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Looking to Buy or Sell in
Orange Park, FL?

Orange Park has A-rated Clay County schools and prices well below St. Johns County. See current listings, market data, and VA loan info.

Keneshia Haye is a veteran-led real estate agent serving Orange Park and the greater Clay County County area with local market expertise and VA loan specialization.

About $349K

Median Home Price

9,800

Population

A-Rated

Clay County Schools

15 min

to NAS Jax

On the Map

Where Orange Park Sits

Clay County, Florida. Close enough to Jacksonville for everything you need, far enough for the lifestyle you want.

Interactive Map

Orange Park, FL

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About the Area

Why Orange Park?

If you’re looking for a place that actually feels like home, with good schools, friendly neighbors, and a real community, Orange Park is it. I live and work right here in Clay County, and trust me, there’s a reason so many families (military and civilian) plant roots in this area.

2026 Orange Park Housing Market

Let me break this down for you. Right now, the median sales price for single-family homes in Clay County sits around $349,000. And if you’re just starting out, there are still beautiful starter homes and older ranch-style properties in the $225,000 to $300,000 range. Now, compare that to St. Johns County where median prices often blow past $450,000. You’re getting significantly more home for your money right here in Orange Park.

New construction keeps popping up in the Oakleaf corridor, which is great for buyers who want that fresh, move-in-ready feel. But if you love character and mature trees, the established neighborhoods in the Town of Orange Park have hidden gems at lower price points, too.

Property Taxes: Clay County Advantage

This is one of my favorite things to talk about, because the savings are real. Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Clay County average about $4,750/year, compared to roughly $5,900 in Duval County (Jacksonville) for the same home value. What does that mean for you? Over $1,100/year in savings, and that’s money staying right in your pocket. Add in Florida’s homestead exemption (up to $50,000 off your assessed value) and no state income tax, and the math just works in your favor here in Clay County.

Schools: A-Rated Clay County District

If you’ve got kids or you’re planning to, this is a big deal. The Clay County School District consistently earns an A rating from the Florida Department of Education, one of the top-performing districts in all of Northeast Florida:

  • Fleming Island High School: top-rated for academics and athletics
  • Oakleaf High School: modern campus serving the growing Oakleaf community
  • Orange Park High School: established school with strong programs
  • Lakeside Junior High and Orange Park Junior High: well-regarded middle schools
  • Several A-rated elementary schools including McRae, Grove Park, and Paterson

I see families relocate specifically for Clay County schools all the time. And here’s the bonus: homes in these school zones are consistently strong resellers, so you’re building equity from day one.

Buyer Resources: Down Payment & VA Loan Help

This is where your real estate journey gets exciting, because Orange Park is one of the most accessible markets for first-time buyers and veterans:

  • Florida Hometown Heroes Program: up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible full-time workers
  • VA Loans: zero down payment, and Orange Park’s prices align beautifully with BAH rates for E-5 through E-7 servicemembers stationed at NAS Jacksonville (just 15 minutes away)
  • FHA Loans: 3.5% down with flexible credit requirements
  • USDA Loans: some areas in western Clay County qualify for zero-down USDA Rural Development loans

Not sure which program fits your situation? I’m more than happy to help you sort through all of this.

Selling in Orange Park

Now, if you’re on the selling side, you’ve got some favorable conditions working for you here. Strong school district demand and steady military buyer traffic keep homes moving. In 2026:

  • Well-priced homes move quickly: Clay County inventory is climbing but still below balanced levels, so homes that are priced right get snatched up.
  • Highlight school zones: trust me, that’s the #1 reason families buy in Orange Park.
  • Military-ready marketing: emphasize proximity to NAS Jax (15 min), NS Mayport (30 min), and Camp Blanding (30 min).
  • Curb appeal matters: those established neighborhoods with mature landscaping photograph beautifully and attract emotional offers.

I help sellers position their homes to stand out in this market. If you’re thinking about listing, let’s talk strategy.

Military-Friendly Location

This one’s personal for me. As an Army veteran, I know what it’s like to PCS into a new area and wonder, “Where do I even start?” Orange Park is just 15 minutes from NAS Jacksonville and 30 minutes from Naval Station Mayport, making it one of the most popular off-base communities for military families. The area has a large military population, VA-friendly lenders, and a community that genuinely supports service members.

My office is right here in Orange Park at 1700 Wells Road, Suite 4. I’m not just your agent, I’m your neighbor. I understand the unique needs of military homebuyers because I’ve been in your boots.

From the shops along Blanding Boulevard to the beautiful riverfront parks and the historic Orange Park town center, this vibrant community has everything you need while keeping that relaxed, small-town pace of life you deserve.

Getting Around

Commute Times from Orange Park

Drive times to the places that actually matter. Bases, downtown, beaches, and everywhere in between.

NAS Jacksonville

Clay County

15 min

Downtown Jacksonville

via I-295 or US-17

25–40 min

Naval Station Mayport

Beaches corridor

30–45 min

Camp Blanding

West Clay County

30 min

Jacksonville Beaches

via First Coast Expy

40–45 min

Orange Park Medical Center

Central OP

5–10 min

Need commute help for a specific base or employer?

Tell me where you're heading, and I'll pull homes that fit your drive-time radius.

Neighborhoods

Popular Orange Park Neighborhoods

Discover the perfect pocket of Orange Park for your lifestyle and budget.

Oakleaf Plantation

Oakleaf Plantation

Master-planned community with resort-style amenities, A-rated schools, and new construction options. Great for families.

From the low $300Ks

Fleming Island Plantation

Fleming Island Plantation

Upscale gated community with golf course, parks, and top-rated schools. Clay County's premier address.

From the mid $300Ks

Town of Orange Park

Town of Orange Park

Charming older homes near the St. Johns River with walkable streets and a historic downtown area.

From the low $200Ks

Education

Top Schools in Orange Park

Notable public schools in the area. Ratings are a general starting point, so always verify your exact assignment by address.

School Level Rating

Fleming Island High School

Clay County

High A-Rated

Oakleaf High School

Clay County

High A-Rated

Orange Park High School

Clay County

High A-Rated

Lakeside Junior High

Clay County

Middle A-Rated

McRae Elementary

Clay County

Elementary A-Rated

Grove Park Elementary

Clay County

Elementary A-Rated

Now, school assignments depend on your exact address, and they can change year to year. Trust me, I'll help you verify before you write an offer.

Want homes matched to a specific school zone?

Tell me the school, I'll verify the assignment and send you listings that actually feed into it.

Living in Orange Park

Local Lifestyle & Amenities

Black Creek Adventures

Paddle, kayak, or fish on Black Creek. One of Clay County's most scenic waterways with guided eco-tours available.

Camp Chowenwaw Park

150-acre park with nature trails, a historic scout camp, kayak launch, and a lookout tower with views of Black Creek.

Clarke House Park

Community events, farmers markets, and holiday festivals at this charming historic home and park in downtown Orange Park.

Shopping & Dining

Orange Park Mall, Fleming Island Town Center, and local favorites like Whitey's Fish Camp for waterfront dining.

Golf & Recreation

Eagle Harbor Golf Club, Fleming Island Plantation courses, and multiple community pools and fitness centers.

Day Trips

25 minutes to downtown Jacksonville, 45 minutes to St. Augustine, and an hour to Daytona Beach for easy weekend getaways.

Florida Essentials

Climate, Flood & Insurance

Listen, these are the numbers every Florida buyer needs before writing an offer.

Homeowners Insurance

$1,800–$3,500/yr

Typical range based on your zone and construction type.

FEMA Flood Zones

Portions near Black Creek and the St. Johns River in FEMA flood zones

Always run a flood-zone check before you commit. Trust me.

Recent Hurricane History

Feels impacts from Matthew (2016), Irma (2017), and Ian (2022), though inland location helps reduce surge risk

Keneshia's tip: Inland zones (X) see the lowest premiums. Waterfront homes near Black Creek and the St. Johns River need flood coverage. My advice? Get a flood quote before you write an offer, not after.

Need flood-zone clarity for a specific address?

Send me the address. I'll pull the FEMA map and connect you with a trusted insurance agent for a real quote.

Run the Numbers

Clay County Property Tax Estimator

Get a quick estimate of what you'll owe in property taxes based on Clay County's typical effective rate. Plug in your home value and see the numbers.

$

Estimated Annual Tax

$5,910

Monthly (Escrow)

$493

Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on Clay County's typical effective tax rate. Actual taxes depend on your exact millage district, assessed value, and additional exemptions (senior, veteran, disability). For an accurate figure, check the Clay County Property Appraiser website or ask me to pull it for a specific address.

New Builds

New Construction Builders

The builders shaping Orange Park's newest neighborhoods, and the price points you can expect.

D.R. Horton

From the $300Ks

Communities: Oakleaf Plantation, Hammock Oaks

Nation's largest builder, strong first-time buyer incentives.

Lennar

From the mid $300Ks

Communities: Oakleaf Plantation, Tributary

Everything's Included® package standard on most plans.

Dream Finders Homes

From the $350Ks

Communities: Oakleaf Plantation, Hyland Trail

Jax-based builder, strong energy-efficient specs.

Mattamy Homes

From the mid $300Ks

Communities: Branan Field corridor communities

Well-regarded for quality and community planning.

Before You Tour

Read This If You're Thinking About Buying New Construction

Now listen, here's something most buyers don't realize. You don't have to bring an agent to buy new construction. You can absolutely walk into any builder's sales office and handle it on your own. But here's the part they don't tell you upfront: if you show up without an agent on your first visit, you can't bring one in later. Trust me, that's just how it works in new construction. The builder has to know you're represented from day one, otherwise there's no way for your agent to be compensated, and you're on your own for the rest of the transaction.

