The 2026 Jacksonville Outlook: What Kellie is Watching (and Where She’ll Be)
Happy New Year, Jax! We’ve officially kicked off 2026, and if you’ve looked around and seen all the construction sites lately, you know this isn't the same city it was two years ago. From the transformation of our skyline to the growth of our "hidden gem" suburbs, there is a lot to be excited about.
Here is the Bottom Line: 2026 is the year Jacksonville stops being "the city with potential" and starts being the city that delivered.
1. THE PLAYERS Championship (March)
It’s the gold standard of Jacksonville events. As we head into March, all eyes will be on Ponte Vedra. Whether you're there for the golf or the social scene at the 17th hole, it remains the best week to showcase our lifestyle to out-of-state buyers.
2. The "Four Seasons" & Shipyards Milestone
We’ve been watching the progress on the Shipyards for a while, but 2026 is a massive year for the downtown riverfront. With the Four Seasons project nearing its final stages and the surrounding park space taking shape, the "Center of Gravity" in Jax is finally shifting back toward the water. If you haven't taken a walk along the Northbank lately, 2026 is the year to do it.
3. The Green Cove Springs Expansion
In the real estate world, we are looking south. Green Cove Springs and the surrounding areas in Clay County are exploding with new construction (check out @kellssellshomes for some content videos). With the First Coast Expressway making the commute to Jax and St. Augustine easier than ever, this area is no longer "the sticks"—it’s the new frontier for families and retirees looking for value.
4. The Clay County Agricultural Fair (April)
Speaking of Clay County, April brings one of the most anticipated events of the spring: The Clay County Fair. For anyone living in Middleburg, Orange Park, Fleming Island, or Green Cove, this is the ultimate community gathering (or high school reunion). Beyond the concerts and the fair food, it’s a great reminder of the deep-rooted community feel that continues to draw people to this side of town.
5. The Jacksonville Zoo: Manatee River & New Entryway
This is a big one for families! The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is debuting its massive new entryway and the highly anticipated Manatee River exhibit this year. Seeing our Zoo evolve into a world-class conservation hub is incredible. It’s another major "lifestyle" checkmark for anyone considering a move to the Northside or even the surrounding suburbs.
6. The Stadium of the Future Updates
While we aren't in the new stadium yet, 2026 is a critical "logistics" year for the Jaguars. Watching how the city and the team manage the stadium renovations and the surrounding sports district development is going to be a major topic of conversation at every dinner table in town.
7. The ABC Restaurant Challenge
On a more personal note, my friends and I are kicking off 2026 with the ABC Restaurant Challenge! We’re on a mission to eat our way through Jacksonville, hitting a restaurant for every letter of the alphabet. We’ve got some "A" and "B" spots lined up, but I need your help to fill out the rest of the year.
I’m looking for your best recommendations! Whether it’s a hidden gem in Mandarin, a classic in Riverside, or the best new spot at the Beach, send me your favorites for any letter of the alphabet. I’ll be sharing our progress and my top picks as we go!
8. The Emerald Trail Progress
One of the things I know a lot of people are excited about is the continued rollout of the Emerald Trail. Connecting our historic neighborhoods like Riverside, Avondale, and Springfield via bikeable/walkable paths is changing the "vibe" of urban living in Jax. It’s making our city feel smaller, more connected, and way more active.
Why this matters for you:
Jacksonville is no longer Florida’s best-kept secret. Whether you're looking for the luxury of Ponte Vedra or the growth potential of Green Cove Springs, the time to plant your flag is now.
If you’re thinking about moving, 2026 is about timing. We are seeing a shift where people are prioritizing lifestyle — proximity to the trail, the beach, or the new downtown hubs—over just "buying a house."
Want to see what 2026 has in store for your home value? Let’s grab coffee at a local shop and talk about your Jacksonville 2026 outlook.