Moncrief Park Apartments for Rent

The community of Moncrief Park, Jacksonville, has quite an interesting history for a couple of reasons.

Moncrief Park was developed around Moncrief Springs in the 19th century. These springs, according to legend, were named after a French pawnbroker who had accumulated a wealth of jewels and precious gems. In June of 1793, myth has it that Moncrief buried nine chests of loot near the springs. Allegedly, Moncrief later removed one of the chests. However, his murder by Indians before confiscating the remaining eight chests is reason for continuing speculation as to whether they’re still buried somewhere near the springs.

Also, this neighborhood was built upon the former horse racing resort developed in 1874, also called Moncrief Park. This park included a baseball field, bathhouses, a restaurant, bowling alley, dance hall, and the mile-long racetrack named Speedway Park. Soon after park completion, Moncrief Road was added as a connector from the large park to Jacksonville. The trolley line was also extended to the park. This stimulated early 1900s residential growth. In 1909, the horse race track was constructed. These races were just as popular as those at Saratoga, New York. The track only existed until 1911. In 1914, the old racetrack became the residential area known today as Moncrief Park.

Moncrief Park is bordered by Martin Luther King Expressway on the south, the railroad tracks to the north, Spires Avenue on the west, and Moncrief Road/State Highway 210 on the east. The western area is primarily an industrial park, with the residential area on the eastern side.

Moncrief Park homes are predominantly small bungalows dating back to the early community development of the 1920s, with apartment dwellings added more recently.

Moncrief Road and Myrtle Avenue are Moncrief Park’s commercial corridors. There is street improvement currently underway to enhance visual appeal. As the community is aging, efforts toward neighborhood rejuvenation are progressing.