For anyone thinking about moving to Orange Park
Welcome to Orange Park Florida, a cozy town in the northeast corner of the Sunshine State. It is located on the west side of the St. Johns River and boarders Jacksonville, Fleming Island, and Middleburg. This guide gives you all the details you need to navigate the Orange Park housing market if you’re thinking about moving.
The Orange Park housing market offers homebuyers a shot at finding their perfect home. The median sold price in April 2025 reached $341K which is about the same as last year’s median price of $337K. Houses now sit on the market for about 34 days, which is 12 days longer than the previous year.
You might like Orange Park for its family-friendly vibe, how close it is to Jacksonville, or the appeal of a tight-knit community. We’ll give you key insights and tips from local experts to help you find your ideal home here.
Why People Are Moving to Orange Park FL
Orange Park’s real estate market keeps drawing more homebuyers who find this charming town in Clay County, Florida, just southwest of Jacksonville irresistible. With a population of approximately 9,064 residents as of 2023, it offers a suburban feel with easy access to urban amenities. The town is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and proximity to major employers and attractions in the Jacksonville area. Let’s take a closer look at who’s moving here and what makes this Florida destination so popular.
Migration trends and buyer demographics
Northeast Florida has become a magnet for people moving from other states, with Florida welcoming nearly 637,000 new residents in 2023. Orange Park plays a key role in this regional movement with some interesting patterns in its population.
The town has 9,064 residents and the median age is 48.2 years, which is higher than many Florida communities. Retirees love it here – about 25% of residents are 65 or older. They’re drawn to the peaceful suburban lifestyle.
The population stays steady with little change. Numbers show a tiny 0.3% drop between April 2020 and July 2023. This stability means the community doesn’t face the rapid growth issues that plague other Florida cities.
The real estate market in Orange Park shows some clear patterns:
- 71% of homebuyers in Orange Park prefer to remain in the metropolitan region.
- Miami sends the most buyers here, with New York and Washington DC close behind
- People who leave mostly head to Greenville (SC), Knoxville (TN), and Asheville (NC)
The community is financially stable. The average household brings in $98,620, while the median household income is $74,564. These numbers jumped by 11.2% between 2022 and 2023.
What makes Orange Park attractive to new residents
Orange Park offers exceptional value in Florida’s competitive market. Homes here average around $330,000, which is nowhere near the national average of $495,000 or Florida’s $409,000. Renters pay about $1,750 monthly.
The town’s “perfect blend of charm, convenience, and community” appeals to many different groups. Families appreciate the Clay County School District, which is recognized as the second-best in the Jacksonville region.
Location is a big plus. Just 15 miles south of downtown Jacksonville, residents can easily commute on I-295 while enjoying a more laid-back lifestyle.
Life here comes with plenty of ways to stay active and have fun. The St. Johns River offers scenic spots, and you’ll find family-friendly parks and community events everywhere. The enjoyable subtropical climate allows for outdoor activities throughout the entire year.
The community spirit really sets Orange Park apart. The popular Orange Park Farmers’ & Arts Market brings together more than 100 vendors and helps promote connections among neighbors while welcoming newcomers.
Orange Park gives homebuyers more than just affordable housing – it’s a lifestyle choice that perfectly balances suburban peace with modern conveniences.
Matching Your Lifestyle to the Right Neighborhood
You’ll need to understand what each area has to offer to find your perfect match among Orange Park neighborhoods. I’ve checked out every corner of this diverse town to help you line up the right neighborhood with your lifestyle priorities.
Best areas for outdoor lovers and families
Oakleaf Plantation gives families looking for newer developments various housing options among top-rated schools and large recreational facilities. The neighborhood draws young professionals, families, and retirees alike with its modern amenities and active community watch programs.
Doctors Lake attracts water enthusiasts with its waterfront properties, mature trees, and peaceful streets. This quiet setting creates an ideal spot for those who want waterfront living.
Lakeside Estates is an established neighborhood in the heart of Orange Park. Homes were mainly built in the 60s – 70s. Lakeside Estates is close to shopping and major roads.
Loch Rane and Orange Park Country Club (OPCC) is one of the gated communities in Orange Park. OPCC has a community center and golf course. The Oakleaf area of Orange Park also also a few gated townhouse communities and there is a golf course located within the Eagle Landing community.
The Town of Orange Park was founded in 1877. It has homes, community parks, local community events, and a skate park. For 43 years, the Town of Orange Park has been named a Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation. The Town of Orange Park has it’s own government.
Proximity to beaches, parks, shopping and Naval Air Station
The strategic spot of Orange Park lets residents reach Jacksonville’s beaches in about 40 minutes. People here can easily visit popular spots like Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach—each offering unique experiences from family fun to romantic sunsets.
Residents of Orange Park have access to a variety of parks for their daily outdoor activities:
- Town Hall Park and Clarke House Park are located within the town boundaries.
- Orange Park Sports & Recreational Park
- Orange Park Skateboard Park
- Kingsley East River Overlook
- Dog Park
Orange Park Mall serves shopping enthusiasts with major stores like Belk, Dillard’s, and JC Penney. The mall opened in 1975. It has a 400-seat food court and an AMC movie theater.
Orange Park is conveniently located near Naval Air Station Jacksonville, making it an ideal location for military personnel and their families. The base is approximately a 20-minute drive from the town, providing easy access to employment and amenities associated with the military installation.
How to review community vibe
Local gathering spots give you the best feel for a neighborhood. The Orange Park Farmers’ & Arts Market, which visitors rate 4.3/5, shows off local culture through performances and artisans.
Commute times matter too—Orange Park residents spend an average of 27.7 minutes getting to work. There are 4 main roads that provide easy access in the older areas of Orange Park: US 17 (Park Avenue) and Kingsley Ave., Blanding Blvd., and Wells Rd.
Experienced Orange Park real estate agents can make your neighborhood search easier with their deep knowledge of each area’s character and amenities.
Schools, Safety, and Community Life
Quality education, community safety, and local culture play a significant role when families think over Orange Park real estate. These elements help future homebuyers choose homes that line up with their lifestyle needs.
Top-rated schools in Orange Park
Orange Park takes pride in its educational excellence. Clay County School District ranks as the #4 best school district in Florida. The district offers impressive student-teacher ratios between 12:1 and 17:1 in elementary schools. Students receive more customized attention compared to many Florida districts.
The Florida Department of Education ranks Orange Park Elementary School as the state’s highest-performing elementary school. This historic brick school, 96 years old, has managed to keep an ‘A’ rating for over 20 years. Several other schools have earned top marks too.
St. Johns River State College
The college has both online and on-campus classes as well as workforce programs. The campus is also home to the Trasher-Horne Center which hosts concerts, ballets, comedy shows, art exhibits, community events, and more. Like the city of Orange Park, it is a Tree Campus, an Arbor Day Foundation Program.
Community events and local culture
Orange Park runs on year-round events that encourage connections between neighbours. Town Hall Park hosts the Orange Park Farmers’ and Arts Market from September through June, where more than 100 vendors sell homemade goods and local produce.
The community calendar features:
- Fall Festival in October
- Hometown Holiday in the Park in December
- Concerts at the 85,000-square-foot Thrasher-Horne Centre
- Shows at Orange Park Community Theatre
Orange Park Mall serves as a community gathering spot with events, children’s programs, shopping and dining options.
This town of 9,000 residents boasts an active arts and culture scene. The historic Clarke House welcomes visitors for guided history tours. Orange Park’s mix of educational excellence, improving safety measures, and vibrant community life makes it an attractive place to call home.
Nearby Restaurants and Hospitals of Orange Park
Restaurants
Orange Park offers a diverse dining scene, with options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Popular spots include:
- Irie Diner Carribean Restaurant
- Palermo Puerto Rican Restaurant
- La Nopalera Restaurant
- Callahan’s Irish Bistro
- Kyodai Sushi Rock Japanese Restaurant
- OP Fish House & Oyster Bar
- Shrimp Shack Seafood Kitchen
- 4 Rivers Smokehouse Restaurant
- The Hilltop Restaurant
- Any many, many more
Hospitals
Nearby hospitals include:
- HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital: Provides comprehensive medical services, including emergency care.
- Vincent’s Medical Center Clay County: Offers a range of healthcare services with a focus on community wellness. Located in Middleburg, FL.
- Baptist Medical Center Clay: Offering a full range of health care. Located in Fleming Island.
- Nemours Children’s Health: Pediatric specialty care…board certified pediatric surgeons and specialists. Located in Fleming Island.
Perks of Living in Orange Park
Living in Orange Park comes with a host of benefits that attract many homebuyers:
Family-Friendly Environment: The town boasts excellent schools, numerous parks, and a safe, welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for families with children.
Convenient Location: Its proximity to Jacksonville provides easy access to a wider range of job opportunities, entertainment options, and cultural attractions while maintaining a suburban feel.
Strong Community Spirit: Orange Park is known for its close-knit community, where neighbors often know each other, and local events foster a sense of belonging.
Outdoor Recreation: With numerous parks and access to the St. Johns River, residents can enjoy various outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.
Affordable Housing: Compared to some other areas in Northeast Florida, Orange Park offers a relatively affordable housing market, allowing buyers to get more for their money.
Military-Friendly: The town’s proximity to NAS Jax makes it a welcoming and convenient place for military families.
House Prices Statistics in Orange Park
- Median Sale Price: $340,950 (April 2025)
- Median Price Per Square Foot: $179 (April 2025)
- Median Days on Market: 34 days (April 2025)
source: realMLS
It’s important to note that these are overall trends, and specific neighborhoods and property types can have different market dynamics. Working with a local real estate expert can provide more insight into the areas that interest you.
Orange Park Mall
The Orange Park Mall has a big impact on shopping and fun for Orange Park locals. You’ll find it in Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace right next door. Since 1975, it’s been home to more than 110 shops and services. Big names like Dillard’s, JCPenney, Belk, and Dick’s Sporting Goods are there. You can also catch a movie at AMC Theatres. It’s a handy spot to shop eat, and enjoy yourself if you live nearby.
Future Growth of Orange Park
Orange Park keeps getting bigger. New homes and businesses are popping up all the time. Being close to Jacksonville makes it popular. Military families like it here too. This helps the town to expand. Looking ahead, the town plans to make roads better, bring in more shops, and step up public services. All this is to keep up with more people moving in.
Conclusion
Orange Park Florida, stands out as an attractive choice for people looking to buy homes. It combines a peaceful suburban feel with easy access to city amenities. The town boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, a strong sense of community, and sits close to Naval Air Station Jacksonville. What’s more, Orange Park has a wide range of housing options. All these factors contribute to a lifestyle that many find appealing.
By understanding the local real estate statistics, school conditions, economic factors, and the various perks of living in this charming town, you can make a well-informed decision and take confident steps toward finding your perfect home in Orange Park. Remember to connect with local real estate experts at River Birch Realty in Orange Park to provide personalized guidance and up-to-date market information to ensure a smooth and successful home buying journey.
Katrina Leek Robinson, Broker/Owner/Realtor®
1700 Wells Rd., Suite 24
Orange Park, FL 32073
(904) 945-5610
katrinaleek@riverbirchjax.com
