 460 years of history, affordable brick homes on large lots, and active revitalization create the city's best emerging value market.

Price Range & Property Types

  • Median home price: ~$225,000–$250,000
  • Starter homes & renovated bungalows: $150,000–$300,000
  • Midcentury brick ranches on large lots: $200,000–$400,000
  • Waterfront & riverfront properties: $400,000–$700,000+
  • Condos & townhomes: $100,000–$250,000
  • Typical lots 100’ wide • Brick/block construction • Zip: 32211 Duval County

Location & Commute

  • 5 miles / 10 min to downtown Jacksonville via Mathews Bridge
  • 12 miles / 20 min to the beaches via Atlantic Blvd
  • 15 min to Southside & St. Johns Town Center
  • 20 min to Naval Station Mayport
  • 30 min to Jacksonville International Airport
  • Access via Arlington Expressway (SR 10A), Atlantic Blvd, I-295, Southside Connector

History, Nature & Recreation

  • Fort Caroline National Memorial — 1564 French settlement, Timucuan Preserve
  • Tree Hill Nature Preserve — 50 acres of trails and natural habitats
  • St. Johns River waterfront — west and north borders
  • Riverfront parks, boat ramps, fishing & kayak access
  • bestbet Jacksonville — Florida's largest poker room
  • Craig Airport (WWII-era) • Dames Point Bridge (1989 cable-stayed landmark)

Schools & Education

  • Arlington Heights Elementary • Pine Forest Elementary
  • Arlington Middle School • Fort Caroline Middle School
  • Terry Parker High School — Early College program with FSCJ
  • Jacksonville University — private, 100+ academic programs, marine science, nursing
  • FSCJ campuses nearby • Magnet & charter options available
  • Duval County Public Schools • Improving district with choice programs

Employment & Economy

  • Crowley Maritime Corp. HQ — 13th largest private company in FL ($2.2B revenue)
  • Regency business district — commercial area equitable in size to downtown
  • Jacksonville University — major local employer and development driver
  • 10 min to downtown • 15 min to Southside business corridor
  • 20 min to Naval Station Mayport & NAS Jacksonville
  • Active revitalization — new businesses, College Park Shopping Center, campus expansion

Who Lives in Arlington?

Arlington draws a remarkably diverse cross-section of Jacksonville. First-time buyers and young families find homes here that are impossible to afford closer to the beaches or in newer Southside developments — solid brick homes on large lots, many with mature oaks, for under $250,000. Military families stationed at Mayport or NAS Jacksonville appreciate the short commute and affordable prices. Jacksonville University students and faculty anchor the neighborhood's academic character. Investors recognize the revitalization potential, purchasing renovated bungalows and midcentury homes at prices that allow strong rental returns. Long-time Arlington residents — many of whom have lived here for decades — value the community's green spaces, 100-foot-wide lots, and central location where you can reach almost anywhere in Jacksonville within 30 minutes. Artists, entrepreneurs, and small business owners are part of the neighborhood's renewal.

Why Arlington?

Arlington is Jacksonville's best-kept secret — and the secret is getting out. Consider this: you can buy a renovated brick home on a large, tree-covered lot for $200,000–$300,000, live 10 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from the beach, and be in one of the most historically significant areas in the United States (Fort Caroline predates Jamestown and Plymouth). Jacksonville University is investing in campus improvements that are driving nearby development. New businesses are opening along the commercial corridors. Renovated homes are attracting buyers priced out of San Marco, the beaches, and the Southside. For buyers who prioritize value, location, and the kind of character that only comes with established neighborhoods, Arlington offers a combination you can't find anywhere else in Jacksonville at these prices.

Your Guide to Living in Arlington

Daily Life in Arlington

Arlington has a rhythm that's distinctly its own. Mornings might mean legendary donuts at The Donut Shoppe (cash only, and worth it — ask for the Ugly, a massive apple fritter that's become a Jacksonville institution). The drive downtown takes 10 minutes across the Mathews Bridge, while Atlantic Boulevard — Florida's very first modern highway, completed in 1910 — carries commuters straight to the beaches in 20 minutes. The dining scene is one of Arlington's hidden strengths: Potter's House Soul Food Bistro, The Lazy Manatee craft beer taproom near Jacksonville University, and diverse restaurants along Atlantic Boulevard representing Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and classic barbecue. Weekends bring walks through Tree Hill Nature Preserve, fishing along the St. Johns River, or a visit to the Fort Caroline National Memorial within the Timucuan Preserve.

