Mandarin Apartments for Rent

If you’re a family looking for good schools, the Mandarin neighborhood will certainly be high on your list of areas to consider. The neighborhood is recognized by many Jacksonville residents for its superb schools, which include four elementary schools, two middle schools and Mandarin Senior High. In addition, there are several impressive private schools in the area, such as Mandarin Christian School, The Bolles School, St. Joseph Catholic School and Promise Land Academy.

Mandarin, in the 32223 zip code area, is bordered by the St. Johns River on the west, Hood Landing Road on the east, I-295 on the north and Old Bull Bay on the south. The neighborhood was named after the Mandarin Orange. In the 1800s, Mandarin was a tiny farming village that shipped oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and other fruits and vegetables to northern ports on the St. Johns River via steamship.

In 1867, Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, bought a cottage in Mandarin and lived there for 17 years where she greeted tourists who were traveling on steamers along the St. Johns River. The late Allen Collins, who played for the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd also resided in Mandarin for a time.

Attractive to residents and prospective homebuyers in Mandarin are the canopy of large oak trees draped with Spanish moss that dominate many streets. Home prices run the gamut from around $130,000 to more than $3 million for a riverfront mansion. Scenic views are a big draw of Mandarin, which has picturesque parks, marinas and great water views.

If you want to meet your neighbors in Mandarin, the best place to see and be seen is the Mandarin Farmers’ Market at the Whole Foods parking lot every Sunday. Residents also gather at popular Mandarin restaurants like Bonefish Grill, Tree Steak House, and Kanki Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar.