What types of new construction are available on the Southside?

Single-family homes lead — about three of every five active new builds — with townhomes making up most of the rest. Seven Pines and eTown's villages carry the widest single-family ranges, while the townhome communities along the 9B and Gate Parkway corridor offer the most accessible entry points, starting under $300K. Some homes are move-in-ready spec inventory; others are to-be-built, where you pick the homesite and finishes.

What do HOA and CDD costs look like in these new communities?

It varies by community type. Townhome communities typically carry higher monthly dues that bundle exterior maintenance; single-family villages run more modest HOAs — but several of the master-planned communities also carry a CDD-style assessment as a separate line on the tax bill, which is the number buyers most often miss. Before you sign a builder contract, get both figures for the specific community — I pull them for every new build my buyers consider.

How far is this area from the beach and from downtown Jacksonville?

Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach are each about 12 miles away — roughly a 20-minute drive under normal conditions. Downtown Jacksonville is closer, around 6 miles, and Mayo Clinic Florida is just about 4 miles away on the Southside, which makes this corridor convenient for anyone working or receiving care there.

Do I need my own agent to buy new construction?

You're allowed to buy directly from the builder — but the on-site sales agent represents the builder, not you. Under today's buyer-agreement rules, compensation is negotiated and confirmed in writing up front, and builders here typically offer to compensate your agent — so bringing your own representation usually costs you nothing out of pocket. What it buys you: contract review, upgrade-pricing reality checks, phase-release timing, and someone tracking the incentives builders rotate week to week. Bring your own agent to the first model-home visit.