Homes & Real Estate

Arlington spans zip code 32211 and sits east of downtown Jacksonville between the St. Johns River and the Southside. Most homes are midcentury brick or concrete block construction from the 1950s–1970s, built during the area's post-Mathews Bridge boom. Lots are typically 100 feet wide with mature trees — substantially larger than what you'll find in newer developments.

Classic Arlington Brick Homes

1950s–1970s brick/block • $150K–$350K • 100’ wide lots • Hardwood floors, fireplaces • Many renovated with modern kitchens & baths

Riverfront & Waterfront

St. Johns River, Arlington River • $400K–$700K+ • Dock access, water views • Charter Point, Floral Bluff, River Bluff • Rare value vs. other riverfront areas

New Construction & Condos

Infill new builds $250K–$400K • Condos/townhomes $100K–$250K • Modern 4BR/2.5BA homes appearing • Investment-friendly options

Featured neighborhoods include: Arlington Manor, University Park, Alderman Park, Arlingwood, Lake Lucina, Clifton, Empire Point, Floral Bluff, Woodland Acres, and Spring Glen.

Location & Commuting

Arlington's central position is one of its greatest assets — residents say you can reach almost anywhere in Jacksonville within 30 minutes:

  • Downtown Jacksonville — 5 miles / 10 minutes via Mathews Bridge or Arlington Expressway
  • Jacksonville Beach — 12 miles / 20 minutes via Atlantic Blvd (Florida's first modern highway)
  • St. Johns Town Center — 15 minutes via the Southside Connector or I-295
  • Naval Station Mayport — 20 minutes via Atlantic Blvd East
  • NAS Jacksonville — 20 minutes via the Arlington Expressway and I-95 South
  • Jacksonville International Airport — 25–30 minutes via I-295 or I-95 North

The Arlington Expressway (SR 10A), Atlantic Boulevard (SR 10), I-295 East Beltway, and the Southside Connector (SR 113) all serve the area. The Dames Point Bridge (I-295) connects Arlington to the Northside. JTA bus routes serve major corridors throughout the neighborhood.

Schools & Education

Arlington is served by Duval County Public Schools. Terry Parker High School offers an Early College program where 11th and 12th graders attend Florida State College at Jacksonville full-time while still participating in high school activities. Arlington Heights Elementary and Pine Forest Elementary serve the elementary level, with Arlington Middle School and Fort Caroline Middle School for middle grades. Jacksonville University is a private university founded in 1934 offering over 100 academic programs, including nationally recognized marine science, engineering, and nursing programs. JU's ongoing campus investment is a significant driver of Arlington's revitalization. FSCJ campuses are accessible nearby, and magnet and charter school options provide additional choice.

Buying a Home in Arlington

Arlington is arguably Jacksonville's best value market. The typical home is a 3-bedroom brick or concrete block ranch from the 1950s–1970s on a lot that's 100 feet wide (or wider) with mature oak canopy — priced between $150,000 and $300,000. Renovated versions with updated kitchens, bathrooms, and modern flooring run $225,000–$350,000. Waterfront properties along the St. Johns River, in neighborhoods like Charter Point and Floral Bluff, offer dock access and river views for $400,000–$700,000+ — a fraction of what comparable riverfront costs in San Marco or San Jose. New infill construction is appearing at $250,000–$400,000 with modern floorplans. For investors, the combination of low purchase prices, strong rental demand (driven by JU students, military families, and downtown commuters), and active revitalization makes Arlington one of the most compelling markets in Northeast Florida. Homes sell in a median of 44 days.

