Discover Homes in Kernan Forest, Jacksonville, FL

Kernan Forest is a gated residential community in the Kernan Boulevard corridor of Jacksonville's Southside, a part of the city that has seen significant infrastructure investment over the years. The neighborhood is established, with homes completed around 2003 to 2005, and the surrounding area has matured accordingly. Retail, dining, and services along Atlantic Boulevard and in the broader Southside are accessible without significant driving.

The community is mid-sized in character, with homes generally in the three- to four-bedroom range. For buyers who need reasonable square footage without paying a premium for new construction, Kernan Forest occupies a practical position in the Jacksonville market. The gated entry adds a layer of access control that many buyers in this price range find difficult to locate elsewhere.

Kernan Boulevard itself has been widened and improved with sidewalks, traffic signals, and a bicycle path, which benefits residents directly. That kind of infrastructure makes daily movement more functional, whether for commuting or recreational use. The overall feel of the neighborhood is residential and settled, with the kind of consistency that comes from a community where construction has been complete for two decades.

What the Community Offers

Kernan Forest includes several on-site amenities accessible to residents.

• Resort-style swimming pool
• Clubhouse
• Full basketball court
• Multipurpose courts
• Playground equipment
• Walking and biking trails
• Sidewalks suitable for jogging and rollerblading

Getting Around

The location provides solid access to Jacksonville's major employment and commercial corridors without requiring highway travel for most daily needs.

• I-295: accessible within a short drive, connecting to the broader metro area
• J. Turner Butler Boulevard (SR-202): nearby east-west route to the beaches and Southside employment centers
• Atlantic Boulevard: approximately 1.5 miles south, with extensive retail and services
• Mayport Naval Air Station: approximately 6.5 miles away
• Jacksonville International Airport: approximately 19.5 miles, roughly 30 minutes under normal conditions
• Regency Square area and downtown Jacksonville: accessible via I-295 or surface roads

Schools

Kernan Forest is zoned for Duval County public schools. Elementary-age students are served by either Abess Park Elementary or Sabal Palm Elementary, both located in the 32225 zip code. Landmark Middle School on Kernan Boulevard North serves middle school grades. High school students attend Sandalwood High School, which has reported four-year graduation rates between 87 and 96 percent in recent years, consistently above district and state averages.

Buying Here

Recent sales in Kernan Forest have ranged from the low $240s to $500,000, with homes generally between 1,779 and 2,328 square feet. The price-per-square-foot has been in the range of approximately $190, which positions the neighborhood competitively within Jacksonville's Southside market. HOA fees vary by property type, with data showing a range from roughly $320 to $480 depending on whether the fee is assessed monthly or annually. Buyers should confirm the specific fee structure and frequency for any property under consideration. The mix of single-family residences and condominiums gives buyers at different price points an entry into a gated community with shared amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions