Murray Hill: Another Cool Jacksonville Neighborhood!
Murray Hill was incorporated in 1916 and annexed by Jacksonville in 1925. Since that time, this area has evolved continuously, and has found its place as a cool, eclectic part of town. Five miles from downtown – but another example of the diversity and beauty of our city. Let’s explore it together…
Looking Back
Murray Hill dates back to 1815, when Robert Hutchinson settled 150 acres along the St. Johns River as plantation land. Twenty years later, it grew to a 500-acre sea cotton property called Magnolia Plantation. Sadly, enslaved people worked this lucrative plantation. It produced everything from cotton to sugar cane, sweet potatoes and corn to sheep and cattle. It was finally sold in 1871 and divided into truck farms during the late 19th century. Those property lines would become street grids still in existence today.
As Jacksonville grew, Murray Hill became more and more residential, and the architecture reflects that history as this beautiful area evolved. It became its own municipality in 1916 and was then annexed by Jax in 1925.
Architecture
You’ll still find beautiful examples of historic architecture in Murray Hill.
- 19th century cottages.
- 20th century bungalows.
- Mid-century homes.
- And plenty of modern homes too.
Culture, Food, Art
Modern Murray Hill is a creative center. Youthful, artistic, and busy!
Be on the lookout for markets, street art, boutiques, and coffee shops. And community gardens and green spaces that suggest there is much more here than history. It is a growing, breathing, community that continues to demand attention in big, chaotic Jacksonville!
Food first (always)
Casual, fun, easy:
- Solazo Tacqueria: Authentic Mexican food (in Jacksonville!)
- Community Loaves: Freshly baked bread and croissants – worth the weekend line out the door.
- Moon River Pizza: I challenge you to find a better pie in Jax.
- Flamingo Coffee (“rad coffee everywhere”): Great coffee, good food, nice people, and a cool atmosphere.
Always Plenty to Do
Theater, farmer’s market, boutiques, brew pubs, and murals. Murray Hill is a great walking and driving neighborhood. Even an incredible bookstore called The Literary Lounge where you can read and buy books and also engage in local cultural events.
Real Estate
There are affordable homes and condos in Murray Hill! If you are a young family (or want to be one) OR an historic Jacksonville buff, give me a call and let’s go explore the local landscape. I think we will find what you are looking for and the prices might surprise you!
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