When Arlington May Not Be the Right Fit

  • If top-rated public schools are your priority: Arlington's public schools are improving but don't match St. Johns County or the best Duval County magnets. Consider Nocatee, Julington Creek, or Ponte Vedra Beach for A-rated schools.
  • If you want gated community living: Arlington is a traditional neighborhood without gates or HOA amenities. Intracoastal West, Baymeadows, or Nocatee offer gated communities with pools and clubhouses.
  • If you want walkable dining and nightlife: Arlington's restaurants are spread along car-dependent corridors. San Marco, Riverside/Avondale, or Jacksonville Beach offer walkable entertainment districts.
  • If you want brand-new construction: Most Arlington homes are midcentury. Nocatee, Bartram, eTown, or Wells Creek deliver all-new builds with modern amenities.

Search the Newest Listings in Arlington, Jacksonville FL

Price
Beds
Baths
Postal Code: 32211
Purchase Type: For Sale

171 Properties for Sale In 32211

FL >32211 >

Compare Arlington to Other Jacksonville Communities

Arlington offers Jacksonville's best value for established homes on large lots. Here's how it stacks up against nearby areas:

Ft. Caroline

East Arlington's 32225 zip code with 15+ subdivisions including Hidden Hills golf, Charter Point waterfront, and Belmont Lakes. Newer construction, slightly higher prices ($300K–$500K+), and more subdivision-style communities. Ft. Caroline delivers more turnkey options while Arlington offers deeper value and renovation potential on larger lots.

San Marco / San Jose

Just across the river to the southwest. San Marco offers walkable dining at San Marco Square, 1920s Mediterranean architecture, and A-rated Hendricks Avenue Elementary — at 2–3x Arlington's prices. San Marco delivers walkable charm and prestige; Arlington delivers comparable lot sizes and riverfront access at a fraction of the cost.

Southside

Immediately south via the Southside Connector. Home to St. Johns Town Center, Tinseltown, and the Deerwood Park employment corridor. Wider range of housing from $150K condos to $600K+ gated communities. Southside offers more commercial amenities and newer construction; Arlington offers larger lots, lower prices, and more character.

Atlantic Beach

12 miles east at the terminus of Atlantic Boulevard. Walkable oceanfront village with local restaurants, Town Center shops, and beach lifestyle. Median prices $500K–$700K+. Atlantic Beach delivers beach proximity and walkability; Arlington delivers similar midcentury home styles at dramatically lower prices with a much shorter downtown commute.

The Arlington Advantage

No other area in Jacksonville puts you 10 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from the beach with solid brick homes on 100-foot-wide lots at a median price under $250,000. Add 460 years of history (Fort Caroline predates both Jamestown and Plymouth), Jacksonville University's campus investment driving neighborhood revitalization, new businesses opening along commercial corridors, and the kind of mature oak canopy that takes decades to grow — and Arlington represents the best combination of value, location, and upside in Northeast Florida. Get a free home evaluation or schedule a consultation with the Reel Keeper Home Team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington

Where is Arlington in Jacksonville?

Arlington is one of Jacksonville's four major sections, located east of downtown between the St. Johns River (west and north borders), the Intracoastal Waterway (east), and the Southside (south). It encompasses zip codes 32211, 32277, and portions of 32225. The area is connected to downtown by the Mathews Bridge (opened 1953) and the Arlington Expressway, and to the Northside by the Dames Point Bridge (I-295). Atlantic Boulevard runs through the heart of Arlington connecting to the beaches 12 miles east.

How much do homes cost in Arlington?

Arlington offers some of the most affordable housing in Northeast Florida. The median home price is approximately $225,000–$250,000. Classic brick and block ranches from the 1950s–1970s start around $150,000 for homes needing updates and run $200,000–$350,000 for renovated versions. Waterfront properties along the St. Johns River range from $400,000 to $700,000+. Condos and townhomes start as low as $100,000–$250,000. New infill construction runs $250,000–$400,000. Homes sell in a median of 44 days.

What is the history of Arlington?

Arlington's history stretches back over 460 years. The French established Fort Caroline along the St. Johns River in 1564 — one of the earliest European settlements in North America, predating both Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth (1620). After centuries as farmland and plantation territory, Atlantic Boulevard was completed in 1910 as Florida's first modern highway. The opening of the Mathews Bridge in 1953 connected Arlington to downtown and sparked a 20-year building boom. Regency Square Mall opened in 1967 as one of the Southeast's largest shopping centers. Jacksonville University began campus construction in the late 1940s.

