Riverside and Avondale are two of the best restored and prettiest neighborhoods in Jacksonville. On the river, with beautifully detailed houses, gardens on every street, stately churches and schools and spacious parks, it is in every way pleasant. Riverside is also one of the best downtown areas to eat, shop and pick up groceries. Publix Super Market sits in a small shopping area with a variety of restaurants, coffee shops and services like dry cleaner and barber. All this is just down the street from historic "Five Points," the site of even more restaurants, unique and edgy upscale boutiques, a series of beautiful parks and the St. Johns River.

Ortega is on the St. Johns River just south of the historic Riverside and Avondale areas. The neighborhood is bordered by the St. Johns River on the east, the Cedar River on the north and the Ortega River on the west, making it an "inland island." The neighborhood features early 20th century homes and giant, mature oaks. It is almost all residential, with a tiny square known as "Old Ortega" housing a small collection of restaurants, boutiques and pharmacy. The neighborhood is also home to the historic and exclusive Florida Yacht Club and Timuquana Country Club.