Located only a short drive from Jacksonville, one of Florida's largest cities, Ponte Vedra Beach is a unique mixture of laid-back coastal lifestyle and quick access to all of the larger city's amenities nearby. It is a city with abundant natural beauty, plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, and much to see, do and enjoy for all who call it home. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Ponte Vedra, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love.
A Look at the History of Ponte Vedra Beach
Like much of Florida, before the time it became part of the United States, the Ponte Vedra area was inhabited by native peoples. Thereafter, and until Florida became part of the United States, there was also a strong Spanish presence, particularly as the Spanish had important fortresses and military encampments in nearby St. Augustine. After the area became part of the United States, the area that is now Ponte Vedra beach was initially an important mineral mining site, which later gave way to a thriving tourist and real estate industry. Throughout the years, Ponte Vedra has grown in diversity, and today is a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities and much to see and do for all who call it home.
A Few Fun Facts About Ponte Vedra Beach
- Unlike Many Beaches, Ponte Vedra Beach was once an important center of industry. The community was once referred to as Mineral City in the early 1900s, because titanium, zircon, and other minerals were often recovered and extracted from the sand on its beaches.
- The greater Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville area has one of the largest park systems in the country, with more than 400 parks and recreational sites.
- The greater Ponte Vedra area is well known for its excellent school systems, a definite bonus for families with children.
Read more fun facts about Ponte Vedra here.
Ponte Vedra Beach’s LGBTQ Community
Ponte Vedra Beach is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG Jacksonville is Ponte Vedra’s local chapter of PFLAG National, which is national support, education, and advocacy organization for LGBTQ people, as well as their families, friends, and allies. It is the largest grassroots-based family organization of its kind in the country. The stated mission of PFLAG is to help change attitudes and create an environment of understanding so that everyone can live in a world that is safe and inclusive, a mission that it tries to fulfill through support, education, and advocacy.
What's the Weather Like in Ponte Vedra?
Ponte Vedra, like much of Florida, has a warm climate. Temperatures throughout the year typically reach an average high of 89°F in July and an average low temperature of 63°F in January. Ponte Vedra receives more than the national average for annual rainfall, at around 50 inches per year.
Can’t-Miss Events in Ponte Vedra Beach
Also known as Jacksonville Pride, River City Pride is only a short drive from Ponte Vedra and is well worth the trip. an annual weekend-long pride festival and parade that celebrates Jacksonville’s LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city. Whether you enjoy family-friendly activities, parties, parades, networking opportunities, or a little bit of everything, this is one event you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar.
The Best Neighborhoods in Ponte Vedra
If you're considering moving to Ponte Vedra, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Ponte Vedra is sprinkled throughout the area. This is why it’s always advised to contact a Ponte Vedra gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Ponte Vedra is on the more expensive side at around $1.5 million, but for those who can afford it, there are a variety of beautiful homes to choose from.
Arts and Entertainment
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall is a great place to enjoy a wide variety of performances throughout the year. The talent here is excellent and the atmosphere is welcoming. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a show (or several!) for yourself!
With a mission to bring the arts to all in Ponte Vedra Beach, The First Coast Cultural Center is a wonderful place to enjoy art classes, performances, and more. Whether you enjoy pottery, cooking, dance, illustration, or all of the above, you can find it here!
Parks and Recreation
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is only about a fifteen-minute drive from Ponte Vedra Beach, and is a beautiful space of over 100 acres, with more than 2000 animals, and 1000 plant species for visitors to enjoy. It is a beautiful space that is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the country and is a wonderful place to enjoy a beautiful day outside.
One can hardly think of the Ponte Vedra area without mentioning its beautiful beaches. There are a variety of beautiful spots by the sea to choose from – and no shortage of sunshine and sand. Be sure to visit them all and find your favorite!
Ponte Vedra Nightlife
In Cahoots is one of the most popular LGBTQ nightclubs in the Ponte Vedra Beach area. Known for its excellent drag shows, talented DJs, dancing, and friendly crowds, it’s a perfect spot to spend a night out having fun in the city.
The Seahorse Grille is the signature restaurant of the beautiful Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, and it’s a wonderful place to enjoy an elegant dinner with a beautiful view. Though not specifically an LGBTQ restaurant, the Seahorse Grille is friendly and welcoming to all. You’ll definitely want to put it on your list of places to try for a night out in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Contact a Ponte Vedra Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Ponte Vedra, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Ponte Vedra, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Ponte Vedra Beach gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
