Discover Old Town Fernandina Beach, the original town site of Fernandina on Amelia Island. Explore historic homes, Amelia River views, preserved streetscapes, natural surroundings and a peaceful residential lifestyle just minutes from downtown.
For buyers drawn to history, character and waterfront living, Old Town Fernandina Beach offers one of the most distinctive residential settings on Amelia Island. Located at the northern end of the island along the Amelia River, Old Town is the original site of Fernandina and retains much of the historic street plan established in 1811.
Today, Old Town is a quiet residential neighborhood where historic homes, mature trees, marshland and river views create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from a typical modern subdivision.
Old Town is significant because it represents the original town of Fernandina.
The Spanish formally platted the town in 1811, making it the last city in the Western Hemisphere planned according to the Spanish Law of the Indies. Much of that original street grid remains today, giving Old Town a layout and character unlike other neighborhoods on Amelia Island.
The community occupies a high bluff overlooking the Amelia River, with Egan's Creek to the north and the Amelia River to the west. The historic Bosque Bello Cemetery forms the southern boundary, while North 14th Street generally defines the eastern edge.
Walking through Old Town today, it is easy to see how the location influenced the original settlement.
Old Town's homes are one of its defining features.
Rather than the large concentration of Victorian-era homes found in downtown Fernandina Beach, Old Town has a more varied collection of historic residences, cottages and newer homes. Some properties have been carefully restored, while others reflect the passage of time and the area's gradual evolution.
This mixture is part of what gives Old Town its distinctive character.
For buyers, the neighborhood can offer something increasingly difficult to find in coastal Florida: a historic setting with individual homes and larger lots, surrounded by water and natural landscape.
The City of Fernandina Beach has specific preservation and development guidelines for Old Town because of its historical significance. Buyers considering a property in the district should understand how those guidelines may affect renovations, additions, new construction and exterior changes.
One of Old Town's biggest attractions is its relationship with the Amelia River.
The western edge of the neighborhood sits along the river, providing residents with beautiful views toward the mainland and the surrounding waterways. The elevated position of the historic town site also contributes to some of the area's most interesting perspectives and sunsets.
At Plaza San Carlos, a full block of green space overlooks the Amelia River. The plaza is one of the most recognizable historic features in Old Town and provides a peaceful place to take in the river and surrounding landscape.
For homeowners who appreciate waterfront scenery but prefer the river and marsh environment to an Atlantic Ocean setting, Old Town offers a very different type of coastal living.
Old Town is notably different from downtown Fernandina Beach.
Downtown is centered around Centre Street, with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, entertainment and a highly walkable commercial district. Old Town, by contrast, is primarily residential and much quieter.
That makes Old Town appealing to buyers who want to live near the energy and amenities of downtown without living directly in the middle of it.
Residents can enjoy the historic atmosphere of the area while still being only a short drive or bike ride from Centre Street and the waterfront downtown district.
Real estate in Old Town is relatively limited compared with larger Amelia Island neighborhoods.
Properties can include:
Because the neighborhood is historic, buyers should look beyond the home's square footage and number of bedrooms. Lot characteristics, elevation, views, historic designation, renovation restrictions and proximity to the Amelia River or Egan's Creek can all influence the desirability and value of a property.
The limited number of properties also means opportunities can be less frequent than in newer Amelia Island communities.
Old Town's historic significance is recognized by the City of Fernandina Beach, which has preservation guidelines governing the district.
The goal is to protect the original character of the neighborhood while allowing properties to remain functional and relevant for modern residents. The preservation guidelines address development and improvements within the historic district.
For someone purchasing an older home in Old Town, this is an important part of the ownership experience. Historic character can be one of the property's greatest assets, but buyers should understand the rules that apply before planning significant renovations or additions.
One of Old Town's greatest conveniences is its proximity to historic downtown Fernandina Beach.
Centre Street and the surrounding downtown district offer restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, galleries, bars and other local businesses. Downtown Fernandina Beach is also highly walkable, with approximately 50 blocks of shops, dining and entertainment.
Old Town residents can enjoy all of that while returning home to a quieter neighborhood surrounded by historic homes, mature vegetation and the Amelia River.
Old Town isn't traditional beach-town living.
You won't find rows of resort condominiums or large planned developments here. Instead, the experience is centered around history, architecture, natural surroundings and the river.
The Atlantic beaches of Amelia Island are still close by, but Old Town provides a different relationship with the island's coastal environment—one shaped by the Amelia River, Egan's Creek and centuries of history.
For buyers who appreciate authenticity and character, that distinction can be especially appealing.
Old Town may appeal to buyers looking for:
The neighborhood is particularly suited to buyers who value character over uniformity and want their home to feel connected to the history of Amelia Island.
Old Town represents one of the rare opportunities to own a home within the original town site of Fernandina, surrounded by historic character and the natural beauty of the Amelia River.
If you're considering buying or selling in Old Town, understanding the neighborhood's historic guidelines, individual property characteristics, recent sales and location within the district is important.
As a REALTOR® and Broker Associate specializing in Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach and Nassau County real estate, I can help you explore current opportunities and understand what makes Old Town different from other historic and coastal neighborhoods on Amelia Island.
Discover Old Town Fernandina Beach and experience one of Amelia Island's most historic and distinctive residential communities.
Combining deep local expertise, proven results, and professional home inspection knowledge to help buyers and sellers make confident, informed decisions throughout their real estate journey.
CHAD FEUERHAHN
316 Ash St.
FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034
