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Saratogo of the South
As a booming young town on the bend of the St. John's River in the early 1900s, Green Cove Springs was the destination of visitors from far and wide via Riverboat steamers. Known as the "Saratoga of the South," Green Cove Springs was known for the health-giving qualities of its spring. The hotels and boarding houses of that day were as fine as any in the best northern resorts.
As the railroad quickly expanded, carrying tourists ever further south, Green Cove Springs began to see a decline in its own tourist trade. Its once Grand hotels began to decay as they were abandoned to disrepair and many burned to the ground.
Then came the 1940s when war-time construction of Benjamin Lee Field, a 1,500 acre air auxiliary Navy complex, brought renewed development to the area. After the war, the base became home to a fleet of some 600 ships but the Navy decommissioned that base in 1961 and Green Cove Springs experienced yet another decline.
But Green Cove (the shortened name is more popular with locals) appears yet again to be positioned for another growth spurt brought on by the ever expanding boundaries of her big sister to the North - Jacksonville. More and more people are looking to regain the safety and charm of a smaller town; one less hurried and with less traffic and crime with which to contend. That desire, coupled with more affordable housing choices, is makes Green Cove Springs a newly rediscovered destination for young families, as well as retirees.
There are many older homes in and around Green Cove, but there are hundreds of new homes being built too. With an average home price at a low $160K, it's little wonder people are flocking to the area. Magnolia Point, a golf and country club off of U.S. Highway 17, is home to over 700 residences and is zoned for about 250 more.
Schools in the area include Lake Asbury Elementary and Middle Schools, Charles E. Bennett Elementary, Green Cove Springs Middle and Clay High School. As a part of the Clay County School System, they are known as some of the best in Northeast Florida.
An abundance of recreational opportunities exist throughout the area. Spring Park, a beautiful layout along the St. Johns River, features playground equipment, picnic facilities, gazebos, spring-fed pool and a 500-foot city-owned pier with a dozen boat slips.
Green Cove Springs is only about 45 minutes south of downtown Jacksonville. Come enjoy the small town atmosphere for yourself and you may never want to leave.
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