User:Mathew105601/Northside (Jacksonville)

The Northside is one of Jacksonville, Florida's most dynamic regions. The vast area is home to numerous historic and cultural sites, as well as one of the city's biggest attractions, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Jacksonville International Airport, Jacksonville Station, and JaxPort Cruise Terminal are all located within the region, solidifying the Northside's place as the transportation hub of Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.

Understand
The Northside is a large region, generally understood as a counterpart to the city's other large regions. These include the Urban Core, Arlington, Southside, Westside, and the Beaches. The loosely-defined area often includes anything north of 21st Street and north and west of the St. Johns River. Neighboring Nassau County makes up the region's entire northern border. The neighborhoods just north of the Westside and west of US 1 are sometimes considered Northwest Jacksonville. These include Cisco Gardens, Dinsmore, and Picketville. Neighborhoods east of US 1 are solidly within the Northside. These include Black Hammock Island, Brentwood, Fort George Island, Garden City, Highlands, Lake Forest, Longbranch, Moncrief Park, Norwood, Panama Park, Pecan Park, Oceanway, Ribault, Riverview, Royal Terrance, San Mateo, and Tallulah-North Shore.

By car
Most people enter the area via limited access highways or other major arterial highways. These routes include:
 * [[Image:I-95.svg|25px]] Interstate 95 routes north to Yulee and runs south to the Urban Core.
 * [[Image:I-295.svg|31px]] Interstate 295 serves as a beltway routing around the city and connects the Northside to Arlington and the Westside.
 * [[Image:US 1.svg|25px]] US 1
 * [[Image:US 17.svg|25px]] US 17
 * [[Image:US 23.svg|25px]] US 23
 * [[Image:Florida 115.svg|31px]] State Road 115
 * [[Image:Florida A1A.svg|31px]] State Road A1A - Scenic two-lane road that runs along the Atlantic Ocean.

By bus
Bus and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services in the Northside area are provided by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). All routes in and out of the area require transferring at the Jacksonville Regional Transit Center, located downtown. If you are unfamiliar with the routes provided, it is suggested to check out the |online schedule provided JTA. All bus stops are also visible on most online mapping services.

On foot
The East Coast Greenway runs from along the Lake Washington Ship Canal, the University of Washington, University Village, entrance to Magnuson Park, and then runs along the western rim of Lake Washington. Despite the hilly surroundings, the track itself is actually flat for its former use as a railway line, so walking here will not need a lot of effort, but just watch out for bicycles.

By car
The Northside is sprawling and suburban. Consequently, motor vehicle use is predominate throughout the region. Due in part to the numerus rivers, creeks and wetlands, the road pattern in the region can be unusual and difficult to traverse. If you are visiting and unfamiliar with area consult a map prior to embarking on your trip.

By bus


Northside JTA bus routes:
 * 1 North Main
 * 3 Moncrief
 * 4 Kings
 * 11 A. Philip Randolph
 * 12 Myrtle / Lem Turner
 * 21 Boulevard/ Gateway
 * 22 Avenue B
 * 51 Edgewood
 * 81 Dinsmore Shuttle
 * 82 Amazon Shuttle
 * 85 Highlands
 * First Coast Flyer - Green Line (bus rapid transit)

Parks
The Northside has protected lands operated by a variety of entities, including the National Park Service, Florida State Parks, City of Jacksonville Department of Parks and Recreation, and other private ventures.

There are several state parks within the Northside, these include: Jacksonville operates the largest urban park system in the United States, providing facilities and services at more than 337 locations on more than 80000 acre City parks located in the Northside include the following: The Northside is home to the following notable cemeteries:
 * Jacksonville National Cemetery
 * Evergreen Cemetery is a large historic cemetery added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 8, 2011.
 * Memorial Cemetery is home to the Lewis Mausoleum, resting place of Abraham Lincoln Lewis (1865-1947), a Florida pioneer and prominent businessman in the African-American community.

Buy
Most shopping options are located at or around NE Northgate Way until Roosevelt Way NE, or Lake City Way NE and NE 125th Street. Along Aurora Ave N, most retail options are appliance and bulk stores.

Eat
Restaurant choices are very scattered throughout the whole area. Teriyaki restaurants can be found easily albeit hole-in-the-wall.

Drink
True to Seattle form, Starbucks and drive thru coffee huts are everywhere. If you are looking for alcoholic refreshments, there are numerous neighborhood dive bars &mdash; just ask around. In general, the farther north you get, the fewer options you have.

Sleep
Budget travelers can consider staying in Northside, as what can be found here is generally inexpensive. However, avoid off-brands, especially those that quote hourly rates. Staying at the slightly pricier national chain inns will ensure you enjoy your stay in the area.

Stay safe
A few areas are not well-lit by street lights at night, so keep your belongings with you tightly. Avoid walking along Lake City Way NE and Aurora Ave N at night as robbery and muggings are not uncommon (albeit isolated) and both are generally sketchy areas.

Connect
All branches of the Jacksonville Public Library offer free wireless access. Use of public, internet-connected computers for up to an hour at a time is also free, though if you don't have a SPL library card, you must request a temporary login from the circulation desk.