Ortega

Across the St. Johns River from Mandarin and Southsideon the West bank of the river is Ortega. Gorgeous southern mansions are in abundance in Ortega, which is one of the oldest and wealthiest Jacksonville neighborhoods. The selection of beautiful creeks and small waterways makes this a popular recreation spot for avid boaters year round, and on weekends you see sailboats, along with luxury yachts, enjoying an outing on the river. Many boat owners enjoy camaraderie at the Ortega Yacht Club.

West and south of Ortega is the Westside area, with well-established affordable communities such as Lakeshore, and a few new home communities sprouting up here and there which offer nice size lots and smaller neighborhoods. Because of its close proximity to the Naval Air Station, it is a natural choice for many people employed at the base who want a short commute to work,  and the luxury to spend more time with their families.