What is Fort Caroline National Memorial?

Fort Caroline National Memorial is a National Park Service site located on the banks of the St. Johns River in northern Arlington. It commemorates the 1564 French Huguenot settlement of La Caroline, which was among the earliest European attempts at colonization in what would become the United States. The site includes a historic replica of the fort with cannons and flags, the Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center, and trails with river views. It sits within the larger Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, one of the last unspoiled coastal wetland ecosystems in the Northeast Florida.

What is Jacksonville University?

Jacksonville University (JU) is a private university founded in 1934, located on a riverfront campus in Arlington along the St. Johns River. It offers over 100 academic programs including nationally recognized marine science, engineering, nursing, and aviation programs. JU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The university is a major driver of Arlington's revitalization, with ongoing campus improvements and investments that are spurring nearby commercial development and attracting new residents.

What schools serve Arlington?

Arlington is served by Duval County Public Schools. Arlington Heights Elementary and Pine Forest Elementary serve the elementary level. Arlington Middle School and Fort Caroline Middle School serve middle grades. Terry Parker High School is the primary high school and offers an Early College program where 11th and 12th grade students attend Florida State College at Jacksonville full-time while participating in high school activities like sports and clubs. Jacksonville University provides higher education with 100+ programs. Magnet and charter school options are also available throughout the area.

Is Arlington being revitalized?

Yes. Arlington is undergoing significant revitalization on multiple fronts. Jacksonville University is investing in campus improvements that are driving nearby development and attracting new residents and businesses. The College Park Shopping Center represents new commercial investment. Renovated homes are drawing buyers priced out of San Marco, the beaches, and the Southside. New infill construction is appearing throughout the area. The Regency Square Mall property has been identified for major mixed-use redevelopment. Local realtors describe Arlington as a hidden gem that's being uncovered, with visible improvements each year.

Is Arlington good for investment properties?

Arlington is widely considered one of Jacksonville's strongest markets for real estate investment. The combination of low purchase prices (homes available from the $150,000s), strong rental demand from Jacksonville University students, military families at Mayport and NAS Jacksonville, and downtown commuters creates favorable cash-flow conditions. The ongoing revitalization is driving appreciation, and the central location between downtown and the beaches ensures long-term demand. Many investors purchase classic brick homes, renovate them, and either rent or resell at significant margins.

What is Tree Hill Nature Preserve?

Tree Hill Nature Preserve is a 50-acre natural area located off Lone Star Road near the Arlington Expressway. Originally farmland, the Preservation Association of Tree Hill began acquiring the land in 1972. Today it features walking trails, diverse habitats, and environmental education programs. The highest point was historically an island when nearby creeks were dammed to create a 150-acre mill pond in the early 1800s. Tree Hill is one of the largest urban nature preserves in Jacksonville and a treasured green space for Arlington residents.

What dining is available in Arlington?

Arlington's dining scene is one of its hidden strengths, featuring diverse cuisines along its commercial corridors. The Donut Shoppe is a Jacksonville institution known for its cash-only policy and legendary apple fritter called "the Ugly." Potter's House Soul Food Bistro serves soul food done right. The Lazy Manatee is a family-friendly craft beer taproom near Jacksonville University. Along Atlantic Boulevard and Baymeadows Road, you'll find authentic Greek and Mediterranean at the Athenian Owl, Indian at 5th Element, and diverse options spanning Mexican, Middle Eastern, barbecue, and seafood. bestbet Jacksonville offers Florida's largest poker room alongside dining and entertainment.

Ready to Find Your Home in Atlantic Beach?

From oceanfront estates to walkable beach bungalows and new-construction golf course homes, the Reel Keeper Home Team know every block of Atlantic Beach. Let us help you find the right home in one of Jacksonville's most desirable coastal communities.

Schedule a Consultation

Reel Keeper Home Team

Your Jacksonville & Northeast Florida Real Estate Experts • eXp Realty

(904) 414-4000 team@viewjaxhomes.com Contact the Team
Jacksonville & Northeast Florida Community Guides
More