And here's what I really want you to understand. That friendly sales rep sitting at the builder's desk? They work for the builder. Their job is to protect the builder's bottom line, not yours. They're not going to walk you through inspection issues, flag red flags in the contract, or advocate for you when upgrades go sideways. That's not a knock on them, that's just their role in the deal.

So if you want someone in your corner, someone looking out for your interests and your wallet, you need your own agent. And you need that agent's info ready before you show up to tour. Just tell the builder's rep, "I'm working with Keneshia Haye at Florida Gateway Realty," and you're set. The best part? My fee is typically paid by the builder, not you. So having me on your side costs you nothing, and it protects you from day one.

New to all this? A couple of resources that'll help: if you're a veteran or active duty, start with my VA loan and military buyer guide. If this is your first home, grab the free first-time homebuyer guide before you start touring.

Market Pulse

Recently Sold in Orange Park

Real transactions. Real numbers. This is what homes are actually closing for, right now.

Address Sold Price

3115 OLDE SUTTON PARKE Drive

Olde Sutton Parke

$292,000

3528 LULLWATER Lane

Lake Villas

$1.50M

3536 HAWTHORN Way

Oakleaf Plantation

$365,000

1073 GROVE PARK Lane

Grove Park

$389,000

655 FINGAL Drive

Loch Rane

$265,000

2528 SHALIMAR Lane

Wadesboro Springs

$331,600

3219 SUMMERSET Drive

Bear Run

$213,000

2127 FOXWOOD Drive

Foxwood

$450,000

Want a custom comp report for a specific neighborhood or price point? Reach out, and I'll pull fresh comps for you.

Moving Tips

Dos & Don'ts of Moving to Orange Park

DO

Research Clay County schools

Consistently ranked among the best in Florida

Compare HOA communities

Oakleaf, Eagle Harbor, and FI Plantation each have different amenities and fees

Factor in the commute

Orange Park to downtown Jax is 25–40 minutes depending on traffic and route

Get to know the local feel

OP has a small-town vibe with big-city access, which is a major selling point

Explore waterfront properties

Black Creek and St. Johns River offer some hidden gem homesites

DON'T

Don't confuse Orange Park with Fleming Island

They're adjacent but have different zip codes, schools, and pricing

Don't skip flood insurance research

Properties near Black Creek and the St. Johns River may be in flood zones

Don't overlook older neighborhoods

The Town of Orange Park has charming, established homes at great prices

Don't assume it's too far from the beach

You're only 45 minutes from Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra

Don't forget the toll roads

Some commute routes (First Coast Expressway) have tolls

Common Questions

FAQ About Orange Park

Is Orange Park a good place to live?
Yes! Orange Park consistently ranks as one of the best suburbs of Jacksonville. It offers top-rated Clay County schools, affordable housing, low crime, and a family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to Jacksonville's amenities.
What are the best neighborhoods in Orange Park?
Oakleaf Plantation is the largest master-planned community with resort-style amenities. Fleming Island Plantation offers golf and waterfront living. The historic Town of Orange Park has charming older homes with character and walkability.
How far is Orange Park from Jacksonville?
Orange Park is about 15 miles south of downtown Jacksonville, typically a 25–40 minute commute depending on traffic. NAS Jacksonville is only 15 minutes away, making it popular with military families.
What are property taxes like in Clay County?
Clay County's millage rate is generally lower than Duval County (Jacksonville). Combined with more affordable home prices, many buyers find they get more home for their money in Orange Park compared to Jacksonville.
Are there good schools in Orange Park?
Clay County schools are consistently rated A by the Florida Department of Education. Notable schools include Fleming Island High School, Oakleaf High School, and Orange Park High School.
Is Orange Park good for military families?
Absolutely. Orange Park is just 15 minutes from NAS Jacksonville and 30 minutes from Naval Station Mayport. The area has a large military community, VA-friendly lenders, and neighborhoods accustomed to military families.
What down payment assistance is available in Orange Park?
Orange Park buyers can access the Florida Hometown Heroes program (up to $35,000), FHA loans (3.5% down), VA loans (zero down for veterans), and some western Clay County areas even qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Contact Keneshia for help navigating your options.
How does Orange Park compare to Jacksonville for homebuyers?
Orange Park offers lower property taxes (saving over $1,100/year on a $300K home compared to Duval County), A-rated schools, lower crime rates, and a small-town feel while still being only 25 minutes from downtown Jacksonville. Many families find they get more square footage and land for their budget in Clay County.
What is the commute like from Orange Park?
Orange Park to downtown Jacksonville is 25-40 minutes via US-17 or I-295. NAS Jacksonville is just 15 minutes away. The First Coast Expressway provides a newer toll route connecting Clay County to I-95 and the beaches. Rush hour can extend drive times, so plan accordingly.
Explore Nearby

Also Consider These Areas

Folks searching Orange Park often look at these neighboring communities too. Worth a peek.

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